G.R. No. 122550-51. August 11, 1999.
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. WINEFRED ACCION, accused-appellant.

FACTS

Accused-appellant Winefred Accion was convicted by the Regional Trial Court of Makati for two counts of rape committed against Maricris Zanoria, a 14-year-old girl, and sentenced to reclusion perpetua for each count. The incidents occurred in the early morning of August 9, 1992, inside a store owned by Maricris’s family in Makati. While Maricris was alone tending the store, accused-appellant, intoxicated and armed with a knife, entered. At around 2:00 a.m., he poked the knife at her, ordered her to undress, and repeatedly punched her when she refused, ultimately having carnal knowledge against her will. He threatened to kill her if she reported it. At around 4:00 a.m., he again forced himself on her through similar violence and threats. Maricris did not immediately report the rapes due to fear of accused-appellant’s death threats. She finally disclosed the incidents to her mother in December 1993 after accused-appellant confronted and threatened her again. Accused-appellant was arrested and, at the police station, knelt to ask for forgiveness. At trial, accused-appellant denied the charges, interposing alibi and claiming he and Maricris were former lovers, suggesting the charge was fabricated after their relationship ended.

ISSUE

Whether the trial court erred in convicting accused-appellant of two counts of rape based on the credibility of the complainant’s testimony and despite his defenses of alibi and alleged amorous relationship.

RULING

The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. The Court found the appeal without merit, upholding the trial court’s assessment of complainant Maricris Zanoria’s credibility. Her detailed and consistent testimony, corroborated by her immediate disclosure to her mother and the subsequent conduct of accused-appellant (including asking for forgiveness), was deemed credible and sufficient to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The defenses of alibi and sweetheart theory were rejected. Alibi is inherently weak and cannot prevail over positive identification. The sweetheart defense was unsubstantiated and contrary to human experience, as it failed to explain why a former lover would fabricate a grave charge and endure the ordeal of a public trial. The force, violence, and intimidation employed were adequately proven. The Court affirmed the penalties of reclusion perpetua for each count and the award of civil indemnity.