Case Digest (G.R. No. 76530)
Facts:
- Redentor Umali y Espina was convicted of raping Corazon Maniquiz, a third-year high school student.
- The incident occurred on June 20, 1985, in Bulacan, at the house of Corazon's cousin, Susana Umali.
- Susana had asked Corazon to stay overnight, claiming her husband, Redentor, was in Manila.
- Corazon went to bed at 9 PM but was awakened at midnight to find Redentor on top of her, naked, and herself without underwear.
- Despite her resistance and pleas for help, Redentor raped her while pressing a knife to her neck.
- Corazon kept the incident secret until August 19, 1985, when she told her mother after noticing signs of pregnancy.
- They reported the crime to the police and obtained a medical examination from the NBI, which confirmed evidence of sexual intercourse.
- Redentor was charged and convicted of rape by the Regional Trial Court of Malolos, Bulacan, on October 3, 1986, and sentenced to reclusion perpetua.
- He appealed the decision, citing inconsistencies in Corazon's testimony and the improbability of the rape scenario.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The court ruled that the minor inconsistencies in Corazon's testimony did not affect her overall credibility.
- The court rejected Redentor Umali's defense of alibi, as he failed to prove it was physically impossible for him to be at the crime scene.
- The court found it credibl...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The court emphasized that minor inconsistencies in a witness's testimony are to be expected and do not necessarily undermine their credibility. Corazon's clear and direct account of the rape and her positive identification of Redentor as the perpetrator were deemed credible. The inconsistencies regarding the dates she reported the crime and underwent a medical examination were considered minor and collateral details that did not detract from the substance of her testimony.
- For an alibi to be successful, it must be proven that the accused was at another place at the time of the crime and that it was physically impossible for them to be at the crime scene. Redentor's work schedule at the Philippine General Hospital in Manila ended at 2:30 PM, and the crime occurred around midnight in Bulacan, a two to three-hour drive awa...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 76530)
Facts:
The case involves the conviction of Redentor Umali y Espina for the rape of Corazon Maniquiz, a third-year high school student. The incident occurred on June 20, 1985, in Bulacan, where Corazon was staying at her cousin Susana Umali's house. Susana had requested Corazon to stay overnight because her husband, Redentor, was supposedly in Manila. Corazon went to bed at 9 PM but was awakened at midnight to find Redentor on top of her, naked, and herself without underwear. Despite her pleas for help and attempts to resist, Redentor raped her while pressing a knife to her neck. Corazon kept the incident to herself until August 19, 1985, when she revealed it to her mother upon noticing signs of pregnancy. They reported the crime to the police and obtained a medical examination from the NBI, which confirmed evidence of sexual intercourse. Redentor was charged and convicted of rape by the Regional Trial Court of Malolos, Bulacan, on October 3, 1986, and sentenced to reclusion perpetua. He appealed the decision, citing inconsistencies in Corazon's testimony and the improbability of the rape scenario.
Issue:
- Were the inconsistencies in Corazon Maniquiz's testimony substantial enough to affect her credibility and the conviction of Redentor Umali?
- Did Redentor Umali's alibi effectively prove that it was physically impossible for him to be at the crime scene at the time of the alleged rape?
- Was it probable for the rape to occur under the circumstances des...