Case Digest (G.R. No. 208469)
Facts:
- The case involves Samuel aTiw-Tiwa Sanico (accused-appellant) and the People of the Philippines (plaintiff-appellee).
- The incidents occurred in Butuan City, Philippines, involving a minor named AAA, who was twelve years old at the time.
- Two separate Informations were filed against Sanico:
- Criminal Case No. 12021 for acts of lasciviousness on April 19, 2006, where he allegedly touched AAA's breast against her will.
- Criminal Case No. 12022 for rape, claiming he had carnal knowledge of AAA in 2005 through force and intimidation.
- Sanico went into hiding after the allegations but was arrested on May 13, 2008, and arraigned on August 26, 2008, pleading not guilty.
- During the trial, AAA testified that Sanico raped her multiple times, including on April 19, 2006, under threat.
- Dr. Roslyn D. Orais, a medico-legal officer, confirmed signs of sexual abuse during her examination of AAA.
- Sanico's defense claimed he was not guilty, asserting that AAA initiated the contact.
- The Regional Trial Court (RTC) found Sanico guilty of both charges on October 13, 2009, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua for rape and a prison term for acts of lasciviousness.
- Sanico appealed the decision to the Court of Appeals (CA), which affirmed the RTC's ruling but modified the penalties and damages awarded.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Court affirmed the CA's decision convicting the accused-appellant of rape, finding sufficient evidence to support the conviction.
- The Court upheld the conviction for acts of lasciviousness, noting the accused-appellant's admission of inappropriate conduct.
- The Court modified the penalties...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court emphasized the credibility of AAA's testimony, which was clear and consistent, detailing the threats made by Sanico.
- The Court reiterated that the absence of spermatozoa or fresh lacerations does not negate the occurrence of rape...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 208469)
Facts:
The case involves Samuel aTiw-Tiwa Sanico (accused-appellant) and the People of the Philippines (plaintiff-appellee). The events leading to the case occurred in Butuan City, Philippines, where two separate Informations were filed against Sanico for acts of lasciviousness and rape involving a minor, referred to as AAA, who was twelve years old at the time of the incidents. The first Information, Criminal Case No. 12021, charged Sanico with acts of lasciviousness committed on April 19, 2006, when he allegedly touched AAA's breast against her will. The second Information, Criminal Case No. 12022, charged him with rape, claiming that he had carnal knowledge of AAA in 2005 through force and intimidation.
Sanico went into hiding after the allegations but was arrested on May 13, 2008, and subsequently arraigned on August 26, 2008, where he pleaded not guilty. During the trial, the prosecution presented testimonies from AAA, her mother BBB, and Dr. Roslyn D. Orais, a medico-legal officer. AAA testified that Sanico had raped her multiple times, including on April 19, 2006, when he threatened her and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her. Dr. Orais confirmed signs of sexual abuse during her examination of AAA.
Sanico's defense claimed that he was not guilty of rape, asserting that AAA initiated the contact and that he had only touched her breast. The Regional Trial Court (RTC) found Sanico guilty of both charges on October...