GR 208091; (April, 2018) (Digest)
G.R. No. 208091 . April 23, 2018.
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, V. BENITO MOLEJON, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.
FACTS
Accused-appellant Benito Molejon was charged with five counts of Qualified Rape and eleven counts of Acts of Lasciviousness against his two minor stepdaughters, AAA and BBB. The prosecution established that from 2001 to 2003, Molejon repeatedly sexually assaulted the victims in their home in Isabela, Basilan. The victims testified in detail about the incidents, describing how Molejon would kiss them, touch their private parts, and forcibly have carnal knowledge. They were threatened with death if they reported the acts. The crimes were discovered when the victims’ mother, CCC, witnessed Molejon molesting BBB, prompting the victims to reveal the full extent of the abuse. Medical examinations revealed healed hymenal lacerations consistent with prior sexual intercourse.
The accused-appellant denied the charges, arguing that the testimonies were incredible and that force or intimidation was not proven. He claimed the victims acted normally despite the alleged abuse and that the setting made the crimes impossible. The Regional Trial Court convicted him on all counts, a decision affirmed with modifications on damages by the Court of Appeals. Molejon appealed to the Supreme Court, challenging the credibility of the victims and the sufficiency of evidence.
ISSUE
Whether the Court of Appeals erred in affirming the conviction of the accused-appellant for five counts of Qualified Rape and eleven counts of Acts of Lasciviousness.
RULING
The Supreme Court denied the appeal and affirmed the convictions. The Court held that the testimonies of the minor victims were credible, consistent, and sufficient to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The defense of denial cannot prevail over the positive and categorical identification by the victims. In rape cases, the victim’s testimony, if credible, is sufficient to sustain a conviction. The Court found no ill motive for the victims to falsely accuse their stepfather, and their straightforward narrations, corroborated by medical findings, were deemed credible.
The qualifying circumstance of relationship (stepfather-stepdaughter) was duly alleged and proven, warranting the imposition of the death penalty. However, pursuant to Republic Act No. 9346 , the penalty was reduced to reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole. The Court also affirmed the awards of damages, including civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages for each count of rape, and corresponding amounts for acts of lasciviousness, pursuant to prevailing jurisprudence. The fine for each child victim under Republic Act No. 7610 was also imposed. The appeal was devoid of merit.