GR 130202; (October, 1999) (Digest)
G.R. No. 130202 October 13, 1999
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. LUIS ERICK CLEMENTE y QUINTOS, accused-appellant.
FACTS
Accused-appellant Luis Eric Clemente was charged with the crime of Rape committed against private complainant Rassel Enriquez on or about March 24, 1995, in Quezon City. The information alleged that by means of force and intimidation, specifically by dragging her and at knife point, he undressed her and had carnal knowledge against her will. Upon arraignment, he pleaded not guilty. The prosecution presented the private complainant, her mother, a medico-legal officer, and a police officer. The private complainant testified that around 1:00 a.m. on March 24, 1995, while walking home, accused-appellant suddenly approached her, poked a pointed object at her, and told her to keep quiet. When a companion, Lani Villegas, approached, the complainant said there was no problem out of fear. Accused-appellant then brought her to his friend’s house, where inside an unlighted room, he forced her to remove her clothes, kissed her breast, and inserted his penis into her vagina, causing pain. He repeated the act. Later, she managed to escape, reported the incident, and underwent a medical examination. On cross-examination, the complainant gave inconsistent testimonies regarding who removed her clothes and admitted she did not shout or resist during certain moments when the knife was not actively poked at her. The medico-legal officer found the complainant in a non-virgin state with a deep, healed laceration but no external signs of recent trauma and no spermatozoa. The accused-appellant, in his defense, denied the use of force, claiming the sexual intercourse was consensual, initiated by the complainant after they met and talked near the beerhouse.
ISSUE
Whether the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that accused-appellant Luis Eric Clemente is guilty of the crime of rape.
RULING
The Supreme Court ACQUITTED accused-appellant Luis Eric Clemente. The Court found that the prosecution failed to establish his guilt for the crime of rape beyond reasonable doubt. The decision of the Regional Trial Court was REVERSED. The Court ordered his immediate release unless other legal grounds for detention existed and directed the Director of Prisons to implement the decision.