GR 86640; (January, 1991) (Digest)
G.R. No. 86640 ; January 25, 1991
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. FRANCISCO NATAN y CALLEJO, accused-appellant.
FACTS
Accused-appellant Francisco Natan, a 55-year-old faith healer or “manghihilot,” was charged with rape. The victim, Marilyn Toledo, was 14 years old, frail, and suffering from a mental disorder in August 1986. Her mother solicited Natan’s help to cure her. During treatments at the victim’s home in Pateros, Metro Manila, Natan, on a visit when the parents were absent, used a cord to tie Marilyn’s hands and placed a pillow over her face. He increased the volume of a tape recorder he brought, removed her clothing, and succeeded in having carnal knowledge with her. Afterward, he threatened to kill her if she told anyone. The victim reported the incident to her mother weeks later, leading to a police report and a medico-legal examination confirming recent sexual intercourse.
The defense, consisting solely of Natan’s testimony, denied the accusation. He claimed his interactions with the victim were purely spiritual healing sessions conducted with her parents present. He alleged the complaint was motivated by professional jealousy from another faith healer and a past grievance held by the victim’s father over an unmet rice ration.
ISSUE
Whether the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that accused-appellant Francisco Natan committed rape against Marilyn Toledo.
RULING
Yes, the Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. The Court found the victim’s testimony credible, straightforward, and consistent. It held that her mental condition did not impair her credibility but rather explained her initial subdued reaction and delayed reporting. The Court emphasized that the force or intimidation required in rape is relative and depends on the circumstances. Here, the accused employed moral ascendancy as a trusted healer, intimidation through threats, and physical restraint by tying the victim’s hands and covering her face. These acts, coupled with the victim’s age, frail health, and mental state, rendered meaningful resistance impossible. The medico-legal findings corroborated her account of recent sexual intercourse.
The trial court’s factual findings on credibility are generally binding on appeal, and the defense of denial cannot prevail over the positive identification and credible testimony of the victim. The Court modified the judgment by ordering the accused to pay the victim P30,000.00 as civil indemnity, in line with prevailing jurisprudence. The appealed decision was affirmed with this modification.