GR 125313; (July, 1998) (Digest)
G.R. No. 125313 July 31, 1998
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. GREGORIO PAGUPAT, accused-appellant.
FACTS
Accused-appellant Gregorio Pagupat, a 55-year-old farmer and stepfather of the 14-year-old complainant Girlie Oliveros, was charged with four counts of rape under Article 335 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended. The Informations alleged that in May 1994, on June 16, 1994, in the last week of June 1994, and on July 10, 1994, in Sitio Li-ang, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, the accused, armed with a knife, used force, intimidation, and threats to have carnal knowledge of the victim against her will. The incidents occurred when the victim’s mother was away selling vegetables. After each act, the accused threatened to kill the victim if she reported the incidents. The victim’s pregnancy, noticed by her sister in October 1994, led to the disclosure of the rapes and the filing of criminal complaints on February 17, 1995. During trial, the accused admitted to having carnal knowledge of the victim but claimed it was consensual, suggesting the crime should only be qualified seduction.
ISSUE
Whether the guilt of the accused-appellant for the crime of rape has been proven beyond reasonable doubt.
RULING
Yes. The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. The Court found no cogent reason to deviate from the trial court’s factual findings and credibility assessment of the victim-witness. The uniform manner of her narration does not render it incredible, and there is no requirement for a victim to elaborate on tormenting details. The trial court’s evaluation of witness demeanor is accorded great respect. The victim’s version was more credible and in accord with human experience than the accused’s “sweetheart theory,” especially given the accused’s age, his relationship as stepfather, and the lack of evidence of the victim’s loose morality. The Court noted it is highly improbable for a young Filipina to concoct a story of rape, and her silence until her pregnancy was discovered bolstered her credibility. The crime was heinous due to the qualifying circumstance that the victim was under eighteen (14) years of age and the offender was a stepfather, a relationship established through testimony and admission. Under Section 11 of Republic Act No. 7659, this mandates the imposition of the death penalty. The Court modified the civil indemnity, increasing it from P50,000.00 to P75,000.00 for each count of rape, in line with recent jurisprudence. The decision was affirmed with this modification.