Case Summary (G.R. No. 113057-58)
Criminal Complaints and Charges
On January 10, 1992, two separate criminal complaints were filed against the appellant for charges of rape under Article 335, paragraph 3 of the Revised Penal Code. The complaints specifically alleged that the appellant used force and intimidation to engage in sexual intercourse with both minor victims, causing them physical and psychological harm. The first incident concerning Leslie occurred in December 1989, while the second incident involving Carabella occurred in April 1991.
Arraignment and Trial
The accused entered not guilty pleas during the arraignment conducted on May 20, 1992. The trial proceeded, during which testimonies from the victims, their families, and witnesses were presented. The prosecution established that the appellant was well-acquainted with the victims and their families, as he was a neighborhood resident and had previously transported Leslie to school.
Details of the Offenses
The prosecution's narrative described both incidents. In December 1989, appellant lured Leslie to a location near a church under false pretenses, where he sexually assaulted her. Similarly, in April 1991, during a power outage, he coaxed Carabella to a room in her uncle's house, where he proceeded to assault her. The testimonies detailed the manipulative tactics employed by the appellant and the immediate psychological impact on the young victims.
Discovery of the Offenses
Both victims initially remained silent about their abuses until a conversation at a family gathering in January 1992 led to revelations about the assaults, after which their mothers took steps to file formal complaints. Following physical examinations conducted on January 6, 1992, medical findings indicated evidence of trauma consistent with sexual abuse for one of the victims.
Defense and Testimony
The appellant presented a defense of denial and alibi, contesting the credibility of the victims and alleging that the accusations were fabricated due to personal grievances from their families. Testimonies from defense witnesses claimed that the appellant was not in the vicinity during the alleged times of the crimes. However, their alibi was undermined by contradictions regarding the timeline and location.
Verdict and Sentencing
On November 24, 1993, the Regional Trial Court rendered a Joint Decision finding the appellant guilty beyond reasonable doubt of both counts of rape. He was sentenced to suffer reclusion perpetua for each count and ordered to pay indemnification to both victims. The court noted the gravity of the offenses given the ages of the victims and the nature of the assaults.
Appeal and Decision
The appel
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Case Overview
- The case involves the conviction of Juan Remoto y Fajela, also referred to as "Johnny," for two counts of statutory rape against two six-year-old girls, Leslie Marris Santos and Carabella J. Viray.
- The events occurred in Mariveles, Bataan during late 1989 and April 1991. The victims were both in Kindergarten at the time of the assaults.
- The court affirmed the lower court's ruling, maintaining that the evidence against the accused was compelling.
Background of the Accused and Victims
- Juan Remoto was a well-known figure in the neighborhood, with familial ties to the victims.
- He was tasked with transporting Leslie Santos to and from school.
- The victims, Leslie and Carabella, lived in close proximity to the accused, which facilitated their interactions.
Incidents of Abuse
First Incident (December 1989):
- Leslie was lured by the promise of money and taken to a secluded area near a church.
- The accused sexually assaulted her by lifting her skirt and penetrating her vagina.
- Leslie was threatened to remain silent about the assault.
Second Incident (April 1991):
- Carabella was approached during a power outage and promised a lollipop.
- She was led to her uncle's home where she was sexually assaulted in a bedroom.
- The assault was witnessed by her older sister, Brendalyn, who saw the accused on top of Carabella.
Victims' Silence and Disclosure
- Following the