This case has been cited 6 times or more.
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2004-07-07 |
VITUG, J. |
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| As so often said, this Court, is guided in its review of trial court decisions in rape cases by certain guidelines, i.e., (1) that an accusation for rape can be made with facility; (2) that the crime is difficult to prove but more difficult for the person accused, though innocent, to disprove; (3) that, in view of the nature of the offense of rape where only two persons are usually involved, the testimony of the complainant is scrutinized with extreme caution; and (4) the evidence for the prosecution stands or falls on its own merits and cannot be allowed to draw strength from the weakness of the defense.[13] More frequently than not, however, the thrust of the issues focuses on the credibility of the victim. In this respect, great reliance is made on the evaluation made by the trial court because of its unique opportunity to observe the witnesses, particularly their demeanor, conduct, and attitude, during the direct and cross-examination by counsel.[14] | |||||
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2001-11-29 |
MENDOZA, J. |
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| This being so, the penalty of death cannot be imposed on accused-appellant and he can only be convicted of simple rape, which has the commensurate penalty of reclusion perpetua. Accordingly, the award of indemnity in the amount of P75,000.00 should be reduced to P50,000.00 pursuant to current case law.[38] The award of moral damages in the amount of P50,000.00 must be sustained as it is in accord with our recent rulings.[39] Considering further that the aggravating circumstance of relationship, although insufficient to warrant the imposition of the penalty of death for lack of specificity in the allegation, has been alleged in the information and proven during trial, the award of exemplary damages is upheld with the modification that the same is increased to P25,000.00.[40] | |||||
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2001-10-23 |
PANGANIBAN, J. |
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| Well-settled is the rule that in a review of a rape case, this Court is guided by the following principles: (1) to make an accusation of rape is easy, but to disprove it is difficult though the accused may be innocent; (2) in view of the nature of the crime which usually involves only two persons, the testimony of the complainant must be scrutinized with extreme caution; and (3) the evidence for the prosecution must stand or fall on its own merits and not be allowed to draw strength from the weakness of the evidence for the defense.[15] | |||||
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2001-10-03 |
MENDOZA, J. |
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| With respect to the award of damages, we find the P50,000.00 indemnity given by the trial court in favor of Maribel Ariola for each count of rape to be in accordance with current case law.[29] In addition, however, moral damages in the amount of P50,000.00 for each count of rape should likewise be awarded to Maribel. In rape cases, the moral sufferings of the victim are presumed and need not be proved.[30] On the other hand, the generic aggravating circumstance of relationship, although proven by the prosecution and admitted by accused-appellant in these cases, cannot justify the award of exemplary damages for lack of allegation of this fact in the informations. | |||||
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2001-09-07 |
PARDO, J. |
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| Accused-appellants attempted to discredit the victim by presenting testimonies that she was a prostitute. At a tender age of 12 years, it is difficult to believe that complainant would engage in such sexual disgrace. Even if it were so, the fact that one was a prostitute did not negate the commission of rape. Even a prostitute can be a victim of rape.[28] | |||||
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2000-10-18 |
PER CURIAM |
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| to disprove; (2) in view of the nature of the crime of rape where only two persons are usually involved, the testimony of the complainant is scrutinized with extreme caution; and (3) the evidence for the prosecution stands or falls on its own merits and cannot be allowed to draw strength from the weakness of the defense.[13] In rape cases, the accused may be convicted solely on the testimony of the rape victim if her testimony is credible, natural, convincing, and consistent with human nature and the normal course of things. For, by its very nature, rape is committed with the | |||||