G.R. No. 41669 ; November 22, 1993
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, plaintiff-appellee, vs. SEBASTIAN G. SEGURA, defendant-appellant.

FACTS

Sebastian G. Segura was charged with the rape of his daughter, Sylvia Segura, who was under twelve years old. The prosecution’s evidence, primarily from his wife Rose and daughter Sylvia, alleged that on December 9, 1933, in Lambunao, Iloilo, Sebastian had sexual intercourse with Sylvia. Rose claimed she witnessed the act but remained silent out of fear. The defense contended the charge was fabricated because Rose harbored a grudge against Sebastian for refusing her wish to return to the United States. The trial court convicted Sebastian, finding the testimonies of Rose and Sylvia credible and natural.

ISSUE

Whether the guilt of the accused for the crime of rape was proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

RULING

No. The Supreme Court reversed the conviction and acquitted Sebastian G. Segura. The Court found the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses, Rose and Sylvia Segura, unnatural and unworthy of belief. It noted the improbability of Rose’s claimed reaction, her delay in reporting the incident, and the influence she likely exerted over Sylvia’s testimony. The defense successfully established a motive for fabrication—Rose’s frustration over Sebastian’s refusal to return to America. Given these circumstances, the evidence failed to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The dissent argued similarly, emphasizing the insufficiency and incredibility of the prosecution’s evidence.

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