Case Summary (G.R. No. 208213)
Facts of the Case
On the afternoon of June 10, 1997, Jennifer returned home limping and holding her private part. Her mother, Belinda Lampas, discovered that Jennifer's panty was bloodied. After dressing her child, Jennifer recounted that the neighbor, referred to as Kuya Jerry, had taken her to his sister's house, undressed her, and sexually assaulted her. Medical examination by Dr. Manuel Reyes confirmed injuries consistent with sexual intercourse, leading to the eventual filing of a rape complaint against Cantuba by Jennifer.
Proceedings and Trial
Following the alleged incident, Belinda reported the matter to local authorities, which led to Jennifer undergoing a medical examination. The prosecution presented significant evidence, including Jennifer's testimony, the medical findings, and psych evaluations suggesting trauma and depression as a result of the abuse. In contrast, Cantuba provided an alibi stating he was assisting a neighbor at the time of the incident, which he corroborated through witness accounts.
Defense and Counterarguments
Cantuba's defense rested on claims of mistaken identity and a lack of evidence regarding the crime's occurrence in a populated area. He suggested another neighbor named Jerry Teves as the actual perpetrator complicating the identification. Despite evidence supporting his alibi, inconsistencies emerged when cross-examined witnesses contradicted parts of his account.
Trial Court Judgment
On January 13, 1999, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court found Cantuba guilty of rape, imposing the death penalty and awarding damages to the victim. Cantuba appealed, asserting errors in the trial court's decision regarding his conviction and the imposition of the death penalty.
Appellate Court Findings
The appellate court affirmed the trial court’s decision, holding that Jennifer's testimony was credible and consistent, warranting full faith and credence. The court rejected Cantuba's claims of mistaken identity and reinforced that even in populated areas, rapes may occur without witnesses.
Guidelines on Proving Age in Rape Cases
While addressing the imposition of the death penalty, the court considered the need to prove Jennifer's age accurately. Based on precedents, evidence su
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 208213)
Case Overview
- This case involves the prosecution of Jerry Cantuba y Deblois for the crime of rape against five-year-old Jennifer Lampas.
- The incident occurred on June 10, 1997, in Quezon City, where Jennifer reported being sexually assaulted by the accused.
- The Regional Trial Court found Cantuba guilty, imposing the death penalty, which was appealed.
Incident Details
- On June 10, 1997, at around 4:00 PM, Belinda Lampas returned home to find her daughter, Jennifer, limping and distressed.
- Jennifer revealed to her mother that their neighbor, Jerry (referred to as Kuya Jerry), had taken her to his sister's house, undressed her, and sexually assaulted her.
- Jennifer described the assault, indicating that Jerry inserted his male private part into her vagina.
Evidence Presented
- The prosecution presented physical evidence, including Jennifer's blood-stained panty, dress, and shorts.
- A medical examination conducted by Dr. Manuel Reyes revealed injuries consistent with forcible sexual intercourse, including deep lacerations on her hymen.
- Dr. Reyes concluded that the findings indicated recent loss of virginity, consistent with the allegations of rape.
Testimonies
- Belinda Lampas testified about Jennifer's condition upon returning home and the subsequent medical examination.
- Jennifer testified in court about the events, identifying Jerry Cantuba as the perpetrator.
- Elvira Valismo, a clinic