G.R. No. L-28884 July 25, 1969
The People of the Philippines, plaintiff-appellee, vs. Noly Sia, defendant-appellant.

FACTS

Complainant Rubina Aguirre, a public school teacher, and defendant-appellant Noly Sia, a fellow teacher, were sweethearts. On March 27, 1967, appellant visited Aguirre at her boarding house. Upon learning she had a headache, he gave her two tablets. After taking them, she felt dizzy, went to her room, and slept. She later awoke to find a man having carnal knowledge of her; she felt weak and helpless, her lips were numb, but she recognized the man as appellant. After the act, he buttoned his clothes, begged her not to tell anyone, and promised to marry her. About a month later, she realized she was pregnant. She did not immediately report the incident, expecting appellant to fulfill his promise. However, in early August 1967, appellant married another woman, Leonor Antonio. Consequently, on August 21, 1967, Aguirre filed a complaint for rape. A medical examination confirmed her pregnancy, and she later gave birth to a baby boy in December 1967. Appellant admitted to the carnal act but claimed it was with Aguirre’s consent, alleging they had been intimate on multiple occasions. The trial court convicted appellant of rape and sentenced him to life imprisonment, with orders to acknowledge and support the child and indemnify Aguirre.

ISSUE

Whether the guilt of the appellant for the crime of rape has been proven beyond reasonable doubt.

RULING

No. The Supreme Court reversed the conviction for rape. While it did not imply that complainant’s version was false or that her probity was doubted, the Court held that the quantum of evidence required to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt was not met. The case hinged on the uncorroborated testimony of the complainant against that of the appellant, coupled with the fact that the complaint was filed almost five months after the alleged rape and immediately after appellant married another woman. However, since the commission of the carnal act was admitted and the paternity of the resulting child was not denied, the Court affirmed the lower court’s orders for appellant to acknowledge and support the child and to indemnify the complainant. The case was remanded to the lower court for the determination of the specific amount for child support. The penalty of life imprisonment was eliminated.