GR 168101; (February, 2006) (Digest)
G.R. No. 168101, February 13, 2006
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Appellee, vs. GREGORIO CORPUZ Y ESPIRITU, Appellant.
FACTS
The appellant, Gregorio Corpuz, was charged with the qualified rape of his 13-year-old daughter, Juvilie Corpuz. The family lived in Gattaran, Cagayan, while the mother worked abroad. On the night of November 17, 1996, Juvilie was sleeping in a room with her two sisters and her father. She was awakened by pain in her private parts and discovered her father on top of her, sexually assaulting her. She shouted and pushed him away, prompting him to beg for forgiveness, claiming he was “only dreaming.” He then threatened her to prevent her from reporting the incident. Juvilie eventually disclosed the rape to her uncle, leading to a medical examination which revealed healed lacerations consistent with sexual intercourse.
The Regional Trial Court found Gregorio Corpuz guilty beyond reasonable doubt of qualified rape and imposed the death penalty. Pursuant to the ruling in People v. Mateo, the case was referred to the Court of Appeals for intermediate review. The Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction but modified the awarded damages.
ISSUE
Whether the Court of Appeals correctly affirmed the conviction of Gregorio Corpuz for the crime of qualified rape.
RULING
Yes, the Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeals. The Court found the testimony of the victim, Juvilie, to be credible, straightforward, and consistent. Her detailed account of the sexual assault, including her immediate outcry, her recognition of her father as the perpetrator, and his subsequent plea for forgiveness and threats, constituted clear and convincing evidence. The medical findings of healed hymenal lacerations corroborated her claim of penetration. The defense of denial and alibi offered by the appellant was weak and could not prevail over the positive identification and credible testimony of the victim.
The crime was properly qualified as rape under Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, due to the victim being under eighteen years of age and the offender being her parent. However, with the enactment of Republic Act No. 9346 prohibiting the imposition of the death penalty, the penalty was reduced to reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole. The Court affirmed the modified damages awarded by the Court of Appeals: P75,000 as civil indemnity, P75,000 as moral damages, and P25,000 as exemplary damages, all with legal interest.