Case Summary (G.R. No. 83812)
Summary of the Incident
On the night of July 12, 1983, Merlyn Robinos was waiting for a ride after placing an order for earrings at Eastland. She hailed a tricycle, initially believing it was driven by her acquaintance Antonio Flores. However, the driver was actually Enrico Peralta, and his companion was Cosme Tamor. Tamor brandished an icepick, announced a robbery, and forced Robinos into the tricycle, where he tied her mouth with a handkerchief, robbing her of personal items valued at approximately P1,430. The attack escalated to sexual violence when Peralta took her to a vacant lot and raped her despite her struggle and pleas for mercy.
Procedural History
The case against the appellants was formally initiated with the filing of an Information on July 18, 1983, accusing them of robbery and rape. Upon their arraignment, both appellants entered a plea of "not guilty." During the trial, the prosecution presented detailed evidence corroborated by Robinos’s testimony, medical examination findings, and witness accounts.
Evidence Presented
The prosecution's case included the account of Robinos, who described her horrific experience in detail. Additionally, a Medical Examination Report indicated signs consistent with forced sexual intercourse, despite the lack of visible physical injuries. Defense witnesses presented a counter-narrative, claiming that Robinos had invited them into a sexual encounter, which Robinos vehemently denied.
Trial Court's Findings and Decision
The trial court, after assessing the evidence and testimonies, rendered a verdict on April 5, 1988, convicting both appellants of robbery with rape. The court concluded that the crime was committed in conspiracy, utilizing a deadly weapon, and thus imposed the penalty of reclusion perpetua. The appellants were also ordered to pay damages to Robinos.
Appellants' Arguments on Appeal
The appellants challenged the trial court's decision, emphasizing inconsistencies between Robinos's testimonies and her earlier affidavit. They argued that minor discrepancies were significant enough to invalidate her account and credibility. However, the court noted that such differences are inherent in human recollection and do not undermine the reliability of the witness's statements.
Ruling on the Appeal
Upon review, the court upheld the trial's decision, finding no substantial basis for overturning the co
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Case Overview
- The case involves the conviction of Enrico Peralta and Cosme Tamor for robbery with rape, stemming from an incident that occurred on July 12, 1983.
- The victim, Merlyn Robinos, was assaulted while waiting for a ride near Eastland manufacturing enterprise in Rosario, Pasig.
Incident Details
- On the night of the incident, Merlyn Robinos, after visiting a former co-worker, was waiting for a ride near Eastland.
- She mistakenly hailed a tricycle she believed was driven by a former co-worker, Antonio Flores, but was instead driven by Enrico Peralta with Cosme Tamor as a passenger.
- Once she attempted to board, Tamor forcibly pulled her into the vehicle and threatened her with an icepick, announcing a hold-up.
Commission of Crimes
- The duo robbed Merlyn of various items including jewelry and cash, totaling P1,430.00, and additionally attempted to sexually assault her.
- After some initial resistance, they transported her to a nearby vacant lot where Peralta sexually assaulted her while Tamor threatened her with the icepick.
- The incident was interrupted when a passerby, along with a security guard, approached, prompting the appellants to flee.
Medical Examination
- Following the incident, Merlyn underwent a medi