Case Digest (G.R. No. 263227) Core Legal Reasoning Model
Core Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
In People of the Philippines v. XXX, G.R. No. 263227, decided on August 2, 2023 under the 1987 Constitution, the accused-appellant XXX, a biological father, was charged in three separate Informations filed on July 23, 2015 before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx in Criminal Case Nos. 3068-2015, 3069-2015, and 3070-2015 with Incestuous Rape under Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code as amended by Republic Act No. 8353. The first two Informations alleged that on March 7 and 9, 2015, in their home, XXX, by force, threat, and intimidation, had carnal knowledge of his daughter AAA, then 14 years old, against her will. The third Information alleged that on March 13, 2015, he similarly raped his eleven-year-old daughter BBB. During trial, the prosecution presented AAA, BBB, their sister CCC, and Municipal Health Officer Dr. Florilyn Pimentel, whose medical certificates confirmed hymenal lacerations on both minors. The defense denied the accusations, attributing Case Digest (G.R. No. 263227) Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
- Background
- On July 23, 2015, three separate Informations were filed charging accused-appellant XXX with incestuous rape under Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by RA 8353.
- Criminal Case Nos.:
- No. 3068-2015 – rape of AAA on March 7, 2015 (victim aged 14).
- No. 3069-2015 – rape of AAA on March 9, 2015 (victim aged 14).
- No. 3070-2015 – rape of BBB on March 13, 2015 (victim aged 11).
- Trial Proceedings
- Prosecution Version
- AAA testified to two rape incidents by her father on March 7 and 9, 2015; BBB testified to a rape by her father on March 13, 2015.
- Dr. Pimentel’s medical examination on March 16, 2015, revealed hymenal lacerations (two on AAA; one on BBB).
- Defense Version
- XXX denied all allegations, claimed animosity with sister CCC as motive, and asserted he was absent looking for money when charges arose.
- He alleged AAA and BBB bore resentment for prior discipline and that CCC instigated the complaints.
- Lower Court Decisions
- Regional Trial Court (Aug. 25, 2020) – Found XXX guilty beyond reasonable doubt of three counts of incestuous rape; imposed reclusion perpetua without parole for each count plus civil, moral, and exemplary damages of ₱100,000 each.
- Court of Appeals (Feb. 23, 2022) – Affirmed the RTC decision, ruling minor inconsistencies in the child-victims’ testimonies did not undermine their credibility.
Issues:
- Whether the prosecution proved accused-appellant XXX’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt for three counts of incestuous rape.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Doctrine:
- (Subscriber-Only)