G.R. No. 175831; April 12, 2011
People of the Philippines, Appellee, vs. Florante Relanes alias “Dante,” Appellant

FACTS

This is an automatic review of the Court of Appeals (CA) Decision affirming with modification the Joint Decision of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Sorsogon City. Appellant Florante Relanes was charged with two counts of qualified rape committed against his daughter, “AAA.” The Informations alleged that the rapes occurred in the first week of August 2002 and on January 9, 2003, in Barangay “CCC,” Municipality of “DDD,” Province of “EEE.” In both instances, the appellant, armed with a bolo and by means of force, threat, and intimidation, had sexual intercourse with “AAA,” who was 13 and 14 years old respectively at the times of the incidents, resulting in her pregnancy. Upon arraignment, appellant pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution presented “AAA,” her mother “BBB,” and Dr. Ronald Lim. “AAA” testified that her father began raping her when she was eight years old, and the abuse continued until January 9, 2003. The rapes occurred weekly, often on Thursdays around 7:00 PM when her mother was away vending vegetables. Appellant used a bolo to threaten her and prevent her from reporting the acts. Despite her pregnancy, the abuse continued. On January 24, 2003, after appellant had left for Manila, “AAA” disclosed the rapes to her mother. They reported to the authorities, and a medical examination confirmed healed lacerations and pregnancy. Dr. Lim testified to these medical findings. “BBB” corroborated the report and the victim’s birth date.
The defense presented only the appellant. He initially denied the August 2002 rape but later admitted to having sexual intercourse with “AAA” at that time. However, he denied the January 9, 2003 rape, claiming he had already left for Manila before that date.
The RTC found “AAA’s” testimony credible and convicted appellant of two counts of qualified rape, sentencing him to double death and ordering him to pay damages. The CA affirmed the conviction but modified the awards of civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages.

ISSUE

The core issue is whether the prosecution proved the guilt of the appellant for the crime of qualified rape beyond reasonable doubt.

RULING

The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. The Court held that the testimony of the victim, “AAA,” was clear, positive, and consistent. It passed the test of credibility and was sufficient to sustain a conviction for rape, as such crimes are often unwitnessed. The Court found no reason to deviate from the factual findings of the trial and appellate courts, which are accorded great respect.
The Court rejected appellant’s defenses. His admission of sexual intercourse in August 2002 constituted judicial confession. His denial of the January 2003 rape, based on alibi, was weak and uncorroborated and could not prevail over “AAA’s” positive identification and credible testimony. The medical findings of healed lacerations and pregnancy corroborated the victim’s account.
The crimes were qualified rape under Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code, as the victim was under 18 and the offender was her parent. However, due to the passage of Republic Act No. 9346 prohibiting the death penalty, the Supreme Court imposed the penalty of reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole for each count of rape.
The Court affirmed the modified damages awarded by the CA: ₱75,000.00 as civil indemnity, ₱50,000.00 as moral damages, and ₱25,000.00 as exemplary damages for each count of rape.