G.R. No. 176734 - People vs. Lantano

The case involves the conviction of Jacinto Lantano for the crime of rape against his fourteen-year-old daughter, AAA.
The crime occurred between April 1998 and January 1999 in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.
The charges were based on Articles 266-A and 266-B of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Acts No. 8353, 7610, and 7659.
The prosecution's case was primarily built on AAA's testimony, which described the traumatic events she endured.

On April 11, 1998, AAA was lying in bed due to a headache when her father approached her.
Appellant kissed her and made a disturbing statement about missing her mother before he assaulted her.
He used a knife to intimidate her, forcibly removed her clothing, and raped her despite her resistance.
After the assault, he threatened her life if she disclosed the incident, instilling fear that led her to remain silent.

AAA eventually confided in her mother, who was working abroad, about her deteriorating condition.
After being brought to her grandparents in Piddig, Ilocos Norte, she disclosed the rape to her grandfather, who reported it to the police.
A medical examination confirmed physical evidence of rape, including lacerations consistent with the assault.

The appellant's defense was based on an alibi, claiming he was fishing with relatives at the time of the incident.
Witnesses testified to his whereabouts, but the trial court found their accounts insufficient to establish his absence from the scene.
The trial court emphasized that the proximity of the river to their home made it plausible for him to have committed the crime.

The trial court found AAA's testimony credible and consistent, despite her initial silence and delay in reporting.
It ruled that her fear of her father and the threats he made justified her delayed disclosure.
The court sentenced Lantano to death, citing the aggravating circumstances of relationship and minority.

The Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's conviction but modified the penalty to reclusion perpetua.
The appellate court upheld the monetary awards for civil indemnity and damages, adjusting the moral damages to P75,000.

Lantano argued that the delay in reporting the rape undermined AAA's credibility and suggested fabrication.
He claimed that the threats were not imminent and that AAA could have sought help during the assault.
The appellant also suggested that AAA was influenced by her maternal grandparents to fabricate the charges.

The Office of the Solicitor General countered that AAA's delay was adequately explained by her fear and the psychological impact of the assault.
It asserted that the credibility of AAA's testimony should prevail over Lantano's denial and alibi.