Case Summary (G.R. No. 239334)
Facts of the Case
On August 10, 2015, Jovic Pantanosas Amper was charged with the crime of rape under Article 266-A, paragraph 1(a) of the Revised Penal Code (RPC). The information alleged that on August 5, 2015, at approximately 1:05 AM in Medina, Misamis Occidental, Amper through force, threat, or intimidation, engaged in unlawful carnal knowledge with AAA, causing her damage and prejudice. After entering a plea of not guilty, trial on the merits commenced.
Prosecution's Evidence
The prosecution’s case relied on the testimonies of the complainant, AAA, and witness SPO2 Alvin Tejano, outlining the sequence of events leading to the assault. AAA testified that after arriving in Medina to care for her ailing father-in-law, her husband left her and their children alone with Jovic. Later that night, AAA noticed someone in her home who assaulted her. Despite AAA’s pleas, the intruder revealed himself to be Jovic, alarming her with threats to harm her and her children, which ultimately led to her submission. Following the assault, AAA hesitated to identify Jovic for fear of repercussions but later confirmed his identity, leading to his arrest.
Defense's Evidence
Jovic denied the allegations, claiming he had not returned to AAA's house after a brief visit earlier that day. His defense also included alibi assertions, claiming he was at home during the timeframe of the alleged crime. Jessica B. Valiente, a cousin, testified that AAA initially identified another man as her assailant, which Jovic suggested undermined her credibility.
Trial Court's Ruling
The Regional Trial Court found Jovic guilty of rape, acknowledging that all elements of the crime were satisfied. The court noted that AAA’s testimony was credible and her fear credible in light of the threats made against her children. The verdict resulted in a sentence of reclusion perpetua and financial damages awarded to AAA.
Court of Appeals’ Ruling
On appeal, the Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's decision, agreeing that the prosecution had sufficiently proven the elements of rape. The appellate court emphasized that AAA's fear and subsequent actions during the police line-up did not diminish the credibility of her testimony.
Issue for Resolution
The central issue was whether the evidence presented proved guilt beyond reasonable doubt for the crime of rape as codified under Article 266-A of the RPC.
Court's Ruling
Upon careful consideration, the Supreme Court upheld the conviction, reiterating that the t
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 239334)
Case Overview
- This case concerns the appeal of Jovic Pantanosas Amper, who was convicted of rape by the trial court and whose conviction was affirmed by the Court of Appeals.
- The conviction was based on the crime of rape as defined under Article 266-A, paragraph 1(a) of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), as amended.
- The events leading to the conviction occurred on August 5, 2015, in Medina, Misamis Occidental.
Facts of the Case
- Incident and Charges: Jovic Pantanosas Amper was charged with rape through an Information dated August 10, 2015, alleging that he had carnal knowledge of AAA against her will using force, threat, or intimidation.
- Background: AAA, along with her family, traveled to Medina to care for her ailing father-in-law. Jovic, a family friend, assisted them during their stay.
- Timeline of Events:
- On August 4, 2015, after visiting the hospital, AAA and her family returned home where Jovic helped prepare dinner and stayed for drinks with AAA's husband.
- AAA received news of her father-in-law's death around 10 PM, prompting her husband to go to the hospital, leaving her and their children alone.
- At approximately 1:05 AM on August 5, AAA encountered a masked intruder in her home who threatened her and her children.
- The assailant, later identified as Jovic, forcibly dragged AAA outside and raped her twice, first near mango trees and then near a septic tank.
- Following the incident, AAA initially hesitated to identify Jovic due to fear for her family's safety but later filed charges against him.
Prosecution's Evidence
- Witnesses:
- AAA testified to the traumatic events, detailing the threats and the assault.
- SP