6(5), both of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), as amended by Republic Act No.
8353[3] (RA 8353), in relation to Republic Act No. 7610[4] (RA 7610). The accusatory
portion of the Information reads, thus:
That on or about the 11th day of October 2004, at Paykek, Municipality of
Kapangan, Province of Benguet, Philippines and within the jurisdiction of this
Honorable Court, the above-mentioned accused, did then and there willfully,
unlawfully and feloniously have carnal knowledge with one AAA, a minor, four (4)
years, four (4) months and twenty-one (21) days of age against her will and
consent, to her great damage, prejudice and mental anguish.
CONTRARY TO LAW.[5]
Upon arraignment, accused-appellant pleaded not guilty.[6]
The case proceeded to trial where the prosecution presented AAA's mother, AAA's
two (2) classmates, the police officer who took the statements of AAA's mother and
her classmates, as well as the psychologist who examined AAA. No documentary or
object evidence was presented by the prosecution.
After the prosecution rested its case, accused-appellant, through counsel, chose not
to adduce evidence in his behalf.
After trial, the RTC rendered its Judgment dated September 21, 2012 finding
accused-appellant guilty as charged. The dispositive portion of the trial court's
decision reads, thus:
WHEREFORE, accused EDWIN DAGSA y BANTAS alias "WING WING" is hereby
found GUILTY BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT OF THE CRIME OF RAPE. He is
sentenced to suffer the penalty of Reclusion Perpetua and is ordered to pay the
private complainant P75,000.00 as civil indemnity, P75,000.00 as moral damages
and P25,000.00 as exemplary damages. All damages awarded in this case should
be imposed with interest at the rate of six (6) percent per annum from the finality
of this judgment until fully paid (People v. Asetre, G.R. No. 175834, June 8, 2011).
In view of the prison term of the accused which is more than 3 years, he is
considered a national prisoner (P.D. 29 and Supreme Court Circular No. 4-92-A),
hence, he is ordered transferred to the New Bilibid Prison at Muntinlupa City. By
virtue thereof, issue a corresponding commitment order.
SO ORDERED.[7]