Case Digest (G.R. No. 252791)
Facts:
- The case involves Dr. Ulysses Trocio y Mendoza (petitioner) against the People of the Philippines (respondent).
- The Supreme Court rendered its decision on August 23, 2022.
- The charge was for Child Abuse through Lascivious Conduct under Section 5(6), Article III of Republic Act No. 7610.
- The incident occurred on June 12, 2015, when AAA, a 15-year-old minor, visited Dr. Trocio's clinic for ear pain.
- AAA was accompanied by a friend and was instructed to go to the second floor of the clinic.
- Allegations include fondling of breasts, touching private parts, and kissing the neck.
- After the incident, AAA was given a P200.00 bill and told not to inform her parents, which she refused due to fear.
- AAA disclosed the incident during a seminar on child abuse in 2016, leading to a formal police complaint.
- The prosecution presented corroborating witnesses, including a barangay public safety officer and a police officer.
- Dr. Trocio denied the allegations, claiming he provided medical treatment and that AAA had not returned to settle her unpaid balance.
- His wife, Dr. Greta Trocio, supported his defense, stating she witnessed no inappropriate behavior.
- The Regional Trial Court (RTC) found Dr. Trocio guilty, sentencing him to imprisonment and ordering damages to AAA.
- The Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the RTC's decision with modifications.
- Dr. Trocio filed a petition for review on certiorari to the Supreme Court, contesting the findings and witness credibility.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court affirmed Dr. Ulysses Trocio's conviction with modifications regarding the penalty and damages.
- The Court upheld the lower courts' findings, emphasizing the victim's t...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court stated that the trial court's factual findings on witness credibility are given the highest respect, especially when the appellate court agrees with the trial court's assessment.
- All elements of lascivious conduct were established, as Dr. Trocio's actions were deemed to have lewd intentions.
- AAA's testimony was clear, consistent, and credible, with no evidence of improper motive to falsely accuse Dr. Troc...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 252791)
Facts:
The case involves Dr. Ulysses Trocio y Mendoza (petitioner) against the People of the Philippines (respondent), with the decision rendered on August 23, 2022, by the Supreme Court of the Philippines. The case originated from a charge of Child Abuse through Lascivious Conduct under Section 5(6), Article III of Republic Act No. 7610, also known as the "Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act." The incident occurred on June 12, 2015, in the Philippines, when the victim, referred to as AAA, a 15-year-old minor, visited Dr. Trocio's clinic for ear pain. Accompanied by a friend, AAA was instructed by Dr. Trocio to go to the second floor of the clinic, where he allegedly fondled her breasts, touched her private parts, and kissed her neck. After the incident, AAA was given a P200.00 bill and was told not to inform her parents, which she rejected out of fear.
AAA later disclosed the incident during a seminar on child abuse in 2016, leading to a formal complaint filed with the police. The prosecution presented witnesses, including a barangay public safety officer and a police officer, who corroborated AAA's account. In contrast, Dr. Trocio denied the allegations, claiming he only provided medical treatment and that AAA had not returned to settle her unpaid balance. His wife, Dr. Greta Trocio, supported his defense, stating she was present during the consultation and did not witness any inapprop...