Case Digest: People vs Batula

People of the Philippines vs. Batula

G.R. No. 181699, November 28, 2012

 

Ponente: Leonardo – De Castro

 

Facts:

Version of the Prosecution: Jerry Batula was found guilty of raping AAA by the lower court in which he filed for an appeal. The prosecution presented AAA, the victim, BBB the mother of AAA ans Samueal Labanda the eyewitness of the circumstances following the rape of AAA and Dr. Felino Gualdrapa the physician who conducted the physical examination of AAA. It was stated that the 9 year old victim went with her mother in their farm in Samar, upon arrival she was instructed by her mother to get lighter from the nipa hut located at the other hill. On her way, she met Batula and noticed that she was following her. Batula seized her and flunk her in the dried creek, and with threats her sando and shorts was stripped by him. Batula succeeded in raping her, but it was later on interrupted when the father came shouting looking for AAA. Batuala immediately picked up her bolo and clothes and left AAA. On his flight Labanda saw him. AAA was then brought to a physician, who examined her and the result sated that there are hymenal lacerations on AAA’s vagina caused by a blunt and hard object like penis.

Verion of the Defense: Batual denied the charges against him. He claimed that he went on the mountain forest with his brother Gil to gather pieces of wood and stayed there for 3 days. In fact they indeed saw a marijuana plantation owned by the father of AAA. When he returned home, he learned from a certain Cabigayan that somebody was raped and that he was the suspect.

Despite, the RTC convicted him beyond reasonable doubt of the crime charged.

 

Issue:

Whether the trial court gravely erred in convicting the accused of the crime charged despite the failure of the prosecution to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

 

Ruling:

No. The OSG representing the state insists that Batula’s guilt was established beyond reasonable doubt by credible testimonies of the prosecution witnesses. SC stated that the credibility of witnesses is resolved primarily by the trial court since it is in a better position to decide the same after having heard the witnesses and observed their conduct deportment and manner of testifying. Findings of the trial court are entitled to the highest degree of respect and will not be disturbed on appeal in the absence of any showing that it overlooked, misunderstood or misapplied some facts or circumstances of weight or substance which would otherwise affect the result of the case. Despite also the non-allegation of AAA’s age to make it a statutory rape, Batula can still be convicted for Rape because it was properly alleged and subsequently proved beyond reasonable doubt during trial.

Share this:

Leave a Reply