Case Summary (G.R. No. 248567)
Background of the Case
On October 14, 2012, Torres allegedly committed acts of child abuse against AAA by inappropriately touching her. Following the incident, AAA reported the abuses to her grandmother and eventually testified about her experiences in the RTC. During the trial, the prosecution presented AAA, her mother BBB, and a psychiatrist as witnesses. AAA's testimony recounted that Torres had previously molested her by pressing against her, which she described in detail during the proceedings.
Defense's Position
In contrast, Torres denied the allegations, asserting that he was with family members preparing for a subsequent birthday party at the time of the alleged incident. He claimed that AAA disapproved of his marriage to her mother, BBB.
Ruling of the Regional Trial Court
On April 17, 2018, the RTC acquitted Torres, determining that the prosecution failed to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The RTC found inconsistencies and a lack of credible evidential support in AAA’s testimony regarding the abuse. It concluded that there was no proof of coercion or influence necessary to substantiate the charges under Section 5(b) of R.A. 7610.
Court of Appeals Proceedings
Dissatisfied with the RTC’s decision, AAA filed a Petition for Certiorari to the CA, which on March 7, 2019, overturned the RTC’s ruling. The CA found Torres guilty, citing that the prosecution established all the elements of the offense. It reasoned that as AAA’s stepfather, Torres exercised moral ascendancy over her, thereby validating the allegations of lascivious conduct.
Legal Arguments and Issues
Torres contended that the CA's ruling violated his constitutional right against double jeopardy, given the previous acquittal by the RTC. AAA, on the other hand, argued that the RTC had abused its discretion in its evaluation of the evidence.
Ruling of the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Torres, emphasizing the finality of acquittals in criminal cases. It reiterated that a judgment of acquittal is unappealable except in rare situations of grave abuse of discretion, typically involving due process vio
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 248567)
Case Background
- The case involves a Petition for Review on Certiorari filed under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court by Erwin Torres y Castillo (Petitioner) against AAA (Respondent).
- The petition seeks to challenge the Decision dated March 7, 2019, and the Resolution dated July 24, 2019, issued by the Court of Appeals (CA) in CA-G.R. SP No. 156429.
- The CA annulled the judgment of acquittal made by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Quezon City, Branch 107, and instead found Torres guilty of violating Section 5(b) of Republic Act No. 7610, also known as the "Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act."
Facts of the Case
- Erwin Torres was charged with committing acts of child abuse against AAA, a 12-year-old minor, on October 14, 2012, in Quezon City.
- The Information alleged that Torres used force and intimidation to sexually abuse AAA, detailing acts such as embracing her, removing her clothing, and touching her breasts against her will.
- Torres pleaded not guilty to the charges on June 10, 2014, leading to a pretrial and trial phase.
- The prosecution presented three witnesses: AAA, BBB (AAA's mother), and Aida Maria H. Perez (a psychiatrist).
- AAA testified about the abuse, claiming that Torres had previously molested her since 2011, including instances of pressing his penis against her.
- The defense presented Torres as the sole witness, who denied the charges and provided an alibi, stating he was busy preparing for a family event on the