Case Summary (G.R. No. 229714)
Antecedent Facts
In separate Informations filed on June 20, 2007, De Guzman was charged with rape, specifically for incidents occurring on or about May 13, 2006, and sometime in early April 2007. The charges described acts of carnal knowledge accomplished through force and intimidation against AAA, who was 14 at the time of the first incident and 15 during the second.
Version of the Prosecution
The prosecution presented evidence that on May 13, 2006, De Guzman sexually assaulted AAA while brandishing a bladed weapon. Despite AAA's pleas for him to stop, he continued the assault. A similar pattern was reported for a second incident in early April 2007, where De Guzman again engaged in sexual acts while overpowering AAA. Witness testimony from AAA, along with medical examinations indicating physical evidence of sexual assault, supported the prosecution’s claims.
Version of the Defense
De Guzman denied the allegations, asserting he was unaware of any wrongdoing during the alleged incidents and claiming a close relationship with his children. He failed to provide a solid alibi, expressing uncertainty about his whereabouts during the specific dates of the alleged rapes.
Ruling of the Regional Trial Court
On December 23, 2013, the Regional Trial Court (RTC) convicted De Guzman of two counts of qualified rape. The court established that the qualifying circumstances of minority and relationship were proven. De Guzman was sentenced to reclusion perpetua for each count and ordered to pay AAA civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages.
Ruling of the Court of Appeals
The Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the RTC’s decision on January 22, 2016, with modifications to the damages awarded and declared De Guzman ineligible for parole. The CA placed significant weight on AAA's testimony, reinforcing the RTC's findings and rejecting De Guzman’s defenses.
Our Ruling
Upon meticulous review, the Court finds the appeal lacks merit. It affirms the CA's ruling
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 229714)
Case Overview
- This case, decided on June 19, 2019, by the First Division of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, involves an appeal from the Court of Appeals' ruling that affirmed the conviction of Rolando De Guzman y Villanueva for two counts of qualified rape.
- The original trial took place in the Regional Trial Court of Tarlac City, which found the appellant guilty based on the testimonies presented and the medical evidence corroborating the victim's claims.
Antecedent Facts
- Rolando De Guzman y Villanueva was charged with rape through two separate Informations dated June 20, 2007, against his daughter, referred to as "AAA," who was a minor at the time of the offenses.
- The charges specified that the acts occurred on or about May 13, 2006, and in the first week of April 2007, in Tarlac City, Philippines.
- Upon entering a plea of "Not Guilty," the case proceeded to trial.
Version of the Prosecution
- The first incident occurred on May 13, 2006, when "AAA," then 14 years old, was awakened by her father who was on top of her, threatening her with a bladed weapon.
- Despite her pleas for him to stop, appellant proceeded to sexually assault her, culminating in penetrative sexual intercourse and ejaculation on her stomach.
- The second incident took place in April 2007, where "AAA," now 15 years old, was again