Case Summary (G.R. No. 10712)
Factual Background
In May 1904, Pascual Dulay began courting 16-year-old Gregoria Pimentel, promising to marry her. Their relationship became increasingly intimate, with Dulay ultimately seducing Pimentel multiple times between December 1905 and April 1906. On April 29, 1906, Dulay informed Pimentel's parents of his intention to marry her but later refused to fulfill his promise when it became evident that she was pregnant. He denied responsibility for the pregnancy, despite her assertion that he was the only man with whom she had been intimate.
Evidence Presented
At trial, Pimentel presented evidence, including letters and personal items sent by Dulay, which corroborated her claims of their intimate relationship. Notably, one letter urged her to confess their "sin" to her grandfather and suggested that Dulay intended to return in June, indicating premeditated deceit related to their sexual relationship and its consequences.
Legal Basis for the Charge
Dulay was charged with the crime of "estupro" (seduction), defined under Article 443, Paragraph 3 of the Penal Code. This legal provision punishes individuals who seduce a woman under the pretext of marriage, especially when the woman is under 23 years of age. The court found that Dulay's repeated promises and his intimate relations with Pimentel clearly established the elements of deception required for the charge.
Verdict and Legal Reasoning
The court determined that Dulay's refusal to marry Pimentel after seducing her constituted deceit, aligning with the legal provisions that seek to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. The court noted that there was no evidence suggesting Pimentel had sexual relations with anyone other than Dulay, reinforcing his culpability. Despite Dulay's argument concerning the timing of Pimentel’s pregnancy, the court stated that a delayed conception is possible, thereby rejecting his defense.
Sentencing
The ruling sentenced Dulay to four months of arresto mayor, ordered him to recognize and provide for the child, and required him to pay P1,000 in damages to P
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 10712)
Case Background
- The case involves Pascual Dulay, aged approximately 23, who began courting Gregoria Pimentel, a 16-year-old girl, in May 1904 in Aringay, San Fernando, La Union.
- Dulay's courtship involved promises of marriage, leading to an intimate relationship that resulted in Gregoria's seduction.
- The first act of sexual intercourse occurred in late December 1905, followed by multiple instances until April 28, 1906.
- On April 29, 1906, Dulay expressed his intention to marry Gregoria but postponed the wedding until he completed his studies, as advised by her parents.
- In June 1906, after learning of Gregoria's pregnancy, Dulay denied his paternity and refused to marry her, despite her assertion that he was the only man she had been with.
Evidence Presented
- Evidence included letters, cards, photographs, handkerchiefs, and a ring sent by Dulay to Gregoria, which he acknowledged during the trial.
- One significant letter urged Gregoria to confess their sin to her grandfather and emphasized the need for her to attend mass.
- Gregoria testified that she had never had sexual relations