G.R. No. 131200 ; February 15, 2002
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. MARIO CASTILLO y FELICILDA, ALLAN ESPLANA y BONCODIN, OLIVER VAIDAL y ALMOGEN, and PABLITO JAVIER JR. y CASTRO, accused-appellants.

FACTS

On February 25, 1997, in Pasay City, 15-year-old Ma. Chanet Agustin was walking home when she met appellants Allan Esplana and Oliver Vaidal. Oliver invited her to drink, which she accepted, trusting Allan who was her boyfriend. They were joined by appellants Mario Castillo and Pablito Javier, Jr. While drinking, Allan began kissing and touching Chanet against her will. Allan then took her behind a pigpen, forced her to lie down, lowered her pants and his shorts, and had sexual intercourse with her. She tried to fight and push him away but was too weak and drunk. Mario, Oliver, and Pablito watched and laughed from a distance. After Allan, Mario lay on top of her, sucked her breasts, and only stopped when she vomited. Allan helped her dress before leaving. Chanet was later found in a semi-catatonic state by her sister, Elizabeth, who was informed by a neighbor, Jerwin Cantero. Jerwin testified he saw the incident, with Allan and Mario naked on top of Chanet, who appeared unconscious, and Oliver kissing her. Chanet and her sister reported the rape to the police, who apprehended the appellants. An NBI medical examination confirmed recent vaginal laceration and the presence of spermatozoa. Seminal stains were also found on Chanet’s denim pants. The defense presented a different version, with Allan admitting to consensual sex, claiming Chanet was angry he refused to elope, and the other appellants denying participation or presence during the act.

ISSUE

Whether the accused-appellants are guilty beyond reasonable doubt of two counts of rape in conspiracy with one another.

RULING

The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Regional Trial Court. Appellants Mario Castillo, Allan Esplana, Oliver Vaidal, and Pablito Javier, Jr. were found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of two counts of rape. The Court upheld the credibility of the victim’s testimony, which was clear, consistent, and corroborated by the eyewitness account of Jerwin Cantero and the medical findings. The defense of consensual sex was rejected, as the victim’s testimony sufficiently established the use of force and intimidation, and her intoxication rendered her incapable of giving consent. The acts of the appellants, by their collective presence and conduct, demonstrated conspiracy. Each appellant was sentenced to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua for each count of rape.