People vs Batuhan and Lacturan

GR 219830, August 3, 2016

Sereno, CJ.:

Facts:

On August 3, 2008, In the City of Cebu, Roberto O. Batuhan, with intent and intimidation, with
his hunting knife, declared a hold-up ordered AAA to surrender her personal belongings, and without
consent from her, sexually abused her, stole her belongings and ran.

On the same dated, and at the same time, Ashley Planas Lacturan, declared a hold with similar
circumstances, with a hunting knife, declared a hold-up and ordered Melito Gabutero Bacumo to
surrender his belongings, and without his consent, stole from him and ran.

On their arrest and arraignment, they pleaded “not guilty” to the charges of robbery with rape,
and robbery, since the two incidents happened at the same time, they were jointly tried by the Regional
Trial Court.

The RTC declared Batuhan guilty of the crime of robbery with rape; and Lacturam guilty of
robbery.

On March 17, 2015, The Court of Appeals sustained the convictions of both of the accused, and
agreed with finding of the trial court’s findings, assessment and testimonies of their witnesses.

Hence this appeal.

Issues:

1. Whether or not the trial court erred in finding the accused Baturan and Lacturan guilty beyond a
reasonable doubt?

2. Whether or not the trial court erred in finding the accused Batuhan and Lacturan jointly liable for
damages?

Ruling:

1. No. Both lower courts found the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses credible and trustworthy;
the clear and coherent narration of the witnesses, adequately established the incident that happened
on August 3, 2008, and the commission of the offense by the Accused and their arrest.

2. Yes. Batuhan and Lacturan were charged with distinct offenses against two different victims; Batuhan
was accused of robbery with rape against AAA, while Lacturan with robbery against Bacumo, there was
indication of conspiracy in the events that transpired. To declare them jointly liable would be a violation
of their right to be informed of the nature and cause of the charges against them, the two should not be
held liable for any crime of the other.

Disposition:

In its decision dated August 3, 2016, the courts deny the appeal; Affirms the decision of the
Court of Appeals dated March 17, 2015; with Modification as to the period of the penalty of Ashley
Planas Lacturan and to the amount damages to paid to AAA.