G.R. No. 248815 . March 23, 2022.
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. XXX, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.

FACTS

Accused-appellant XXX was charged with Qualified Trafficking in Persons (two counts under Criminal Case Nos. C-87527 and C-87606) and Rape (one count under Criminal Case No. C-87528). The charges stemmed from incidents involving minors AAA (14 years old) and BBB (13 years old). AAA testified that in September 2011, she was brought by BBB to a hotel where they met accused-appellant. After being convinced to use shabu, AAA was taken to a separate room by accused-appellant. Despite her pleas and resistance, accused-appellant forcibly undressed her and had carnal knowledge of her twice, causing her to bleed. In subsequent weeks, accused-appellant, with BBB’s assistance, compelled AAA to engage in sexual intercourse with male customers for money, with the proceeds being shared among them. AAA’s mother later discovered the ordeal, leading to a police report and an entrapment operation where accused-appellant was arrested. A medical examination of AAA confirmed blunt penetrating trauma to her hymen and she tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease. The defense claimed that accused-appellant met AAA only on October 12, 2011, through BBB, who offered AAA’s sexual services for money, but he called off the arrangement upon noticing AAA’s young age, after which police arrested him. The Regional Trial Court (RTC) acquitted accused-appellant in Criminal Case No. C-87606 for insufficient evidence regarding BBB but convicted him for Qualified Trafficking in Persons and Rape against AAA. The Court of Appeals affirmed the RTC’s decision with modification.

ISSUE

Whether the Court of Appeals correctly affirmed accused-appellant’s conviction for Qualified Trafficking in Persons and Rape.

RULING

Yes, the Court of Appeals correctly affirmed the conviction. The Supreme Court upheld the findings of the lower courts, giving full credence to AAA’s credible and consistent testimony, which was corroborated by medical evidence showing healed lacerations consistent with sexual intercourse and a sexually transmitted disease. The elements of Qualified Trafficking in Persons under Republic Act No. 9208 were established: (1) the act of “hiring” or “maintaining” a person for the purpose of prostitution; (2) the act was done for profit or consideration; and (3) the trafficked person was a child at the time of the commission of the offense. The prosecution proved that accused-appellant, for profit, maintained AAA to engage in sexual intercourse with men, taking advantage of her vulnerability as a 14-year-old. For the crime of Rape under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, the prosecution proved that accused-appellant had carnal knowledge of AAA through force and intimidation, against her will and without her consent. The defense of denial and frame-up was rejected for being weak and unsupported by evidence. The Supreme Court affirmed the penalties imposed by the Court of Appeals: life imprisonment and a fine of P2,000,000.00 for Qualified Trafficking in Persons, and reclusion perpetua for Rape, with corresponding damages awarded to the victim.