GR 131589; (August, 2002) (Digest)
G.R. Nos. 131589-90; August 6, 2002
People of the Philippines, plaintiff-appellee, vs. Baltazar Cesista, accused-appellant.
FACTS
The accused-appellant, Baltazar Cesista, was charged with two counts of rape against his 14-year-old daughter, Rea Cesista, in separate Informations dated September 9, 1994 (Criminal Case No. 95-11972) and September 30, 1994 (Criminal Case No. 95-11973). The prosecution’s evidence established that the rapes occurred in their one-room house in Cainta, Rizal, while the victim’s mother was in Samar. The first incident happened on September 9, 1994, around 10:00 PM, while Rea and her sisters were sleeping. The accused-appellant approached her, removed her shorts and panty, threatened to kill her if she made noise, and then had carnal knowledge of her. The second rape occurred on September 30, 1994, in a similar manner. Rea later reported the incidents to her aunt in January 1995, which led to a police report and a medico-legal examination. Dr. Jesusa N. Vergara’s report confirmed Rea was in a non-virgin state with healed lacerations. The accused-appellant denied the charges, claiming they were orchestrated by his wife’s sisters who harbored ill feelings towards him. The Regional Trial Court found him guilty beyond reasonable doubt of both counts of rape and sentenced him to death for each crime, plus indemnity.
ISSUE
Whether the trial court erred in convicting the accused-appellant of two counts of rape despite his claims that the prosecution failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt and that the victim’s testimony lacked credibility.
RULING
The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. The prosecution’s evidence, particularly the victim’s testimony, was found to be credible, straightforward, detailed, and consistent. Her account in her sworn statement and in court unequivocally established the elements of rape through force and intimidation. The medical findings corroborated her testimony. The defense of denial and alleged ill motive of relatives was insufficient to overcome the positive identification and credible narrative of the victim. The crimes were committed under the circumstances warranting the death penalty under Article 335 of the Revised Penal Code, as the victim was under eighteen years of age and the offender was her parent. The penalty of death for each count was affirmed, subject to automatic review, along with the award of indemnity.