This case has been cited 1 times or more.
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2003-06-27 |
DAVIDE JR., C.J. |
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| A Their house. Q At what time were you abused on June 23, 1997? A Again about 4:00 o'clock in the early morning. Q What were you doing at 4:00 o'clock in the morning of June 23, 1997? A Sleeping. Q What happened while you were sleeping? A Again I was awakened while he was removing my panty then he laid on top of me and again he inserted his penis into my vagina. Q What did you feel when your uncle inserted his penis into your vagina? A Painful.[36] The fact that the series of rape had been committed in almost the same manner and the same time is nothing extraordinary and does not necessarily render the testimony of Irma incredible.[37] In rape cases, the lone testimony of the offended party, if free from serious and material contradictions, is sufficient to sustain a verdict of conviction. In the cases at bar, considering the age of the victim, it is unlikely that her narration is merely the product of a scheming and malicious mind. No woman would openly admit that she was raped and consequently subject herself to an examination of her private parts, undergo the trauma and humiliation of a public trial, and embarrass herself with the need to narrate in detail how she was raped, if she was not raped at all.[38] This ruling especially holds true where the complainant is a minor, whose testimony deserves full credence.[39] And such credibility is definitely enhanced when the accusing words, as in the instant cases, are directed against a close relative, like an uncle.[40] It is thus unthinkable, if not completely preposterous, for Irma to falsely accuse her own uncle in wanton disregard of the unspeakable trauma and social stigma it may generate on her and the entire family. | |||||