THIRD DIVISION PEOPLE OF PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, YNARESSANTIA O, J., !"airpers#n, A$STRIA%ARTINE&, !HI!O-NA&ARIO, NA!H$RA, and REYES, JJ.

Pr#'ul(ated: MANUEL AGUILAR, Dece')er *+, ,--+ Accused-Appellant. .- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -. DE!ISION !HI!O-NA&ARIO, J.: /#r re0ie1 is t"e Decisi#n*2*3 dated ,4 /e)ruar5 ,--+ #f t"e !#urt #f Appeals in !A- .R. !R H.!. N#. --+67, 1"ic" affir'ed in toto t"e Decisi#n,2,3 dated ,+ Dece')er ,--6 #f t"e Re(i#nal Trial !#urt 8RT!9 #f %untinlupa !it5, :ranc" ,-+, in !ri'inal !ase N#. *7;6;, findin( "erein appellant %anuel A(uilar (uilt5 )e5#nd reas#na)le d#u)t #f t"e cri'e #f si'ple rape c#''itted a(ainst AAA,7273 t"e dau("ter #f "is c#''#nla1 1ife :::, and sentencin( "i' t# suffer t"e penalt5 #f reclusion perpetua, and t# inde'nif5 t"e 0icti' in t"e a'#unt #f P;-,---.-- as ci0il inde'nit5, P;-,---.-- as '#ral da'a(es and P,;,---.-- as e.e'plar5 da'a(es. Appellant %anuel A(uilar 1as c"ar(ed 1it" t"e cri'e #f rape )ef#re :ranc" 6, #f t"e RT! #f Du'a(uete !it5, c#''itted as f#ll#1s: T"at #n 2,6 <une *==+3 at a)#ut ;:-- #>cl#c? in t"e aftern##n, at Siti# ..., :r(5. ..., 2%unicipalit5 #f3 ..., 2Pr#0ince #f3 ..., P"ilippines, and 1it"in t"e @urisdicti#n #f t"is H#n#ra)le !#urt, t"e a)#0e-na'ed 2appellant3, 1it" le1d desi(ns and )5 'eans #f f#rce and inti'idati#n, 1it" a)use #f c#nfidence, 1illfull5, unla1full5 and fel#ni#usl5 did lie and succeeded in "a0in( carnal ?n#1led(e 1it" AAA, below thirtee !1"# $e%r& ol' % ' the &te('%)*hter o+ the &%i' ,%((ell% t-.6263 8E'p"asis supplied.9 T"e case 1as d#c?eted as !ri'inal !ase N#. *7;6;. A"en arrai(ned #n *, <ul5 ,---, appellant, assisted )5 c#unsel de oficio, pleaded NOT $IBTY t# t"e cri'e c"ar(ed. T"ereafter, trial ensued. THE G.R. No. 177749 Present:

T"e pr#secuti#n presented t"e f#ll#1in( 1itnesses: 8*9 Att5. R#land# A. PiCer#, t"e :ranc" !ler? #f !#urt #f RT!, :ranc" 7*, Du'a(uete !it5D 8,9 Dr. R#sita A. %uC#E, t"e %unicipal Healt" Officer #f Sta. !atalina Rural Healt" $nitD 879 <#0en Aca)al, t"e %edical Tec"n#l#(ist at :a5a1an District H#spitalD 869 Dr. B5dia Villafl#res, p"5sician fr#' :a5a1an District H#spitalD 8;9 P#lice Seni#r Inspect#r !resencian# Valiente Pa(nana1#n, !"ief #f P#lice #f Sta. !atalina, Ne(r#s OrientalD 8F9 SPO* Aenifred# <a'andr#n, a 'e')er #f t"e P"ilippine Nati#nal P#lice 8PNP9 #f Sta. !atalina, Ne(r#s OrientalD 8+9 :::, t"e '#t"er #f t"e 0icti'D and 849 AAA, t"e 0icti' "erself. Att5. R#land# A. PiCer# testified t"at t"e appellant "as a pendin( cri'inal case f#r rape )ef#re :ranc" 7* #f t"e RT! #f Du'a(uete !it5. T"e sa'e 1as entitled People of the Philippines v. Manuel Aguilar, d#c?eted as !ri'inal !ase N#. *7;6F, alle(edl5 c#''itted a(ainst AAA #n 6 /e)ruar5 *==4. He furt"er stated t"at a %edical !ertificate ;2;3 issued )5 Dr. R#sita A. %uC#E in fa0#r #f AAA 1as presented t"erein as e0idence t# pr#0e t"at AAA 1as p"5sicall5 e.a'ined after t"e rep#rted rape #f 6 /e)ruar5 *==4.F2F3 Durin( "er testi'#n5, Dr. R#sita A. %uC#E discl#sed t"at #n ; /e)ruar5 *==4, 1"ile s"e 1as e.ercisin( "er #fficial functi#n, AAA ca'e t# "er clinic at Sta. !atalina Rural Healt" $nit and rep#rted t# "er t"at s"e 1as raped. H#1e0er, c#nsiderin( t"at t"ere 1as n# facilit5 f#r sper'at#E#a e.a'inati#n in t"e said clinic, s"e referred AAA t# t"e :a5a1an District H#spital. S"e said t"at s"e did n#t c#nduct an5 'edical e.a'inati#n #n AAA and left it t# t"e :a5a1an District H#spital t# c#nduct t"e sa'e. T"e 'edical e.a'inati#n 1as c#nducted )5 <#0en Aca)al and Dr. B5dia Villafl#res #f t"e :a5a1an District H#spital. T"e result #f t"e 'edical e.a'inati#n re0ealed t"e presence #f sper'at#E#a. S"e declared t"at s"e 1as (i0en a c#p5 #f t"e said result. :5 0irtue t"ere#f, s"e issued a %edical !ertificate+2+3 1it" t"e f#ll#1in( findin(s: T"is is t# certif5 t"at per e.a'inati#n results #f t"e cer0ical s'ear, sper'at#E#a 1ere present ta?en fr#' 2AAA3, *7 5rs. #ld, fe'ale fr#' ..., ..., ....4243 T"e testi'#n5 #f Dr. R#sita A. %uC#E 1as c#rr#)#rated )5 <#0en Aca)al and Dr. B5dia Villafl#res. <#0en Aca)al a0#1ed t"at "e 1as t"e #ne 1"# c#nducted t"e e.a'inati#n #f t"e cer0ical s'ear 1"ic" 1as ta?en )5 Dr. B5dia Villafl#res fr#' AAA #n ; /e)ruar5 *==4. T"e result #f t"e sa'e indicates t"e presence #f sper'at#E#a fr#' a 'ale se'inal fluid. =2=3 Dr. B5dia Villafl#res c#nfir'ed t"at s"e 1as t"e #ne 1"# t##? t"e cer0ical s'ear fr#' AAA #n ; /e)ruar5 *==4 and after t"e e.a'inati#n #f t"e speci'en, s"e 1as a)le t# deter'ine t"e presence #f sper'at#E#a. T"e Ba)#rat#r5 E.a'inati#n S"eet 1as filled up )5 t"e nurse 1"#' s"e pers#nall5 ?n#1s. S"e als# issued a %edical !ertificate*-2*-3 as reGuested )5 t"e Sta. !atalina P#lice.**2**3

- versus -

; F +

* , 7 6

4 = ***

P#lice Seni#r Inspect#r !resencian# Valiente Pa(nana1#n and SPO* Aenifred# <a'andr#n testified t"at t"e rape incident t"at "appened #n 6 /e)ruar5 *==4 1as rep#rted t# t"e Sta. !atalina, Ne(r#s Oriental P#lice Stati#n, and t"e sa'e 1as rec#rded in t"e p#lice )l#tter #n ; /e)ruar5 *==4. SPO* Aenifred# <a'andr#n a0erred t"at "e inter0ie1ed and in0esti(ated AAA at t"e Sta. !atalina P#lice Stati#n #n t"e af#resaid date as re(ards t"e rape incident.*,2*,3 :::, t"e '#t"er #f AAA, declared t"at s"e 1as pre0i#usl5 'arried t# deceased !!! 1it" 1"#' s"e "ad t"ree c"ildren na'el5: DDD, EEE and "erein 0icti', AAA. S"e affir'ed t"at AAA 1as )#rn #n ,F <anuar5 *=4;.*72*73 S"e said t"at t"e appellant 1as "er c#''#n-la1 "us)and, t"e5 "ad )een li0in( t#(et"er since *=4=, and t"e5 "ad f#ur c"ildren, na'el5: ///, , HHH and III.*62*63 ::: c#ura(e#usl5 di0ul(ed in c#urt t"at #n t"e e0enin( #f 6 /e)ruar5 *==4, s"e and appellant, t#(et"er 1it" t"eir dau("ters HHH and III, slept in a r##' upstairs, 1"ile AAA slept in a r##' d#1nstairs t#(et"er 1it" "er "alf-)r#t"ers. At ar#und 'idni("t, s"e 1#?e up t# ans1er t"e call #f nature. :::, 1it" a ?er#sene la'p, pr#ceeded t# a r##' d#1nstairs, 1"ere AAA and "er "alf-)r#t"ers 1ere sleepin(, t# (et t"e c"a')er p#t. A"en s"e reac"ed #ut f#r t"e c"a')er p#t, s"e 1as ta?en a)ac? 1"en "er "ands t#uc"ed instead t"e )are )utt#c?s #f t"e appellant. S"e disc#0ered t"at t"e appellant 1as l5in( na?ed, face d#1n and #n t#p #f AAA 1"# 1as t"en 1earin( n#t"in( )ut "er s"irt. ::: repeatedl5 as?ed t"e appellant 1"at "e 1as d#in( )ut t"e latter did n#t (i0e an ans1er and @ust ?ept silent. S"e t"en )r#u("t t"e la'p cl#ser t# t"e appellant 1"# 1as alread5 seated )ut still na?ed. AAA, #n t"e #t"er "and, st##d up. ::: a(ain as?ed t"e appellant 1"at 1as "e reall5 d#in(, )ut still t"e appellant did n#t ans1er 1"ic" 'ade "er "it t"e appellant 1it" a sc5t"e. After t"at, s"e as?ed AAA 1"at t"e appellant did t# "er. At first, AAA did n#t (i0e an5 ans1er )ut 1"en ::: as?ed "er f#r t"e sec#nd ti'e, AAA replied t"at t"e appellant "ad se.ual interc#urse 1it" "er. AAA i''ediatel5 ran a1a5 and 1ent t# t"e near)5 "#use #f "er aunt na'ed <<<. ::: f#ll#1ed AAA. A"ile ::: and AAA 1ere at t"e "#use #f <<<, t"e latter as?ed AAA 1"at "ad "appened. AAA resp#nded t"at s"e 1as raped )5 t"e appellant. It 1as als# at t"e "#use #f <<< 1"ere AAA tearfull5 re0ealed t# "er '#t"er, :::, t"at s"e "ad )een raped se0eral ti'es )5 t"e appellant )e(innin( ,6 <une *==+, 1"en s"e 1as still *, 5ears #ld, in t"eir "#use at Siti# ..., :aran(a5 ..., %unicipalit5 #f ..., Pr#0ince #f ...,*;2*;3 durin( t"e ti'e 1"en ::: 1as in :a5a1an t# attend t"e )irt"da5 cele)rati#n #f Nan( E'an( and returned #nl5 in t"e aftern##n #f ,; <une *==+. *F2*F3 I''ediatel5, after t"at rape incident #n 6 /e)ruar5 *==4, t"e appellant escaped.*+2*+3 ::: furt"er testified t"at s"e, t#(et"er 1it" <<< and t"e "us)and #f t"e latter, 1ent t# t"e Sta. !atalina P#lice Stati#n 1"ere t"e5 rep#rted t"e rape incident. It 1as rec#rded in t"e p#lice )l#tter. ::: als# stated t"at AAA 1as )r#u("t t# t"e d#ct#r at Sta. !atalina as 1ell as in :a5a1an 1"ere AAA 1as e.a'ined.*42*43 Resultantl5, t1# separate c"ar(es 1ere filed a(ainst t"e

appellant, t# 1it: 8*9 !ri'inal !ase N#. *7;6F f#r t"e rape 1"ic" "appened #n 6 /e)ruar5 *==4, and 1as raffled t# :ranc" 7* #f RT!, Du'a(uete !it5D and 8,9 !ri'inal !ase N#. *7;6;, t"e instant case, f#r t"e rape incident 1"ic" #ccurred #n ,6 <une *==+ and raffled t# :ranc" 6, #f RT!, Du'a(uete !it5. T"e final 1itness presented )5 t"e pr#secuti#n 1as AAA, t"e 0icti' "erself. S"e 1as alread5 *; 5ears #ld 1"en s"e testified in c#urt. Durin( "er testi'#n5, s"e c#nfir'ed t"at s"e 1as )#rn #n ,F <anuar5 *=4;. S"e als# ad'itted t"at t"e appellant is "er stepfat"er, )ein( t"e c#''#n-la1 "us)and #f "er '#t"er, :::, and s"e calls "i' Hpapa.I AAA discl#sed t"at in t"e aftern##n #f ,6 <une *==+, 1"ile s"e 1as c##?in( f##d f#r supper and d#in( se0eral "#use"#ld c"#res in t"eir "#use at Siti# ..., :aran(a5 ..., %unicipalit5 #f ..., Pr#0ince #f ..., t"e appellant as?ed "er 5#un(er si)lin(s t# (# #ut and fetc" 1ater fr#' a place +-'eters a1a5 fr#' t"eir "#use. Her '#t"er at t"at ti'e 1as in :a5a1an t# attend t"e )irt"da5 cele)rati#n #f "er lola. Ait" #nl5 AAA and t"e appellant in t"eir "#use, appellant pulled "er, undressed "er, 'ade "er lie d#1n #n t"e ?itc"en fl##r and pinned "er #n t"e (r#und. T"e appellant t"en undressed "i'self, la5 #n t#p #f "er until "e finall5 inserted "is penis int# "er 0a(ina. AAA felt pain. S"e cried "ard and tried t# defend "erself )ut appellant 1as 'uc" str#n(er t"an "er. S"e li?e1ise failed t# s"#ut )ecause t"e appellant t"reatened t# ?ill "er and "er '#t"er if s"e did. S"e felt pain and c#ntinu#usl5 "ad )leedin( durin( and after t"e rape. T"e appellant si'ilarl5 1arned "er n#t t# tell an5#ne 1"at "ad "appened )ecause if s"e did, "e 1#uld ?ill "er and "er '#t"er. Out #f fear, AAA ne0er t#ld "er '#t"er a)#ut "er "arr#1in( e.perience in t"e "ands #f t"e appellant. AAA als# re0ealed t"at t"e rape incident t"at "appened #n ,6 <une *==+ 1as c#ntinu#usl5 repeated until it 1as disc#0ered )5 "er '#t"er #n 6 /e)ruar5 *==4.*=2*=3 T"e rape incidents t"at "appened #n ,6 <une *==+ and 6 /e)ruar5 *==4 1ere rep#rted t# t"e p#lice aut"#rities at Sta. !atalina P#lice Stati#n. S"e furt"er stated t"at s"e 1as instructed t# (# t# t"e :a5a1an District H#spital f#r 'edical e.a'inati#n.,-2,-3 /#r its part, t"e defense presented t"e l#ne testi'#n5 #f t"e appellant. T"e appellant ad'itted t"at AAA is "is stepdau("ter as s"e is t"e dau("ter #f "is c#''#n-la1 1ife :::. He als# asserted t"at "e and ::: 1ere ne0er 'arried and t"e5 @ust li0e t#(et"er 1it"#ut t"e )enefit #f 'arria(e. ,*2,*3 In "is testi'#n5, "e 0e"e'entl5 denied t"e rape accusati#ns a(ainst "i'. He clai'ed t"at t"ere 1as n# rape incident t"at "appened in t"e ?itc"en #f t"eir "#use #n ,6 <une *==+, )ut "e ad'itted t"at ::: 1as reall5 n#t present in t"eir "#use #n t"e af#resaid date and t"e latter ca'e )ac? #nl5 #n ,; <une *==+. He li?e1ise a0#1ed "is inn#cence and assailed t"at t"e c"ar(es a(ainst "i' 1ere a 'ere sc"e'e, c#nc#cted )5 AAA and "er aunt <<< and t"e "us)and #f t"e latter )ecause t"e5 ne0er 1anted "i' t# )e 1it" :::. In fact, t"e5 tried t# send "i' a1a5 'an5 ti'es )ut "e did n#t lea0e )ecause #f "is c"ildren 1it" :::. Si'ilarl5, t"e appellant a0erred t"at AAA 1as @ust 'a?in( up st#ries )ecause s"e ne0er respected "i'. S"e neit"er f#ll#1ed "is #rders n#r "is instructi#ns and all t"ese started 1"en AAA realiEed t"at "e 1as n#t "er real fat"er. AAA 1as )arel5 f#ur 5ears #ld 1"en t"e5 first 'et. T"e appellant furt"er declared t"at 1"ile "e 1as detained at t"e pr#0incial @ail, ::: and AAA 0isited "i' t1ice and t"e5 e0en )r#u("t "i' )read and s#ap. He als# 'aintained t"at "e tried t# c#n0ince ::: n#t t# pursue t"e case )ut ::: t#ld "i' t"at <<<

*, *7 *6 *; *F *+ *4

*= ,,*

and t"e "us)and #f t"e latter 1#uld sue "er and "a0e "er put in @ail if s"e 1it"dre1 t"e case a(ainst "i'. ,,2,,3 After trial #n t"e 'erits, !ri'inal !ase N#. *7;6;, t"e instant case, 1as c#nsidered su)'itted f#r decisi#n #n ** /e)ruar5 ,--6, )5 t"e RT!, :ranc" 6,, Du'a(uete !it5. T"is !#urt, "#1e0er, "ad issued a Res#luti#n,72,73 dated ,+ <anuar5 ,--6, in .R. N#. *;6464 entitled, People of the Philippines v. Manuel Aguilar, directin( t"e <ud(e #f t"e RT! #f Du'a(uete !it5, :ranc" 7*, 1"# tried and "eard !ri'inal !ase N#. *7;6F, t# c#''it t"e appellant t# t"e Ne1 :ili)id Pris#ns in %untinlupa !it5, "a0in( c#n0icted appellant f#r rapin( AAA #n 6 /e)ruar5 *==4. In 0ie1 #f t"is, t"is !#urt issued Res#luti#ns dated ,+ <ul5 ,--6 ,62,63 and *+ Au(ust ,--6,;2,;3 directin( t"e RT! #f %untinlupa !it5, :ranc" ,-+, )ein( t"e l#ne fa'il5 c#urt in %untinlupa !it5, t# res#l0e !ri'inal !ase N#. *7;6;. On ,+ Dece')er ,--6,,F2,F3 t"e RT! #f %untinlupa !it5 rendered a @ud('ent #f c#n0icti#n a(ainst t"e appellant. T"e disp#siti0e p#rti#n #f t"e Decisi#n reads: AHERE/ORE, 2appellant3 is f#und (uilt5 )e5#nd reas#na)le d#u)t #f t"e cri'e #f si'ple rape and is sentenced t# suffer t"e penalt5 #f reclusion perpetua. He is #rdered t# pa5 t"e 0icti' 2AAA3 P;-,---.-- as ci0il inde'nit5, P;-,---.-as '#ral da'a(es and P,;,---.-- as e.e'plar5 da'a(es.,+2,+3 Dissatisfied, t"e appellant appealed t"e ,+ Dece')er ,--6 Decisi#n #f t"e RT! #f %untinlupa !it5 )ef#re t"e !#urt #f Appeals. In "is )rief, t"e appellant>s l#ne assi(n'ent #f err#r 1as: THE TRIAB !O$RT RAVEBY ERRED IN /INDIN THE 2APPEBANT3 $IBTY O/ THE !RI%E !HAR ED DESPITE THE /AIB$RE O/ THE PROSE!$TION TO PROVE HIS $IBT :EYOND REASONA:BE DO$:T.,42,43 On ,4 /e)ruar5 ,--+, t"e !#urt #f Appeals rendered a Decisi#n affir'in( in toto t"e Decisi#n #f t"e RT! #f %untinlupa !it5, t"e decretal p#rti#n #f 1"ic" reads: .HEREFORE, pre'ises c#nsidered, t"e Decision, dated 2,+ Dece')er ,--63, #f t"e 2RT!3 #f %untinlupa !it5, in !ri'inal !ase N#. *7;6; is "ere)5 AFFIRME/ in toto. !#sts a(ainst t"e 2appellant3.,=2,=3

Intendin( t# appeal t"e af#resaid Decisi#n #f t"e appellate c#urt, t"e appellant filed a N#tice #f Appeal. In 0ie1 t"ere#f, t"e !#urt #f Appeals f#r1arded t# t"is !#urt t"e rec#rds #f t"is case. In t"is !#urt>s Res#luti#n dated *F <ul5 ,--+, 727-3 t"e parties 1ere reGuired t# su)'it t"eir respecti0e supple'ental )riefs. :#t" t"e Office #f t"e S#licit#r eneral and t"e appellant 'anifested t"at t"e5 1ere ad#ptin( t"eir respecti0e )riefs filed )ef#re t"e !#urt #f Appeals as t"eir supple'ental )riefs. After a careful re0ie1 #f t"e rec#rds #f t"is case, t"is !#urt affir's appellant>s c#n0icti#n. A rape c"ar(e is a seri#us 'atter 1it" pernici#us c#nseGuences )#t" f#r t"e appellant and t"e c#'plainantD "ence, ut'#st care 'ust )e ta?en in t"e re0ie1 #f a decisi#n in0#l0in( c#n0icti#n #f rape. 7*27*3 T"us, in t"e disp#siti#n and re0ie1 #f rape cases, t"e !#urt is (uided )5 certain principles. First, t"e pr#secuti#n "as t# s"#1 t"e (uilt #f t"e accused )5 pr##f )e5#nd reas#na)le d#u)t #r t"at de(ree #f pr##f t"at, t# an unpre@udiced 'ind, pr#duces c#n0icti#n. Second, t"e e0idence f#r t"e pr#secuti#n 'ust stand #r fall #n its #1n 'erits and cann#t dra1 stren(t" fr#' t"e 1ea?ness #f t"e e0idence #f t"e defense. Third, unless t"ere are special reas#ns, t"e findin(s #f trial c#urts, especiall5 re(ardin( t"e credi)ilit5 #f 1itnesses, are entitled t# (reat respect and 1ill n#t )e distur)ed #n appeal. Fourth, an accusati#n f#r rape can )e 'ade 1it" facilit5D it is difficult t# pr#0e )ut '#re difficult f#r t"e pers#n accused, t"#u(" inn#cent, t# dispr#0e. And fifth, in 0ie1 #f t"e intrinsic nature #f t"e cri'e #f rape, in 1"ic" #nl5 t1# pers#ns are usuall5 in0#l0ed, t"e testi'#n5 #f t"e c#'plainant 'ust )e scrutiniEed 1it" e.tre'e cauti#n.7,27,3 It is 1ell-settled t"at t"e %((ell% t 0%$ be 1o 2i1te' o+ r%(e b%&e' &olel$ o the te&ti0o $ o+ the 2i1ti0, %& lo * %& the &%0e i& 1o0(ete t % ' 1re'ible. T"is is pri'aril5 )ecause t"e cri'e #f rape is usuall5 c#''itted in a pri0ate place 1"ere #nl5 t"e a((ress#r and t"e rape 0icti' are present.772773 %#re#0er, e0en t"e trial c#urt 'enti#ned in its Decisi#n t"at e2e i the %b&e 1e o+ the 1orrobor%ti2e te&ti0o ie& o+ the (ro&e1)tio 3& other wit e&&e&, the te&ti0o $ o+ AAA 1% &t% ' o it& *ro) ' % ' i& e o)*h to 1o 2i1t the %((ell% t.762763 Acc#rdin(l5, t"e pri'#rdial c#nsiderati#n in a deter'inati#n c#ncernin( t"e cri'e #f rape is t"e credi)ilit5 #f c#'plainant>s testi'#n5. 7;27;3 Ti'e and a(ain, 1e "a0e "eld t"at 1"en it c#'es t# t"e issue #f credi)ilit5 #f t"e 0icti' #r t"e pr#secuti#n 1itnesses, t"e findin(s #f t"e trial c#urts carr5 (reat 1ei("t and respect and, (enerall5, t"e appellate c#urts 1ill n#t #0erturn t"e said findin(s unless t"e trial c#urt #0erl##?ed, 'isunderst##d #r 'isapplied s#'e facts #r circu'stances #f 1ei("t and su)stance 1"ic" 1ill alter t"e assailed decisi#n #r affect t"e result #f t"e case. 7F 27F3 T"is is s# )ecause trial c#urts are in t"e )est p#siti#n t# ascertain and 'easure t"e sincerit5 and sp#ntaneit5 #f 1itnesses t"r#u(" t"eir actual #)ser0ati#n #f t"e 1itnesses> 'anner #f testif5in(, t"eir de'ean#r

,, ,7 ,6 ,; ,F ,+ ,4 ,=

77* 7, 77 76 7; 7F

and )e"a0i#r in c#urt.7+27+3 Trial @ud(es en@#5 t"e ad0anta(e #f #)ser0in( t"e 1itness> dep#rt'ent and 'anner #f testif5in(, "er Hfurti0e (lance, )lus" #f c#nsci#us s"a'e, "esitati#n, flippant #r sneerin( t#ne, cal'ness, si(", #r t"e scant #r full realiEati#n #f an #at"I -- all #f 1"ic" are useful aids f#r an accurate deter'inati#n #f a 1itness> "#nest5 and sincerit5. Trial @ud(es, t"eref#re, can )etter deter'ine if suc" 1itnesses are tellin( t"e trut", )ein( in t"e ideal p#siti#n t# 1ei(" c#nflictin( testi'#nies. A(ain, unless certain facts #f su)stance and 0alue 1ere #0erl##?ed 1"ic", if c#nsidered, 'i("t affect t"e result #f t"e case, its assess'ent 'ust )e respected, f#r it "ad t"e #pp#rtunit5 t# #)ser0e t"e c#nduct and de'ean#r #f t"e 1itnesses 1"ile testif5in( and detect if t"e5 1ere l5in(. 742743 T"e rule finds an e0en '#re strin(ent applicati#n 1"ere t"e said findin(s are sustained )5 t"e !#urt #f Appeals. 7=27=3 T"is !#urt, up#n e.a'inin( t"e rec#rds #f t"e present case, full5 a(rees in t"e findin(s #f )#t" t"e trial c#urt and t"e appellate c#urt t"at t"e te&ti0o $ o+ AAA i& 1re'ible % ' e o)*h to 1o 2i1t the %((ell% t e2e witho)t the 1orrobor%ti * te&ti0o ie& o+ the other (ro&e1)tio wit e&&e&. Her testi'#n5 #n "#1 s"e 1as raped )5 t"e appellant #n ,6 <une *==+ 1as c"aracteriEed )5 t"e trial c#urt and affir'ed )5 t"e !#urt #f Appeals as clear, strai("tf#r1ard and )ereft #f an5 'aterial #r si(nificant inc#nsistencies. F)rther, we ote th%t while te&ti+$i *, AAA bro4e 'ow i te%r&. 6-26-3 The 1r$i * o+ % 2i1ti0 ')ri * her te&ti0o $ i& elo5)e t e2i'e 1e o+ the 1re'ibilit$ o+ the r%(e 1h%r*e with the 2erit$ bor e o)t o+ h)0% %t)re % ' e6(erie 1e.6*26*3 Si'ilarl5, o wo0% , le%&t o+ %ll % 1hil', 1#uld c#nc#ct a st#r5 #f defl#rati#n, all#1 an e.a'inati#n #f "er pri0ate parts and su)@ect "erself t# pu)lic trial #r ridicule if s"e "as n#t, in trut", )een a 0icti' #f rape and i'pelled t# see? @ustice f#r t"e 1r#n( d#ne t# "er.6,26,3 It is als# "i("l5 inc#ncei0a)le f#r a (irl t# pr#0ide details #f a rape and ascri)e suc" 1ic?edness t# "er Hstepfat"erI @ust )ecause s"e resents )ein( disciplined )5 "i' since, )5 t"us c"ar(in( "i', s"e 1#uld als# e.p#se "erself t# e.tre'e "u'iliati#n, e0en sti('a.672673 Testi'#nies #f c"ild-0icti's are n#r'all5 (i0en full 1ei("t and credit, since 1"en a 1#'an, '#re s# if s"e is a 'in#r, sa5s t"at s"e "as )een raped, s"e sa5s in effect all t"at is necessar5 t# s"#1 t"at rape 1as c#''itted.662663 Y#ut" and i''aturit5 c#uld indeed )e )ad(es #f trut". T"is #)ser0ati#n is a 'atter #f @udicial c#(niEance )#rne #ut )5 "u'an nature and e.perience. T"ere c#uld n#t "a0e )een a '#re p#1erful testa'ent t# t"e trut" t"an t"is Hpu)lic )arin( #f unsp#?en (rief.I 6;26;3 %#re s#, it is an accepted d#ctrine t"at in t"e a)sence #f e0idence #f i'pr#per '#ti0e #n t"e part #f t"e 0icti' t# falsel5 testif5 a(ainst t"e accused, "er testi'#n5 deser0es credence.6F26F3 And in t"is case, it 1as ne0er s"#1n t"at t"e c#'plainant "ad an ill '#ti0e in filin( a case a(ainst t"e appellant #t"er t"an see?in( @ustice f#r 1"at "ad "appened t# "er.

T"e appellant furt"er alle(es t"at t"e trial c#urt failed t# n#te t"at t"e testi'#nies #f t"e pr#secuti#n 1itnesses 'erel5 pertained t# t"e presence #f sper'at#E#a 1it"#ut e0en 0erif5in( t"at t"e said sper'at#E#a f#und in AAA )el#n(ed t# t"e appellant. /urt"er'#re, AAA alle(ed t"at s"e "ad )een repeatedl5 raped )5 t"e appellant 1it"#ut, "#1e0er, presentin( e0idence s"#1in( t"e presence #f #ld lacerati#ns t# sustain t"e af#resaid alle(ati#ns #f AAA. T"is ar(u'ent #f t"e appellant is speci#us. In t"is re(ard, t"is !#urt dee's it necessar5 t# Gu#te t"e 1#rdin(s #f t"e !#urt #f Appeals in c#nnecti#n 1it" t"is 'atter, t"us: Thirdly, 2appellant>s3 ar(u'ents t"at t"e pr#secuti#n failed t# pr#0e t"at "e "as )een rapin( 2AAA3 since 2,6 <une *==+3 )ecause n# e0idence 1as adduced s"#1in( t"at 2AAA>s3 "5'en "ad #ld lacerati#nsD and, t"at t"e sper'at#E#a f#und )el#n(ed t# "i', lo&e &)b&t% 1e whe +%1e' b$ the (ri 1i(le th%t the te&ti0o $ o+ % r%(e 2i1ti0 %lo e, i+ +o) ' 1re'ible, i& 1o0(ete t to 1o 2i1t the %11)&e' . T# reiterate, 2AAA>s3 testi'#n5 is credi)le. In t"is re(ard, 1#rt" n#tin( are t"e Supre'e !#urt>s pr#n#unce'ent t"at, a medical examination and report is not indispensable to a conviction for rape. T"us, e0ent"#u(" t"ere 1as n# e0idence t"at 2AAA>s3 "5'en "ad #ld lacerati#ns #r t"at t"e sper'at#E#a f#und t"erein )el#n(ed t# 2appellant3, still, t"e latter>s c#n0icti#n can still )e sustained in t"at a 'edical rep#rt is e0en n#t necessar5 t# pr#0e t"at t"e cri'e #f rape 1as c#''itted.6+26+3 8E'p"asis supplied.9 At an5 rate, t"e (re&e 1e o+ ol' he%le' l%1er%tio & i the 2i1ti03& h$0e i& irrele2% t to %((ell% t3& 'e+e &e. I the &%0e w%$ th%t their (re&e 1e 'oe& ot 0e% the 2i1ti0 w%& ot r%(e' re1e tl$, the %b&e 1e o+ +re&h l%1er%tio & 'oe& ot e*%te r%(e either. Indeed h$0e %l l%1er%tio i& ot % ele0e t o+ the 1ri0e o+ r%(e.642643 T"e appellant als# ar(ues t"at alt"#u(" t"e defense #f denial is, indeed, a 1ea? defense, )ein( a ne(ati0e a0er'ent, n#net"eless, it 1as n#t f#r t"e appellant t# pr#0e t"at "e did n#t rape AAA, )ut f#r t"e pr#secuti#n t# pr#0e t"at t"e appellant did rape "er. T# repeat, t"e e0idence #f t"e pr#secuti#n "as clearl5 esta)lis"ed t"e (uilt #f t"e appellant )e5#nd reas#na)le d#u)t. Denial, )ein( an intrinsicall5 1ea? defense, 'ust )e )uttressed )5 str#n( e0idence #f n#nculpa)ilit5 in #rder t# 'erit credi)ilit5. It is a ne(ati0e self-ser0in( asserti#n t"at deser0es n# 1ei("t in la1 if unsu)stantiated )5 clear and c#n0incin( e0idence. 6=26=3 The %((ell% t3& b%re+%1e' 'e i%l o+ the 1h%r*e 1% ot (re2%il o2er the (o&iti2e, &(o t% eo)& % ' &tr%i*ht+orw%r' i'e ti+i1%tio b$ the 2i1ti0 o+ the %((ell% t %& the 0%le+%1tor . A rape 0icti' can easil5 identif5 "er assailant especiall5 if "e is ?n#1n t# "er )ecause durin( t"e rape, s"e is p"5sicall5 cl#se t# "er assailant, ena)lin( "er t# "a0e a (##d l##? at t"e latter>s

7+ 74 7= 66* 6, 67 66 6; 6F

6+ 64 6=

p"5sical features.;-2;-3 And in t"e present case, it cann#t )e d#u)ted, as it can )e clearl5 (leaned fr#' t"e rec#rds t"at AAA p#siti0el5 identified t"e appellant as t"e pers#n 1"# raped "er.;*2;*3 It is als# )ears stressin( t"at t"e appellant in t"e case at )ar "as e0aded t"e la1 f#r al'#st t"ree 5ears. T# t"is t"e !#urt #f Appeals said: 2I3t "as l#n( )een settled t"at t"e fli("t #f t"e 2appellant3 fr#' t"e scene #f t"e cri'e is pr##f #f (uilt #r #f a (uilt5 'ind. Acc#rdin(l5, t"ere is fli("t 1"en t"e 2appellant3 e0ades t"e c#urse #f @ustice )5 0#luntaril5 1it"dra1in( #ne>s self in #rder t# a0#id arrest #r detenti#n #r t"e instituti#n #r c#ntinuance #f cri'inal pr#ceedin(s. In t"is case, 2appellant3 "as e0aded t"e la1 f#r al'#st t"ree 879 5ears. Indisputa)l5, "is fli("t e0idenced (uilt.;,2;,3 As re(ards t"e penalt5 t# )e i'p#sed up#n t"e appellant, it 'ust )e n#ted t"at t"e rape 1as c#''itted pri#r t# t"e effecti0it5 #f Repu)lic Act N#. 47;7, #t"er1ise ?n#1n as HT"e Anti-Rape Ba1 #f *==+.I ;72;73 Applica)le t"en is t"e #ld pr#0isi#n #f Article 77; #f t"e Re0ised Penal !#de, as a'ended )5 Secti#n ** #f Repu)lic Act N#. +F;=,;62;63 1"ic" states in part: e1tio 11. Article 77; #f t"e sa'e !#de is "ere)5 a'ended t# read as f#ll#1s: HArt. 77;. A"en and "#1 rape is c#''itted. J Rape is c#''itted )5 "a0in( carnal ?n#1led(e #f a 1#'an under an5 #f t"e f#ll#1in( circu'stances: *. ,. :5 usin( f#rce #r inti'idati#nD A"en t"e 1#'an is depri0ed #f reas#n #r #t"er1ise unc#nsci#usD and 7. A"en t"e 1#'an is under t1el0e 5ears #f a(e #r is de'ented. T"e cri'e #f rape s"all )e punis"ed )5 reclusion perpetua. ....

;;* ;, ;7 ;6

T"e deat" penalt5 s"all als# )e i'p#sed if t"e cri'e #f rape is c#''itted 1it" an5 #f t"e f#ll#1in( attendant circu'stances: *. 1"en t"e 0icti' is under ei("teen 8*49 5ears #f a(e % ' t"e #ffender is a parent, ascendant, step-parent, (uardian, relati0e )5 c#nsan(uinit5 #r affinit5 1it"in t"e t"ird ci0il de(ree, #r t"e c#''#n-la1-sp#use #f t"e parent #f t"e 0icti'. . . .. 8E'p"asis supplied.9 /r#' t"e af#resaid pr#0isi#n #f la1, )#t" 'in#rit5 and actual relati#ns"ip 'ust )e alle(ed and pr#0ed in #rder t# c#n0ict t"e appellant f#r Gualified rapeD #t"er1ise, a c#n0icti#n f#r rape in its Gualified f#r' 1ill )e )arred.;;2;;3 In t"is case, 1"ile t"e 'in#rit5 #f t"e 0icti' 1as pr#perl5 alle(ed in t"e Inf#r'ati#n, "er relati#ns"ip 1it" appellant 1as n#t pr#perl5 stated t"erein )ecause 1"at appears in t"e inf#r'ati#n is t"at t"e 0icti' is t"e stepdaughter #f appellant. A stepdau("ter is t"e dau("ter #f #ne>s sp#use )5 a pre0i#us 'arria(e. /#r appellant t# )e t"e stepfat"er #f AAA, "e 'ust )e le(all5 'arried t# AAA>s '#t"er.;F2;F3 And t"e )est e0idence t# pr#0e t"e 'arria(e )et1een t"e appellant and t"e '#t"er #f t"e c#'plainant is t"eir 'arria(e c#ntract. ;+2;+3 :ut t"e rec#rds #f t"is case failed t# s"#1 t"at t"e appellant and t"e '#t"er #f AAA 1ere le(all5 'arried, t"ere )ein( n# 'arria(e certificate e0er presented t# pr#0e t"e sa'e. In fact, )#t" t"e appellant and t"e '#t"er #f AAA ad'itted t"at t"e5 1ere n#t reall5 'arried, and 1"at t"e5 "ad 1as 'erel5 a c#''#n-la1 relati#ns"ip. T"e Inf#r'ati#n t"us failed t# alle(e specificall5 t"at appellant 1as t"e c#''#n-la1 sp#use #f t"e 0icti'>s '#t"er. Instead, t"e Inf#r'ati#n err#ne#usl5 alle(ed t"e Gualif5in( circu'stance t"at appellant 1as t"e stepfat"er #f t"e 0icti'. Hence, t"e appellant is lia)le #nl5 f#r t"e cri'e #f si'ple rape punis"a)le )5 reclusion perpetua. /inall5, t"is !#urt a(rees in t"e a'#unt #f ci0il inde'nit5 and '#ral da'a(es 1"ic" t"e c#urt a quo and t"e appellate c#urt a1arded t# t"e 0icti'. !i0il inde'nit5, 1"ic" is actuall5 in t"e nature #f actual #r c#'pensat#r5 da'a(es, is 'andat#r5 up#n t"e findin( #f t"e fact #f rape. ;42;43 !ase la1 als# reGuires aut#'atic a1ard #f '#ral da'a(es t# a rape 0icti' 1it"#ut need #f pr##f )ecause fr#' t"e nature #f t"e cri'e, it can )e assu'ed t"at s"e "as suffered '#ral in@uries entitlin( "er t# suc" a1ard. Suc" a1ard is separate and distinct fr#' ci0il inde'nit5. ;= 2;=3 As re(ards e.e'plar5 da'a(es, 1e "eld in People v. atubig!"[60] t"at t"e presence #f an a((ra0atin( circu'stance, 1"et"er #rdinar5 #r Gualif5in(, entitles t"e #ffended part5 t# an a1ard #f e.e'plar5 da'a(es.F*2F*3 T"e Re0ised Rules #f !ri'inal Pr#cedure 1"ic" t##? effect #n * Dece')er ,--- n#1 pr#0ides t"at a((ra0atin( circu'stances

'ust )e alle(ed in t"e inf#r'ati#n t# )e 0alidl5 appreciated )5 t"e c#urt.F,2F,3 In t"e case at )ar, t"e cri'e #f rape and t"e filin( #f t"e inf#r'ati#n a(ainst t"e appellant #ccurred )ef#re t"e effecti0it5 #f t"e said Rules. In People v. atubig,F72F73 1e "eld t"at t"e retro%1ti2e %((li1%tio o+ the Re2i&e' R)le& o+ 7ri0i %l Pro1e')re 1% ot %'2er&el$ %++e1t the ri*ht& o+ % (ri2%te o++e 'e' (%rt$ th%t h%2e be1o0e 2e&te' (rior to the e++e1ti2it$ o+ the &%i' R)le&. Th)&, %**r%2%ti * 1ir1)0&t% 1e& whi1h were ot %lle*e' i the i +or0%tio b)t (ro2e' ')ri * the tri%l 0%$ be %((re1i%te' +or the li0ite' ()r(o&e o+ 'eter0i i * the %((ell% t3& li%bilit$ +or e6e0(l%r$ '%0%*e&.F62F63 In t"e present case, t"e inf#r'ati#n filed a(ainst t"e appellant i'pr#perl5 alle(ed t"at AAA 1as "is stepdau("ter )ecause 1"at 1as pr#0en durin( trial 1as t"e fact t"at t"e appellant 1as 'erel5 a c#''#n-la1 "us)and #f t"e '#t"er #f t"e 0icti'. T"is )ein( t"e case, AAA cann#t )e t"e stepdau("ter #f t"e appellant. Alt"#u(" t"e relati#ns"ip alle(ed in t"e inf#r'ati#n 1as different fr#' t"at pr#0en durin( trial, t"is !#urt is n#t precluded fr#' a1ardin( e.e'plar5 da'a(es t# t"e pri0ate c#'plainant )ecause t"e a((ra0atin( circu'stance #f Hc#''#nla1 sp#useI 1as dul5 pr#0en.F;2F;3 In c#nf#r'it5 1it" #ur rulin( in People v. atubigFF2FF3 t"at a((ra0atin( circu'stances 1"ic" 1ere n#t alle(ed in t"e inf#r'ati#n )ut pr#0ed durin( t"e trial 'a5 )e appreciated f#r t"e li'ited purp#se #f deter'inin( t"e appellant>s lia)ilit5 f#r e.e'plar5 da'a(e&, t"is !#urt li?e1ise a(rees in t"e c#urt a quo and in t"e appellate c#urt in a1ardin( e.e'plar5 da'a(es t# t"e 0icti'. .HEREFORE, pre'ises c#nsidered, t"e Decisi#n #f t"e !#urt #f Appeals in !A- .R. !R H.!. N#. --+67, findin( "erein appellant %anuel A(uilar GUILT8 )e5#nd reas#na)le d#u)t #f t"e cri'e #f si'ple rape c#''itted a(ainst AAA, t"e dau("ter #f "is c#''#nla1 1ife, :::, is "ere)5 AFFIRME/. !#sts a(ainst appellant. SO OR/ERE/.

;; ;F ;+ ;4 ;= FF* F, F7 F6 F; FF