Case Digest (G.R. No. 135034)
Facts:
People of the Philippines v. Adriano Seguis a.k.a. "Junior", Rosalito Estebe a.k.a. "Dodong", et al., G.R. No. 135034, January 18, 2001, First Division, Puno, J., writing for the Court.The private complainant, Juliet A. Magamayo, a 19‑year‑old, alleged that on the night of August 18–19, 1995, seven men entered the house of Michael Balantucas in Barangay Togbongon, Surigao City, and took turns in raping her while others restrained her and threatened the household with knives. Juliet said the assailants stole her gold ring (P4,000), gold bracelet (P500) and P50 in cash. She identified six of the seven by name, including appellants Adriano Seguis and Rosalito Estebe; five accused remained at large and Seguis and Estebe were detained and tried.
An Amended Information charged the seven with robbery with multiple rape under Article 294(1) of the Revised Penal Code (robbery accompanied by rape). At arraignment Seguis and Estebe pleaded not guilty. The prosecution presented Juliet, two corroborating eyewitnesses (Michael and Lilibeth Balantucas), a physician who observed an abrasion on the labia majora, and a medical technologist who found spermatozoa in a vaginal specimen. The defense presented witnesses who testified to Juliet’s alleged reputation for loose morals and introduced testimony that alleged a prior arrangement to “rent” Juliet for sexual services, plus Michael’s recantation that the sexual acts were consensual and for a fee.
The Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 32, Surigao City, convicted Seguis and Estebe of simple rape under Article 335 of the Revised Penal Code, sentencing each to reclusion perpetua and ordering indemnity of P50,000, finding insufficient proof that the accused participated in the robbery element or...(Pro-only)
Issues:
- Did the prosecution prove the crime of robbery with rape as charged beyond reasonable doubt?
- If robbery with rape was not established, did the evidence nevertheless prove beyond reasonable doubt that appellants committed simple r...(Pro-only)
Ruling:
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Ratio:
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Doctrine:
- (Pro-only)