Facts:

• Federico Ulgasan faced three counts of statutory rape against 11-year-old Noella Garolacan.
• The assaults occurred on February 15, March 6, and April 6, 1997, in Bacolod City, Philippines.
• Ulgasan lured Noella to a secluded area under the guise of riding his bicycle and sexually assaulted her.
• Noella testified that Ulgasan threatened her to remain silent about the incidents.
• Ulgasan denied the allegations, claiming they were fabricated due to a dispute with Noella's brother over a bicycle.
• He presented an alibi, asserting he was at home during the alleged incidents.
• The trial court found Noella's testimony credible and dismissed Ulgasan's defense.
• Ulgasan was sentenced to reclusion perpetua for each count and ordered to pay civil indemnity and moral damages to Noella.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court upheld the Regional Trial Court's decision, finding Ulgasan guilty beyond reasonable doubt of three counts of statutory rape.
• The Court affirmed the credibility of Noella's testimony and ruled that the lack of a police blotter entry and medical certificate did not undermine the occurrence of the crimes.
• Ulgasan's alibi was dismissed due to the victim's positive identification.
• He was sentenced to ...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court highlighted the significance of the victim's credibility, noting that trial courts' assessments of witness credibility are typically upheld on appeal.
• A credible witness provides a clear and consistent account, which Noella demonstrated.
• The absence of a police blotter entry does not definitively indicate that the rapes did not occur, as su...continue reading