G.R. No. 234191 , February 01, 2021
People of the Philippines, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. Efren T. Tabieros and John David Infante, Accused; and John David Infante, Accused-Appellant.

FACTS

Accused Efren T. Tabieros and John David Infante were charged with Qualified Trafficking in Persons under Section 4(e) of Republic Act No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003). The Information alleged that on or about November 22, 2012, in Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur, they conspired to hire, maintain, and manage minor victim AAA to engage in prostitution, taking advantage of her vulnerability and minority (16 years old). Tabieros was the owner and Infante the cashier of the bar involved. The prosecution established that AAA was recruited through deception by a neighbor, Baby Velasco, who promised domestic work but instead forced her into prostitution at the bar run by the accused. AAA was rescued during a police entrapment operation where PSI Napoleon Cruz, posing as a customer, paid marked money to Infante for AAA’s sexual services after obtaining permission from Tabieros. The defense claimed AAA applied as a waitress, hid her minority, and that the business was legitimate. The Regional Trial Court convicted both accused, sentencing them to life imprisonment and a P2 million fine. Tabieros’ appeal was dismissed due to his death. The Court of Appeals affirmed Infante’s conviction, prompting his appeal to the Supreme Court.

ISSUE

Whether or not accused-appellant John David Infante is guilty of qualified trafficking in persons in relation to Section 4(e) of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

RULING

The Supreme Court denied the appeal and affirmed the conviction. The Court held that the trial court’s findings, affirmed by the Court of Appeals, are entitled to great respect, as the trial court is in the best position to assess witness credibility, and no substantial facts were overlooked. All elements of trafficking in persons were established: (1) the act of recruitment and maintenance of AAA; (2) the means used, which included deception and taking advantage of her vulnerability as a minor; and (3) the purpose of exploitation through prostitution. The corroborating testimonies of the arresting officer (PSI Cruz) and the minor victim (AAA) were sufficient to sustain the conviction. Infante’s active participation as cashier, receiving payment for the sexual services, established conspiracy with Tabieros. His defense of denial could not overcome AAA’s positive and categorical testimony. The qualifying circumstance of minority was also proven. Thus, Infante’s guilt for qualified trafficking was proven beyond reasonable doubt.