Case Digest: PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES v. ROLANDO REYES y NACE 512 SCRA 712 (2007), EN BANC

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES v. ROLANDO REYES y NACE 512 SCRA 712 (2007), EN BANC 

No mother in her right mind would expose her daughter to the disgrace and trauma resulting from a prosecution for rape if she was not genuinely motivated by a desire to incarcerate the person responsible for her daughter’s defilement. Rolando Reyes y Nace (Reyes) was charged with four counts of rape committed against his 15- year old daughter AAA. Reyes denied the charges against him and interposed denial and alibi. Reyes claimed that his wife had an affair with Felixberto Viernes, the former chief of police of Villaverde who insinuated her to fabricate charges against him. The RTC found Reyes guilty beyond reasonable doubt of four counts of rape. Subsequently, the Court of Appeals affirmed the decision of the RTC with modification. Hence, this petition.

ISSUE:

Whether or not Reyes‘ defense should be given credence

HELD:

AAA‘s credibility as a witness has not been questioned. And her testimony is indeed credible and consistent, and bears the earmarks of sincerity. While Reyes‘ denial and alibi are legitimate defenses, they are mere assertions, however; hence, they cannot overcome the testimony of AAA. The insinuation of Reyes that his wife instigated the filing of the charges against him, which is not uncommon in rape cases, appears to be just a futile attempt to exonerate himself. Not a few persons convicted of rape have attributed the charges against them to family feuds, resentment, or revenge. However, such alleged motives have never swayed us from lending full credence to the testimony of a complainant who remained steadfast through her direct and cross-examination. It is unnatural for a parent to use her offspring as an instrument of malice, especially if it will subject them to embarrassment and even stigma. No mother in her right mind would expose her daughter to the disgrace and trauma resulting from a prosecution for rape if she was not genuinely motivated by a desire to incarcerate the person responsible for her daughter‘s defilement.