Case Summary (G.R. No. 138195-96)
Factual Background
On May 25 and July 29, 1997, AAA was raped by Nicanor Roa, who entered her room armed with a bladed weapon during both incidents. The first incident occurred when AAA was asleep with her mentally challenged brother in the room. The appellant threatened her, removed her clothing, and sexually assaulted her. The second incident followed a similar pattern, with Roa again threatening AAA to prevent her from screaming. Physical examinations conducted later indicated that AAA was 15 to 16 weeks pregnant as a result of the assaults.
Procedural History
Nicanor Roa was charged through two separate informations filed on August 4, 1997, under Criminal Case Nos. 6294-V-97 and 6295-V-97. During his arraignment on August 15, 1997, he pleaded not guilty, leading to a joint trial that presented evidence from both the prosecution and the defense.
Evidence Presented
The prosecution established a prima facie case through the testimony of AAA, who consistently detailed the events of both assaults, including her emotional state and the threats made by Roa. The testimony indicated that AAA felt pain and fear during the assaults, corroborated by physical examination findings of lacerations consistent with sexual assault. Roa's defense was primarily based on an alibi and attempted discreditation of AAA's testimony, claiming inconsistency regarding her pregnancy timeline.
Appellant’s Claims and Court’s Analysis
Roa contested the credibility of AAA's testimony, arguing that the circumstances of her being asleep and subsequently assaulted were implausible. Nevertheless, the Court found no merit in these claims, determining that AAA’s testimony was convincing and aligned with the nature of her trauma. Despite prior pregnancy acknowledgment, the Court maintained that this did not undermine the validity of her claims regarding the assaults.
Verdict and Sentencing
The Regional Trial Court found Nicanor Roa guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the charges filed against him, imposing the penalty of reclusion perpetua for each count of rape, along with financial compensation of P75,000. However, upon review, adjustments were made to the civil indemnity and damages awarded. The appellate Court modified the decision to align with prevailing juri
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Case Overview
- This case involves the appeal of Nicanor Roa against the joint decision of the Regional Trial Court of Valenzuela City, Branch 171.
- Roa was found guilty of two counts of rape against a minor, AAA, and was sentenced to reclusion perpetua for each count.
- The incidents occurred on May 25, 1997, and July 29, 1997.
Charges Filed
- Criminal Case No. 6294-V-97: Charged Roa with raping AAA, a 14-year-old girl, on July 29, 1997.
- Criminal Case No. 6295-V-97: Charged Roa with raping AAA on May 25, 1997.
- Both informations noted that Roa used force and intimidation to commit the alleged acts against AAA's will and consent.
Background of the Victim and the Accused
- AAA was 15 years old at the time of the incidents, residing in the household of her adopting parents, Maxima and Melencio de la Cruz.
- Roa had been living with the de la Cruz family since 1976 and worked for them in their metal craft business.
- During the incidents, AAA's mentally deranged brother was present but asleep in the same room.
Detailed Incident Accounts
First Incident (May 25, 1997):
- Around 12:30 a.m., Roa entered AAA's room armed with a bladed weapon.
- He covered AAA's mouth, restrained her, and proceeded to undress her before raping her.
- After the act, Roa warned her not to disclose the incident.
Second Incident (July 29, 1997):
- At approximately 1:25 a.m., Roa again entered AAA's room with a bladed weapon.
- He repeat