Case Summary (G.R. No. 30724)
Charges and Allegations
TheInformations accuse Roselindo and Allan Cutamora of raping their nieces, with specific details outlining the incidents. Virginia was assaulted repeatedly from ages seven to eleven, Gina from six to eight, and Beatriz from ten to thirteen. The charges cited the acts as being conducted unlawfully and with violence, often under threats that the victims' lives would be in danger if they reported the incidents.
Trial Proceedings and Defense
Upon entering a plea of not guilty, the trial commenced, during which the prosecution presented substantive evidence, including the testimonies of the victims. In contrast, the accused maintained that the accusations were baseless and claimed they were at their farm during the alleged incidents. However, the court found the evidence from the victims compelling.
Assessment of Credibility
The trial court evaluated the testimonies, emphasizing the credibility of child victims in such sensitive cases. The court noted that the victims, being minors at the time of the incidents, provided detailed accounts of their traumatic experiences, which were corroborated by medical examinations indicating physical evidence of sexual assault.
Legal Analysis of Informations
The accused argued the informations were insufficient due to vague dates and descriptions of the crimes. The Supreme Court indicated that the allegations in the informations meet the requirements set forth in Section 6, Rule 110 of the Rules of Court, noting that the approximate time and place of the offenses were adequately stated. Furthermore, the court addressed that an exact date is not critical in rape cases, particularly given the trauma suffered by the victims.
Findings of Guilt
The Supreme Court upheld the trial court's finding of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt against both accused-appellants. It asserted that the trial court's assessment of witness credibility was binding, particularly since it was based on direct observations of the witnesses’ demeanor. It also noted the improbability of the victims fabricating such serious allegations against their relatives, reinforcing the legal presumption of truthfulness in child testimony.
Sentencing and Damages
Both accused were sentenced to three separate penalties of reclusion perpetua. They were al
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 30724)
Case Overview
- The case involves accused-brothers Roselindo Cutamora and Allan Cutamora, charged with three counts of rape against their nieces—Virginia Cutamora, Gina Cutamora, and Beatriz Cutamora Tampos.
- The charges stem from incidents occurring between 1989 and 1993 at their grandparents’ home in Kalaitan, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, Philippines.
- The prosecution’s evidence included testimonies of the victims and medical findings corroborating the allegations.
Charges and Informations
- The Informations filed included specific details of the rapes:
- Crim. Case No. 647: Roselindo Cutamora accused of repeatedly raping Virginia Cutamora from ages 7 to 11.
- Crim. Case No. 651: Allan Cutamora accused of the same against Virginia Cutamora.
- Crim. Case No. 648: Roselindo Cutamora accused of raping Gina Cutamora from ages 6 to 8.
- Crim. Case No. 649: Allan Cutamora accused of the same against Gina Cutamora.
- Crim. Case No. 646: Roselindo Cutamora accused of raping Beatriz Tampos from ages 10 to 13.
- Crim. Case No. 650: Allan Cutamora accused of the same against Beatriz Tampos.
Trial Proceedings
- Both accused entered a plea of "not guilty," leading to a trial where the prosecution presented evidence.
- Victims testified about their experiences of sexual assault, detailing the circumstances under which the abuses occurred.
Victims' Testimonies
- Virginia Cutamora:
- First assaulted at age 7 by Roselindo; forced to bow down and subjected to anal penetration.
- Subsequent assaults by Allan followed the same pattern of coercion and threats.
- Gina Cutamora:
- Assaulted at age 6 during the d