Held:

Yes. Under Article 336 of the RPC, the accused performs the acts of lasciviousness on a child
who is neither exploited in prostitution nor subjected to "other sexual abuse." In contrast, under
Section 5 of RA 7610, the accused performs the acts of lasciviousness on a child who is either
exploited in prostitution or subjected to "other sexual abuse."

Section 5 of RA 7610 deals with a situation where the acts of lasciviousness are committed on a
child already either exploited in prostitution or subjected to "other sexual abuse." Clearly, the
acts of lasciviousness committed on the child are separate and distinct from the other
circumstance that the child is either exploited in prostitution or subjected to "other sexual
abuse." (emphasis supplied)
Contrary to the exposition, the very definition of "child abuse" under Sec. 3(b) of RA 7610 does
not require that the victim suffer a separate and distinct act of sexual abuse aside from the act
complained of. For it refers to the maltreatment, whether habitual or not, of the child. Thus, a
violation of Sec. 5(b) of RA 7610 occurs even though the accused committed sexual abuse
against the child victim only once, even without a prior sexual affront.

WHEREFORE, the instant petition is hereby DENIED. The Court of Appeals Decision in CA-
G.R. CR No. 35509 finding petitioner Eduardo Quimvel y Braga also known as Eduardo/Edward
Quimuel y Braga guilty beyond reasonable doubt of acts of lasciviousness is hereby AFFIRMED
with MODIFICATION.

Held:

The elements of Acts of Lasciviousness in Art 336 of the RPC are as follows: 1. That the offender commits
any act of lasciviousness or lewdness; 2. That it is done under any of the following circumstances: a)
Through force, threat, or intimidation; b) When the offended party is deprived of reason or otherwise
unconscious; c) By means of fraudulent machination or grave abuse of authority; d) When the offended
party is under twelve 12 years of age or is demented, even though none of the circumstances
mentioned above be present; and 3. That the offended party is another person of either sex.

The elements of Acts of Lasciviousness in Sec5(b) of RA 7610 are as follows: 1. The accused commits the
act of sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct; 2. The said act is performed with a child exploited in
prostitution or subjected to other sexual abuse; and 3. That child, whether male or female, is below 18
years of age.
If Art. 336 then ceased to be a penal provision in view of its alleged incompleteness, then so too would
Sec. 5(b) of RA 7610 be ineffective since it defines and punishes the prohibited act by way of reference
to the RPC provision.

That AAA is a child of tender years does not detract from the weight and credibility of her testimony. On
the contrary, even more credence is given to witnesses who were able to candidly relay their testimony
before the trial courts under such circumstance. The child's willingness to undergo, the trouble and
humiliation of a public trial is an eloquent testament to the truth of her complaint.