G.R. No. 102705 July 30, 1993
People of the Philippines, plaintiff-appellee, vs. Doroteo Mejorada y Sillan, accused-appellant.

FACTS

On October 7, 1988, in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, the accused-appellant, Doroteo Mejorada, armed with a knife, forcibly entered the house of the offended party, Mrs. Elizabeth B. Regino, a married public school teacher. He dragged her to a grassy area at the back of her house, pressed a knife against her, and, despite her pleas and struggles, succeeded in having carnal knowledge of her against her will. Before leaving, he threatened to kill her or her husband if she reported the incident. On October 9, 1988, Mrs. Regino reported the rape to Vice Mayor Proceso Guido. When summoned, the accused asked for forgiveness and appealed for a settlement, claiming he was drunk. Mrs. Regino refused to settle. A medical examination on October 10, 1988, by Dr. Lydia Ozoa confirmed the presence of sperm cells and superficial wounds consistent with resistance. The prosecution presented the victim, Vice Mayor Guido, Dr. Ozoa, and Carlito Duterte, who testified that the knife used was borrowed from him. The defense relied on denial and alibi, claiming the accused was at another house helping prepare for a fiesta and later slept at home with his wife. His daughter, Nancy, who was sleeping in the victim’s house that night, testified she saw nothing amiss. The trial court found the accused guilty of rape and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua but awarded no civil damages due to a lack of proof of payment of filing fees.

ISSUE

Whether the trial court erred in finding the accused-appellant guilty of the crime of rape beyond reasonable doubt.

RULING

The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction but modified the award of damages. The Court found the testimony of the victim, Mrs. Regino, to be credible, natural, and consistent. Her conduct after the incident, including immediately reporting to the Vice Mayor and undergoing a medical examination, bolstered her credibility. The medical findings corroborated her account of resistance. The Court rejected the defense of alibi as weak and unsubstantiated, especially in light of the positive identification by the victim. The accused’s attempt to settle was seen as an implied admission of guilt. The aggravating circumstances of dwelling and disregard of respect due to the offended party (as a teacher) were present but were offset by each other. The penalty of reclusion perpetua was affirmed. The Court modified the decision by awarding moral damages of P50,000.00 and exemplary damages of P25,000.00 to the offended party.