G.R. No. 113250 -52 January 14, 1998
People of the Philippines, plaintiff-appellee, vs. Teotimo Magpantay, accused-appellant.

FACTS

Three separate Informations were filed charging Teotimo Magpantay with three counts of rape committed against his 15-year-old daughter, Ronalyn Magpantay, in May, June 28, and July 3, 1991, in Tanay, Rizal, by means of force and intimidation. At arraignment, accused-appellant pleaded not guilty. The prosecution’s evidence established that in May 1991, accused-appellant, armed with a knife, forced Ronalyn to undress and had carnal knowledge of her, threatening to kill her if she told anyone. The June 28, 1991 incident was witnessed by the victim’s mother, Estrella Magpantay, and the July 3, 1991 incident was seen by the victim’s brother, Michael. A medical examination by Dr. Vladimir Villaseñor revealed healed lacerations on Ronalyn’s genitalia. The Regional Trial Court convicted accused-appellant on all three counts, sentencing him to Reclusion Perpetua for each count and ordering him to indemnify the victim P50,000.00 per count. On appeal, accused-appellant, while assigning an error on alibi, argued that the accusations were concocted by his wife, Estrella, to get even with him after he caught her in an act of infidelity.

ISSUE

Whether the trial court erred in convicting accused-appellant based on the credibility of the witnesses, specifically rejecting the defense’s claim that the rape charges were fabricated by the victim’s mother as revenge.

RULING

The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction in toto. The Court upheld the trial court’s assessment of the credibility of the witnesses, particularly the victim, Ronalyn, whose testimony was given in a straightforward manner, often with tears, and was deemed credible and worthy of belief. The Court found no reason to deviate from the well-settled principle that the trial court’s evaluation of witness credibility is accorded great respect. The Court rejected accused-appellant’s claim that the charges were fabricated by his wife, finding it highly preposterous and contrary to human experience and Filipino culture, as it was inconceivable that a young daughter would falsely accuse her own father of rape merely to please her mother. The defense of alibi was not properly established, as accused-appellant failed to prove his presence elsewhere at the time of the crimes or the physical impossibility of his presence at the scene. The medical evidence corroborated the victim’s testimony. The penalties and indemnities imposed by the trial court were affirmed.