Case Summary (G.R. No. L-58847)
Incident Overview
On the afternoon of February 10, 1980, while Rosalia was alone in her house, she was assaulted by Bartolome, who had entered her home. Upon waking, Rosalia found Bartolome naked on top of her, brandishing a butcher's knife and threatening her life. Fearing for her safety, Rosalia complied with Bartolome's demands despite the extreme psychological trauma and threats involved. He forcibly engaged in sexual intercourse with her.
Continuous Assault and Reporting
On March 19, 1980, while Rosalia was preparing food, Bartolome attempted to assault her again. In a moment of self-defense, she struck him with a piece of wood. This encounter prompted her to share her traumatic experience with her mother, leading to a report to the police on March 20, 1980. Medical examinations confirmed that Rosalia was pregnant, substantiating her claims of rape.
Legal Proceedings
On April 16, 1980, Rosalia filed a formal complaint for rape against Bartolome in the Municipal Circuit Court of Janiuay-Badiangan, Iloilo. Bartolome denied the allegations, which resulted in a trial. A verdict on April 3, 1981, concluded that Bartolome was guilty of rape with a deadly weapon, leading to a sentence of life imprisonment, along with additional penalties and financial restitution to Rosalia for damages.
Appeals and Arguments
Bartolome appealed the court’s decision, presenting various arguments against the credibility of Rosalia's testimony. He claimed that her accounts were inconsistent and lacked corroboration, contending that the circumstances of the assault were not supported by physical evidence or witness testimony. Bartolome also questioned the motivations behind Rosalia's allegations, suggesting they were fabricated to justify her pregnancy.
Court's Findings on Credibility
Upon reviewing the evidence, the court underscored the nature of rape as a crime typically shrouded in secrecy, typically only witnessed by the victim and the perpetrator. The court found no substantial reason to doubt Rosalia's testimony, reiterating that inconsistencies identified by Bartolome were minor and did not undermine her overall credibility. The psychological impact of the traumatic event was factored into the court's evaluation of her statements.
Decision on Sentencing and Child Support
The Supreme Court affirmed the lower court's decision to impose life imprisonment on Bartolome for the crime of rape. Howeve
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Case Background
- The case revolves around the crime of rape, specifically the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault on Rosalia Barranco by Bartolome Barranco.
- Rosalia Barranco, a 19-year-old, was left alone at home in Madong, Janiuay, Iloilo while her siblings helped their parents on the farm.
- Bartolome Barranco, a distant cousin and neighbor, entered Rosalia's home on February 10, 1980, while she was sleeping.
- Upon waking, Rosalia found Bartolome naked on top of her, threatening her with a butcher's knife, preventing her from screaming or moving.
Events of the Crime
- Bartolome forced Rosalia to open her legs after threatening to kill her if she did not comply.
- Two attempts were made, but ultimately, he succeeded in raping her.
- After the assault, Bartolome warned Rosalia not to tell anyone, instilling fear in her.
- Rosalia endured the trauma silently until March 19, 1980, when Bartolome attempted to assault her again, prompting her to fight back.
- She informed her mother about the earlier incident only after the second attempt on her purity.
Legal Proceedings
- Following the revelation of the crime to her mother, Rosalia and her mother filed a report with the local police and were advised to seek a medical examination.
- The examination confirmed Rosalia was pregnant, which became crucial evidence in the case.
- On April 16, 1980, Rosalia formally filed a complaint against Bartolome for rape.
- Bartolome denied the al