GR 108613; (April, 1997) (Digest)
G.R. No. 108613. April 18, 1997.
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. ANASTACIO MALABAGO y MAQUINTO, accused-appellant.
FACTS
The case stemmed from the rape of private complainant Alice Llanto, a 17-year-old student, in the early morning of December 21, 1990, in Cebu City. Alice testified that at around 3:00 A.M., she left her brother’s house to use the toilet. While outside, she was suddenly embraced from behind by the accused-appellant, Anastacio Malabago. He threatened to kill her if she shouted, strangled her, and pointed a knife at her neck. He then forced her to lie on a table, sat on her legs, and succeeded in having carnal knowledge against her will. After the incident, she immediately reported the rape to her family.
Alice was brought to the Cebu City Medical Center for examination on the same day. Dr. Joy Tuesday Ramas Engracia found that Alice was in a non-virgin state and that her vaginal smear was positive for spermatozoa. The accused-appellant was charged with rape. During trial, Malabago denied the accusation and claimed that Alice was actually his sweetheart and that their sexual intercourse was consensual.
ISSUE
The core issue is whether the prosecution proved the guilt of the accused-appellant for the crime of rape beyond reasonable doubt, particularly in light of his defense of a sweetheart relationship.
RULING
The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. The Court emphasized that in rape cases, the complainant’s credibility is paramount. Alice’s testimony was straightforward, clear, and positive. She provided a detailed and consistent account of the assault, the use of threats and a knife, and her immediate outcry. Her testimony was corroborated by the medical findings of spermatozoa and physical condition, which supported her claim of recent sexual intercourse.
The Court rejected the appellant’s defense of a sweetheart relationship as a mere fabrication. His bare assertion, unsupported by any credible evidence such as love notes, mementos, or pictures, could not prevail over Alice’s credible and categorical testimony. The Court found no ill motive for Alice, a young provincial lass, to falsely accuse the appellant. Her actions—immediately reporting the crime and submitting to a physical examination—were consistent with that of a genuine victim. The trial court’s assessment of her credibility was thus upheld. The penalty of reclusion perpetua was affirmed, and the civil indemnity was increased to P50,000.00 in accordance with prevailing jurisprudence.