GR 199868; (December, 2013) (Digest)
G.R. No. 199868; December 11, 2013
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. DALTON LAURIAN, JR. y PUGSOT, Accused-Appellant.
FACTS
The prosecution alleged that on September 28, 2001, in Buguias, Benguet, appellant Dalton Laurian, Jr., forcibly dragged the 16-year-old victim, AAA, from a pathway to various locations. Despite her resistance and attempts to pull away, he eventually brought her to a school classroom. There, he made her lie down, kissed her, and held her breasts. AAA struggled and lost consciousness after bumping her head. She regained consciousness at 3:00 a.m., feeling pain, finding her pants unzipped, and seeing blood in her underwear. Medical examination revealed healed hymenal lacerations consistent with sexual abuse. A psychologist also found AAA suffering from intense anxiety due to a traumatic experience. The defense presented a contrary version, claiming the encounter was consensual, that AAA never resisted or shouted, and that they merely conversed in the classroom.
ISSUE
The core issue is whether the prosecution proved the guilt of the appellant for the crime of rape beyond reasonable doubt.
RULING
The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. The Court upheld the factual findings of the trial court and the Court of Appeals, giving great weight to the credibility of the victim’s testimony, which was found to be candid, consistent, and worthy of belief. The medical findings of healed hymenal lacerations corroborated her account of sexual intercourse. The Court rejected the defense of consensual acts, noting that the victim’s failure to shout immediately did not negate rape, as fear can produce silence, especially given the appellant’s drunken state and threats. Her subsequent conduct, including delayed reporting out of fear and the appellant’s own attempts to settle by offering marriage, bolstered the prosecution’s case. The element of carnal knowledge through force or intimidation was thus established. The Court modified the damages, increasing exemplary damages to Thirty Thousand Pesos (₱30,000.00) and imposing legal interest on all damages awarded.