L-329 - Vicente Sotto vs. The Commission on Elections et al.

Accused-appellant XXX was charged in eight separate informations with multiple counts involving the sexual exploitation and abuse of a 13-year-old minor, the private complainant, identified as [AAA].
The charges included violations of Section 5(b) and Section 5(a)(1) of Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act) and Section 4(a) in relation to Sections 6(a) and 10(c) of Republic Act No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), as amended by Republic Act No. 10364.

Accused-appellant acted as procurer of the child for sexual favors to various male clients for monetary consideration on different dates between December 31, 2016, and January 11, 2017.
He was alleged to have coerced and intimidated the minor into sexual intercourse on January 3 and January 5, 2017.
The minor was subjected to sexual exploitation, including acts of trafficking by recruitment and placing her with customers.

Five witnesses were presented, including the private complainant, her father, social welfare officials, NBI agents, and a health officer.
The private complainant narrated detailed incidents of being procured, subjected to sexual acts for payment, and coerced for sexual intercourse by accused-appellant.
Physical and medico-legal examination confirmed healed hymenal lacerations and gonococcal infection, consistent with allegations.
The father reported the minor missing; accused-appellant brought the minor to NBI after learning of the report.

Accused-appellant denied the charges and claimed to have met the minor only in January 2017.
He admitted the minor was staying in his hotel room but denied procuring or sexually abusing her.

Found accused-appellant guilty beyond reasonable doubt on all counts charged.
Sentenced him to varying terms of imprisonment up to life imprisonment and ordered to pay damages to the victim.
Rejected accused-appellant's defense due to lack of credibility and positive identification by the victim.

Affirmed the RTC Judgment with modifications, adjusting penalties and damage awards.
Upheld the convictions for two counts of sexual intercourse against children exploited in prostitution, three counts of procuring a child prostitute, and three counts of trafficking persons.
Emphasized the superior position and exploitation by the accused considering the victim's minority and vulnerable situation.

Contended inconsistencies in the victim's testimony and claimed prior engagement of the victim in prostitution weakened the prosecution's case.

Whether the accused-appellant's guilt for the charged violations of Republic Act No. 7610 (Sections 5(a)(1) and 5(b)) and Republic Act No. 9208, as amended (Section 4(a) in relation to Sections 6(a) and 10(c)) was proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Whether the inconsistencies pointed out in the private complainant's testimony and evidence affect the credibility and the validity of the convictions.

Whether the conviction of accused-appellant for both child prostitution and trafficking under separate laws violates the constitutional protection against double jeopardy.