Documente Academic
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Documente Cultură
ISSUE: Is the accused-appellant guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of rape? RULING: Yes, the Court ruled that inconsistencies in testimonies of witnesses which refer only to minor details do not affect the veracity of their testimonies when the principal occurrence and positive identification of accused is made and indeed proves that such inconsistencies speaks of spontaneity and the unrehearsed nature of such undertaking. Inability of the victim, AA, to recall the exact date of the incident cannot discredit credibility of victim since it is not an essential element of the crime. Neither is the delay in filing the crime a stain on the credibility of witnesses since it is common for rape victims to prefer silence for fear and lack of courage. Furthermore, the employment of force, threat, intimidation are not elements of statutory rape, only carnal knowledge must be proven to have taken place. Alibi or denial is the weakest defense as it is easy to concoct and difficult to disprove. The Court affirms the decision of the CA with the following modifications: (1) death penalty is reduced to reclusion perpetua, (2) PHP 75,000 as moral damages, PHP 30,000 as exemplary damages, and PHP 75,000 as civil indemnity and remanded to the court a quo for disposition in accordance with Section 51 of RA 9344.