G.R. No. 214880 - People vs. Padlan y Leones

Amante Padlan y Leones was charged with two counts of rape and one count of acts of lasciviousness against a nine-year-old girl, referred to as "AAA."
The charges were filed under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) in relation to Republic Act No. 7610 (RA 7610).
The incidents occurred in Meycauayan, Bulacan, on August 7, 2005, September 27, 2005, and September 28, 2005.
The prosecution alleged that Padlan used force and intimidation to commit the crimes, which severely affected the emotional and psychological well-being of the victim.

Padlan pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on October 24, 2005.
The prosecution presented testimonies from "AAA" and her mother, "BBB," while Padlan testified in his defense.
"AAA" detailed the incidents, describing how Padlan assaulted her and threatened her to prevent her from reporting the abuse.

"AAA" testified that on August 7, 2005, Padlan woke her up, touched her inappropriately, and raped her.
On September 27, 2005, Padlan again assaulted "AAA" under the pretense of taking her to borrow money.
On September 28, 2005, "AAA" reported to her mother that she was in pain, leading to an examination that revealed signs of sexual abuse.
"BBB" confronted Padlan, who allegedly admitted to the rapes, prompting a police report.

Padlan denied the charges, claiming he was elsewhere during the incidents.
He provided an alibi stating he was in Nueva Ecija buying vegetables and later resting at home.
The defense did not present corroborating evidence for Padlan's alibi, which was deemed weak against the victim's testimony.

On November 10, 2011, the RTC found Padlan guilty of the charges based on the credible testimonies of "AAA" and "BBB."
The RTC sentenced Padlan to reclusion perpetua for the rape charges and imposed a lesser penalty for the acts of lasciviousness.

The Court of Appeals affirmed the RTC's decision on April 15, 2014, with modifications to the damages awarded to the victim.
The CA increased the civil indemnity and moral damages to P75,000.00 each and awarded P30,000.00 as exemplary damages for the rape cases.

Padlan appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and challenging the credibility of "AAA."
The Supreme Court reviewed the case and found no reason to overturn the lower courts' findings.

The Supreme Court upheld the findings of the RTC and CA, confirming that the prosecution proved all elements of the crimes charged.
The Court emphasized that the age of the victim and the nature of the acts committed constituted statutory rape....continue reading