GR 188106; (November, 2009) (Digest)
G.R. No. 188106 ; November 25, 2009
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Appellee, vs. ANTONIO DALISAY y DESTRESA, Appellant.
FACTS
The victim, a 16-year-old girl, lived with her siblings and their mother’s live-in partner, appellant Antonio Dalisay, in Quezon City. On July 10, 2003, while she was alone in their room, Dalisay entered, forced her down, and raped her despite her resistance and pleas. He threatened to kill her family if she reported the assault. The victim had been subjected to sexual molestation by Dalisay since she was 13 but remained silent due to fear, compounded by his habit of carrying a knife. The crime was discovered the next day after a sibling, who had witnessed a prior incident, reported it to an aunt, leading to Dalisay’s apprehension. A medico-legal examination revealed physical findings consistent with recent and prior blunt penetrating trauma.
ISSUE
Whether the Court of Appeals correctly affirmed appellant Dalisay’s conviction for the crime of rape.
RULING
Yes, the Supreme Court affirmed the conviction for simple rape. The ruling hinges on the credibility of the victim’s testimony, which the trial court found to be delivered in a “simple, straightforward and spontaneous manner.” In rape cases, the accused can be convicted solely on the victim’s testimony if it is credible, natural, and consistent with human experience. Here, the victim’s clear narration was corroborated by the definitive medical findings of healed and recent lacerations, which supported her account of both the specific incident and prior abuse. The Court gives the highest respect to the trial court’s assessment of witness credibility, finding no reason to overturn it.
The defense of denial, being inherently weak and self-serving, cannot prevail over the positive and credible testimony of the victim. The Court, however, modified the classification from qualified to simple rape. The qualifying circumstance of relationship (stepdaughter) was not sufficiently alleged in the Information, as it failed to state that the appellant is the stepfather of the victim, a requisite under the rules. Consequently, the penalty imposed is reclusion perpetua, in accordance with Republic Act No. 9346 . The awarded damages of ₱50,000.00 as civil indemnity, ₱50,000.00 as moral damages, and ₱25,000.00 as exemplary damages for simple rape were affirmed.