Case Summary (G.R. No. 175864)
Factual Antecedents
The appellant was charged with the crime of rape through sexual assault, as outlined in the Information. The charge alleged that on December 25, 2010, Garin, using force and intimidation, engaged in sexual acts against AAA, a four-year-old girl, causing her severe emotional and psychological trauma. During the arraignment, the appellant entered a plea of not guilty. The defense stipulated to certain facts, including the identity of the appellant, the age of the victim, and the date of the alleged incident.
Prosecution's Version
The prosecution's case hinged on testimonies from AAA, her mother "BBB," a witness "FFF," and a medical professional, Dr. Wenceslina L. CaseAas. AAA testified that she was attempting to visit her aunt’s home when Garin forcibly took her, placed her on his lap, and assaulted her. After the assault, AAA fled but was pursued and restrained by the appellant. When she returned home, her mother noticed distressing signs in her child. Initially hesitant to disclose the details, AAA eventually revealed the nature of the incident to her mother, prompting a report to law enforcement and medical examination.
Appellant's Defense
In his defense, Garin denied the accusations and claimed he was with friends during the incident. However, he acknowledged that he interacted with AAA shortly before the alleged assault occurred. His mother testified that she saw her son with the victim but did not observe anything suspicious at the time. Furthermore, she described events leading up to the police's involvement, which narrative contradicted the timeline presented by the prosecution.
Regional Trial Court's Ruling
On April 20, 2013, the Regional Trial Court found Garin guilty of rape in relation to Republic Act No. 7610, imposing a sentence of reclusion perpetua, alongside financial penalties for moral damages, civil indemnity, and exemplary damages. The court underscored the weight of the prosecution's evidence, particularly the credibility of AAA's testimony and corroborating medical findings.
Court of Appeals' Ruling
Upon appeal, the Court of Appeals upheld the conviction but modified the penalty and damages awarded. The appellate court reaffirmed Garin's guilt while rectifying the imposed sentences: an indeterminate penalty of eight years and one day of prision mayor to twelve years and one day of reclusion temporal, along with reduced amounts for civil liabilities—civil indemnity, moral damages, and increased exemplary damages.
Supreme Court's Ruling
The Supreme Court reviewed the appeal and concluded that the prosecution presented sufficient evidence to support Garin’s conviction beyond a reasonable doubt. The Court emphasized the weight given to the testimony of child victims, finding AAA's account credible and co
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 175864)
Case Background
- Case Number: G.R. No. 222654
- Decision Date: February 21, 2018
- Division: First Division
- Parties: People of the Philippines (Plaintiff-Appellee) vs. Romeo Garin y Osorio (Accused-Appellant)
- Court: Supreme Court of the Philippines
Factual Antecedents
- Incident Date: December 25, 2010
- Location: Butuan City, Philippines
- Nature of Charge: Rape through sexual assault involving a four-year-old minor ("AAA") as the victim.
- Information Filed: Allegations included that the appellant used force, threat, or intimidation to have carnal knowledge of "AAA" by inserting his finger into her vagina, causing mental, emotional, and psychological trauma.
Arraignment and Pre-Trial
- Appellant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
- During pre-trial, the following facts were stipulated:
- Identity of the appellant as named in the Information.
- Victim "AAA" was confirmed as a four-year-old minor.
- Date of the incident was acknowledged as December 25, 2010.
Prosecution's Version
- Testimonies Presented:
- AAA: Described being taken by the appellant while she was playing, detailing the assault and her feelings of pain.
- BBB (AAA’s Mother): Noted her daughter's unusual behavior upon returning home, leading to her questioning AAA, who disclosed the assault.
- FFF: Witness to the events surrounding the incident.
- Dr. Wenceslina L. CaseAas: Medical examination findings corroborated AAA's testimony of assault.
Defense's Version
- Testimonies Presented:
- Appellant: Denied the allegations, claiming to have been with friends at t