G.R. No. 117323 October 4, 1996
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. AGUSTIN DIAZ @ “Otie” or “Jose Goco,” accused-appellant.

FACTS

On July 14, 1993, 17-year-old Cherryl Naval accepted a motorcycle ride from accused-appellant Agustin Diaz. Instead of taking her home, he brought her to a beach resort. There, after she consumed food and a soft drink he provided, she felt dizzy, lost consciousness, and awoke hours later naked from the waist down, experiencing vaginal pain. Diaz threatened to kill her if she told anyone. The next day, after a suicide attempt, Cherryl reported the rape to her mother. A medical examination revealed a freshly healed hymenal laceration. The defense claimed Cherryl merely hitched a ride to meet friends and that Diaz left her at the resort after lunch.

ISSUE

Whether the guilt of the accused-appellant for the crime of rape was proven beyond reasonable doubt.

RULING

Yes. The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. The trial court’s assessment of Cherryl’s credibility was accorded great weight, as it had the direct opportunity to observe her candid and straightforward testimony. The Court found it highly improbable for a young college student to fabricate a story of defloration, submit to a physical examination, and endure a public trial unless motivated by a truthful desire for justice. The medical findings, though no sperm cells were found, corroborated her account of recent sexual violation. Furthermore, the accused’s attempt to amicably settle the case for P10,000.00 was properly considered as an implied admission of guilt under the Rules of Court. The defense’s denial and the corroborating testimony of a waiter were insufficient to overturn the consistent and credible narrative of the victim.