G.R. No. 215341. November 28, 2016.
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. MARLON MANSON Y RESULTAY, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.

FACTS

Accused-appellant Marlon Manson y Resultay was charged with the statutory rape of AAA, an eight-year-old minor. The Information alleged that on or about December 10, 2006, in Baguio City, the accused, by means of force and intimidation, had carnal knowledge of AAA against her will and consent, taking advantage of her minority. Upon arraignment, Manson pleaded not guilty. The prosecution presented AAA’s testimony that on the afternoon of December 10, 2006, while on an errand, she met Manson near a vacant lot. He asked her to help look for eggs in a grassy area, then suddenly strangled her from behind, rendering her unconscious. Upon regaining consciousness, she felt pain in her genitals and neck, and discovered her genitals were bleeding. She crawled home, where her mother, BBB, observed her injuries and profuse genital bleeding. AAA was taken to Benguet General Hospital, where she was found to have a one-inch laceration in her genitalia requiring stitches, hematoma on her neck, and bleeding in the eye area. The defense consisted of denial and alibi, with Manson claiming he was drinking with his uncles and later accompanied one uncle to wait for a ride during the time of the incident. He was arrested the following day.

ISSUE

Whether the prosecution proved the guilt of accused-appellant Marlon Manson y Resultay for the crime of statutory rape beyond reasonable doubt.

RULING

Yes. The Supreme Court affirmed the decisions of the lower courts, finding Manson guilty beyond reasonable doubt of statutory rape. The Court held that all elements of statutory rape were established: (1) the victim was under twelve years of age (eight years old per her birth certificate), and (2) the accused had carnal knowledge of her. Carnal knowledge was proven through AAA’s testimony, corroborated by the medical finding of a fourth-degree laceration in her ano-genital area, consistent with penetration by a male sexual organ. Although AAA was unconscious during the act and did not see the perpetrator, her positive identification of Manson as the man who strangled her before she lost consciousness, coupled with the circumstantial evidence (e.g., she was last seen with him, her injuries were consistent with strangulation and sexual assault), sufficiently established his guilt. The Court modified the damages awarded by the Court of Appeals, increasing the civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages to ₱75,000.00 each, and awarding actual damages of ₱14,439.25. The penalty of reclusion perpetua was affirmed.