G.R. No. 89967 September 1, 1994
People of the Philippines, plaintiff-appellee, vs. Angelito Bautista, accused-appellant.

FACTS

On the night of April 5, 1981, Estrella Soni and her boyfriend Wilfredo Guantero were passing through a cemetery in Barrio Palasan, Valenzuela, when they were accosted by two men, one of whom was accused-appellant Angelito Bautista, Estrella’s neighbor and landlord. Bautista, who smelled of liquor, grabbed Estrella and poked a bolo at Wilfredo, forcing Wilfredo to flee. Bautista then pulled Estrella to a grassy area, undressed her, and despite her struggles and cries, succeeded in having carnal knowledge of her. After the act, Estrella managed to escape, hid, and later reported the incident to her cousin and parents. She was examined at the emergency hospital and the NBI, where medico-legal findings confirmed recent hymenal lacerations compatible with sexual intercourse. Bautista presented a different version, claiming he merely stumbled upon Estrella and a naked man (whom he identified as Wilfredo) in the cemetery. The Regional Trial Court convicted Bautista of rape.

ISSUE

Whether the trial court erred in convicting accused-appellant Angelito Bautista of the crime of rape based on the evidence presented.

RULING

The Supreme Court AFFIRMED the conviction with MODIFICATION. The Court found Estrella Soni’s testimony credible and consistent. The absence of physical injuries or signs of struggle does not negate rape, as intimidation was present—Bautista accosted the victim at night in a deserted cemetery while intoxicated and armed with a bolo. The Court noted that a Filipina would not publicly admit rape, submit to medical examination, and endure a trial unless her accusations were true. The penalty of reclusion perpetua was affirmed, and accused-appellant was additionally ordered to indemnify Estrella Soni in the amount of P30,000.00 by way of damages.