Case Summary (G.R. No. 128386)
Relevant Dates
The crime occurred on October 5, 1995, and the Regional Trial Court of Barili, Cebu, Branch 60 rendered a decision on September 12, 1996. The resulting appeal was decided on March 25, 1999.
Applicable Law
The legal framework governing the case is Article 335 of the Revised Penal Code concerning the crime of rape.
Charge and Plea
Judito Alquizalas was charged with rape under an information filed on October 30, 1995. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment, which led to a trial on the merits.
Trial Court Proceedings
The trial court found the accused guilty of rape, believing the prosecution proved his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Alquizalas was sentenced to reclusion perpetua and ordered to pay moral damages of P50,000.00 and exemplary damages of P25,000.00 to the complainant.
Testimony of the Complainant
Marissa Bayang testified that on the day in question, Alquizalas lured her to an isolated area under the pretense of getting medicine water for her sick grandfather. Once there, he assaulted her with a hunting knife, physically overpowered her, and proceeded to have sexual intercourse with her against her will. Medical examination confirmed injuries consistent with sexual assault.
Defense of the Accused
Judito Alquizalas presented a contrasting version of the events, claiming consensual sexual intercourse after a brief romance. He argued that the absence of a strong physical resistance from the complainant indicated consent, thereby denying the allegations of rape.
Assessment of the Arguments
The appellate court noted that the complainant's behavior post-incident does not conform to any single expected response, particularly given the trauma. The court reaffirmed that the presence of violence and intimidation, including the use of a knife, met the necessary legal threshold for rape.
Evaluation of Evidence
The court found the complainant's testimony credible, especially noting her emotional state during the proceedings. Witness testimonies, including medical evidence of lacerations and blood, reinforced her clai
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 128386)
Case Overview
- This case concerns an appeal from the decision rendered on September 12, 1996, by the Regional Trial Court of Barili, Cebu, Branch 60, in Criminal Case No. CEB-BRL-013, where Judito Alquizalas was found guilty of rape.
- The appeal was submitted to the Supreme Court, where the decision was delivered by Justice Quiñones on March 25, 1999.
Charges and Judicial Proceedings
- The accused-appellant, Judito Alquizalas y Alquilita, was charged with rape through an information dated October 30, 1995, by Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Ma. Cecilia Bercilles.
- The charge stated that on October 5, 1995, at around 2:00 PM, the accused used a hunting knife, force, violence, and intimidation to have carnal knowledge of the complainant, Marissa Bayang, a 15-year-old girl, against her will.
- Upon arraignment, the accused pleaded "not guilty," leading to a trial on the merits.
Trial Court Findings
- The trial court determined that the prosecution had proven the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt.
- The court sentenced the accused to reclusion perpetua, ordered him to pay moral damages of P50,000, and exemplary damages of P25,000.
Testimonies Presented
Complainant's Testimony:
- Marissa Bayang testified that she had known the accused for a long time as they are cousins.
- On the day of the incident, the accused convinced her to accompany him on a motorcycle to get medicine water for her sick grandfather.
- Instead of going directly to the intended location, the accused took her to a remote thicket where he attacked her.
- She recounted how the accused pointed a knife at her, struck her abdomen, and forced her to t