GR 86744; (March, 1992) (Digest)
G.R. No. 86744 March 11, 1992
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. PEDRO BUENAVENTURA and ILUMINADA ARESGADO, accused-appellants.
FACTS
Accused-appellants Pedro Buenaventura and Iluminada Aresgado were prosecuted for rape committed on June 20, 1985, at Barangay Dapdap, Uson, Masbate. After trial, they were acquitted in one case (Criminal Case No. 4995) but convicted in another (Criminal Case No. 4994). The trial court sentenced Buenaventura to reclusion perpetua and Aresgado, as an accomplice, to an indeterminate prison term. Both were ordered to pay moral damages. The complainant, Marilyn Arma, a 15-year-old girl, testified that on June 20, 1985, Aresgado fetched her to pick lice from her head at their house. After a while, Aresgado pushed her into a room where Buenaventura was lying down. Buenaventura stood up, threatened her with a knife, and told her he would kill her if she shouted. Out of fear, she cried but could not resist. Buenaventura undressed himself, forced her to lie down, and had sexual intercourse with her while Aresgado watched and laughed nearby. The defense was denial and an allegation that an unknown man went to the victim’s house. Appellants assailed the credibility of Marilyn’s testimony, citing the 13-day delay in reporting the incident and minor inconsistencies.
ISSUE
Whether the trial court erred in convicting the accused-appellants of rape based on the testimony of the complainant.
RULING
The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. The testimony of Marilyn Arma was found to be clear, positive, and unequivocal. The delay in reporting the incident was understandable due to the threats on her life. Minor inconsistencies in her testimony did not destroy its substance. The trial court’s findings on credibility were accorded great respect, as it had the opportunity to observe the witnesses’ demeanor. The Court noted that the complainant was a young, innocent barrio lass whose will was overpowered by threats from an older man entrusted by her father to watch over her. The evidence met the standard for conviction in rape cases where the testimony is credible and rings true. The decision of the trial court was affirmed in toto.