Facts:

• Jesus Tanail y Borbe is the accused-appellant; Marites S. dela Cruz is the victim.
• The incident occurred on October 5, 1993, in Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines.
• Thirteen-year-old Marites was home alone while her mother washed clothes nearby, and her father was farming.
• Tanail, known to the family, asked to watch television and was let inside by Marites.
• Once inside, he brandished a kitchen knife, tied her hands and feet, gagged her, and forced her into her room.
• He raped her in a "dog-style" position, causing her pain and preventing her from screaming.
• After the assault, he untied her and threatened to kill her if she told anyone.
• This abuse continued until January 1994, when Marites' mother discovered her pregnancy.
• Marites revealed that Tanail was the father after being confronted by her mother.
• A complaint was filed against Tanail, leading to his arrest on January 9, 1994.
• The prosecution presented medical evidence confirming the sexual assault.
• Tanail denied the charges, claiming he was at a quack doctor’s house during the incident.
• The Regional Trial Court found him guilty of rape and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua, along with monetary damages.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the Regional Trial Court's decision, finding Jesus Tanail y Borbe guilty beyond reasonable doubt of rape.
• The Court upheld the trial court's assessment o...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of the trial court's findings on witness credibility, given its ability to observe witness demeanor.
• Minor inconsistencies in Marites' testimony were seen as indicative of truthfulness rather than a lack of credibility.
• The victim's fear of retaliation explained her delay in reporting the crime, a common occurrence in sexual assault cases.
• The absence of blood during the first sexua...continue reading