At around 2:00 o'clock in the morning, [he] was awakened by the punches thrown
at him by AAA's uncle, CCC, who claimed to have seen him molesting the girl. He
was surprised. Another uncle, ODD, followed suit and both clobbered him. His
cousin, Randy Ramirez, intervened to pacify, and brought him home. At home, he
narrated to his mother what [had] happened, and she cried. Then, policemen
arrived at their house to arrest him, although without showing any warrant of
arrest.[8]
Ruling of the Regional Trial Court
In its Decision dated February 3, 2011, the RTC found appellant guilty beyond
reasonable doubt of rape under Article 266 of the Revised Penal Code in Criminal
Case No. 07-0284 and acts of lasciviousness under Article 336 in Criminal Case
No. 07-0589.[9] It held that:
On the first rape, AAA narrated that she was roused from sleep when accused was
removing her pajama and panty. After removing he[r] pajama and panty, accused
licked her vagina, [and] inserted something hard into [it]. [She later clarified that it
was appellant's penis that was inserted into her vagina] She did not disclose this to
anybody because accused told her not to tell it to anybody.[10]
xxxx
On the alleged (second rape incident], AAA narrated that she was roused from
sleep when her uncle[,] CCC[,] was shouting angry words at the accused when they
saw the latter lying on top of AAA. x x x It is clear from AAA's testimony that when
the accused carried out the lecherous intent on March 18, 2007, he did not commit
rape, consummated nor attempt[ed]. There [was] no indication that accused
successfully penetrated, at least the labia of AAA. Accused should only be held
liable for acts of lasciviousness.[11]
Accordingly, the RTC sentenced appe1lant to suffer the penalty of a) reclusion
perpetua and to pay "AAA" P75,000.00 as civil indemnity, P75.000.00 as moral
damages and P50,000.00 as exemplary damages in Criminal Case No. 07-0284;
and b) imprisonment of six (6) months of arresto mayor, as minimum, to four (4)
years and two (2) months of prision correccional, as maximum, and to pay "AAA"
P30,000.00 as civil indemnity, P30,000.00 as moral damages and P20,000.00 as
exemplary damages in Criminal Case No. 07-0589.[12]
Appellant thereafter appealed the RTC Decision before the CA.
Ruling of the Court of Appeals
The CA affirmed the RTC Decision in toto. Like the RTC, the CA found "AAA's"