GR L 5693; (February, 1953) (Digest)
March 11, 2026GR 113216; (October, 1997) (Digest)
March 11, 2026G.R. No. 235783, September 25, 2019
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, APPELLEE, VS. ANTHONY CHAVEZ Y VILLAREAL @ ESTONG AND MICHELLE BAUTISTA Y DELA CRUZ, ACCUSED, ANTHONY CHAVEZ Y VILLAREAL @ ESTONG, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.
FACTS
Accused-appellant Anthony Chavez y Villareal @ Estong (Estong) was charged with rape (Criminal Case No. 140189) for allegedly having sexual intercourse with AAA, a 13-year-old minor, on or about May 15, 2009, through force and intimidation. Estong and Michelle Bautista y Dela Cruz (Bautista) were jointly charged with violation of Section 5(b) of Republic Act No. 7610 (RA 7610) (Criminal Case No. 140190) for allegedly conspiring to commit acts of lasciviousness against BBB, a 12-year-old minor, on or about May 17, 2009. The prosecution presented AAA, who testified that Estong invited her to his house, played an x-rated film, and then raped her. BBB testified that Bautista called her to buy items and bring them to Estong’s house, where Estong undressed and molested her while Bautista watched. Their testimony was corroborated by witness Eva Galvez, who saw the incident. The defense presented denial and alibi. The Regional Trial Court (RTC) convicted Estong of rape and both accused of violating RA 7610. The Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the convictions with modifications to the damages awarded. Estong appealed to the Supreme Court.
ISSUE
The primary issue is whether the prosecution proved the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt for the crimes charged.
RULING
The Supreme Court PARTIALLY GRANTED the appeal. It REVERSED and SET ASIDE the CA decision convicting Estong of rape, thereby ACQUITTING him of that charge. The Court found that the prosecution failed to prove the element of force, threat, or intimidation in the rape case, as AAA’s testimony indicated a lack of earnest resistance and she admitted to prior sexual advances by Estong yet still accepted his invitation. However, the Court AFFIRMED the CA decision finding both Estong and Bautista guilty beyond reasonable doubt of sexual abuse under Section 5(b) of RA 7610 in Criminal Case No. 140190. The Court sustained the credibility of BBB and the corroborating witness, Galvez, and held that the defenses of denial and alibi could not prevail. The award of moral damages in the amount of P50,000.00 for the violation of RA 7610 was sustained, with interest.