Case Summary (G.R. No. 159938)
Background and Facts
Loida S. Baclig testified that she visited the home of her granduncle, Antonio S. Sonico, to retrieve her belongings. During her visit, Sonico lured her into a separate room where he sexually assaulted her after threatening her life if she reported the incident. The victim stated that Sonico performed the act for approximately ten minutes and warned her against disclosing the assault. Following the incident, Loida reported late to school and discovered blood stains on her clothing, which prompted her teachers to intervene.
Medical Examination and Findings
Teachers Mariana Pe Benito and Francisca Suero expressed concerns regarding the physical changes observed in Loida, ultimately leading to a medical examination by Dr. Soledad S. Pira. The examination revealed significant physical signs, including an old laceration in the hymen and enlarged breasts, which indicated the occurrence of sexual assault. The medical findings provided corroborative evidence supporting the victim's testimony.
Defense and Contention
Antonio S. Sonico denied the allegations, questioning the victim's credibility due to the delay in reporting the crime. He argued that there were no ulterior motives from the victim's side that would warrant such accusations. His defense rested on his assertion that the medical findings did not conclusively link him to the crime.
Trial Court's Evaluation
The trial court dismissed the accused's contention regarding the delay in reporting, highlighting the psychological impact of threats on a young victim. The court emphasized that fear could significantly impede a minor's ability to report such an incident promptly. Furthermore, the court noted the lack of substantial evidence undermining the victim's testimony.
Credibility of Witnesses and Conclusion
The court found Loida's testimony to be credible and consistent, reinforcing the evidence from the medical examination. It concluded that the prosecution's case was sufficiently established, upholding the experience of the victim and the medical corroboration. The defense's reliance on denial was insufficient against the credible evidence presented.
Statutory Considerations
As Loida was less than twelve years old at the time of the offe
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Case Overview
- This case involves an appeal from the judgment of the Regional Trial Court, Branch XXIV, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, rendered on December 3, 1984.
- The accused-appellant, Antonio S. Sonico, was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of rape as defined and penalized under Article 335(3) of the Revised Penal Code.
- The trial court sentenced him to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua, ordered him to indemnify the victim, Loida S. Baclig, in the amount of Twenty Thousand Pesos (₱20,000.00), and to pay costs.
Facts of the Case
- The victim, Loida S. Baclig, testified about an incident that occurred in July 1975 when she was eleven years old.
- She went to her granduncle Antonio Sonico’s house to retrieve her pillow and blanket.
- After fetching her belongings, Sonico lured her into another room, where he closed the door and windows.
- He forcibly removed her panties, stripped himself, and raped her while threatening her with a kitchen knife.
- Following the act, he warned her not to tell anyone, or he would kill her.
- Loida returned home and later reported the incident to her teachers due to physical changes observed by them.
Testimonies and Evidence
Victim's Testimony:
- Loida provided a detailed account of the events, describing how she was pulled into the room, threatened, and raped.
- Her description included the use of a kitchen knife by Sonico and the pain she experienced.
- She noted the delay in report