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Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence > Year 2013 > November 2013 Decisions > G.R. No. 192941, November 13, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. DANIEL ALCOBER, Accused-Appellant.:




G.R. No. 192941, November 13, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. DANIEL ALCOBER, Accused-Appellant.

PHILIPPINE SUPREME COURT DECISIONS

FIRST DIVISION

G.R. No. 192941, November 13, 2013

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. DANIEL ALCOBER, Accused-Appellant.

D E C I S I O N

LEONARDO-DE CASTRO, J.:

This is an appeal1 from the Decision2 of the Court of Appeals dated May 29, 2009 in CA-G.R. CR.-H.C. No. 00063, which affirmed with modification the Decision3 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Carigara, Leyte finding accused-appellant Daniel Alcober guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of rape.

Accused-appellant Alcober was charged in an Information dated February 12, 2001, as follows:

That on or about the 20th day of July, 1999, in the municipality of Tu�ga, Province of Leyte, Philippines and within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, the above-named accused, with deliberate intent and with lewd designs and by use of force and intimidation then armed with a long bolo (sundang), taking advantage of the minority of the victim and their relationship, the accused being [the] common-law spouse of the victim�s mother, did then and there wilfully, unlawfully and feloniously had (sic) carnal knowledge with AAA,4 against her will and to her damage and prejudice.5

Accused-appellant pleaded not guilty to the offense charged.

During the pre-trial, accused-appellant admitted that the incident happened on the 20th day of July 1999 in the municipality of Tunga, Leyte, and that he is �the common-law spouse of the victim�s mother.�� The prosecution furthermore proposed to have the accused-appellant admit that AAA was a minor at the time of the incident, but the court insisted that it be proven with a Birth Certificate.6

AAA testified that she was around 10 years old and was in Grade 5 when accused-appellant and her mother started living together as husband and wife.� She considered accused-appellant to be her father and calls him �Tatay.�� Her mother is the one earning for the family, by selling bananas in Carigara, Leyte.7

On July 20, 1999, at around 2:00 a.m., AAA was in their house in Tunga, Leyte.� Her mother was away, selling bananas in Carigara, while her younger siblings were upstairs, sleeping.� At that time, AAA was in second year high school and was thirteen years old.� After working on her school assignment, AAA cooked rice downstairs in the kitchen.� While she was busy cooking rice, she did not notice the arrival of accused-appellant, who suddenly embraced her from her back.� She identified accused-appellant as the person who embraced her since she immediately turned around and the place was illuminated by a kerosene lamp.� AAA resisted and was able to release herself from accused-appellant�s hold.� Accused-appellant unsheathed the long bolo, locally called a sundang, from the scabbard on his waist and ordered her to go upstairs.� Poking the sundang at AAA�s stomach, he then ordered AAA to take off her shorts, and told her he will kill her, her siblings and her mother if she does not do as she was told.8

AAA complied with accused-appellant�s orders.� When she was lying on the floor, already undressed, accused-appellant placed the sundang beside her on her left side.� He took off his shirt and shorts and went on top of her.� AAA did not shout since accused-appellant threatened to kill them all if she did.� He held her hair with his right hand and touched her private parts with his left hand.� He then �poked� his penis into her vagina and made a push and pull movement.� AAA felt pain.� Accused-appellant kissed her and said �Ah, you�re still a virgin.�� When accused-appellant was done, he stood and said �If you will tell this to anybody, I will kill you.�9

AAA did not tell her mother about the incident as she was afraid accused-appellant will execute his threat to kill them all.� The sexual advances were thereafter repeated every time AAA�s mother sold bananas on Wednesdays and Sundays.10

On January 8, 2001, accused-appellant ordered AAA to pack and go with him to Tabontabon, Leyte, threatening once more to kill her siblings if she does not comply.� In Tabontabon, accused-appellant once again forced AAA to have sex with him.� The following day, AAA�s mother, accompanied by police officers of Tunga, Leyte, arrived, searching for AAA and the accused-appellant.� AAA was finally able to talk to her mother, which led to AAA�s filing a complaint for rape against accused-appellant.� Accused-appellant was arrested a few days later on January 11, 2001.11

Dr. Rogelio Gariando, Municipal Health Officer IV of the Carigara District Hospital, requested a vaginal smear in the course of his physical examination of AAA.� Dr. Gariando testified that the specimen secured from AAA at around 2:00 p.m. of January 10, 2001 was positive for the presence of spermatozoa.12� Medical Technologist II of Carigara District Hospital, Alicia Adizas, confirmed the finding of Dr. Gariando.13

BBB, the mother of AAA, testified that she and accused-appellant Alcober lived together from 1989 to 2001.� BBB and accused-appellant had three children, who were three, eight and ten years old, as of her testimony on October 30, 2001.� AAA, however, was her daughter with a previous live-in partner.� AAA was six years old when she and accused-appellant Alcober started living together.� BBB was the one who supported their family the entire time they lived together, since accused-appellant was not always gainfully employed.� AAA called accused-appellant �Tatay.�14

BBB resided in Tunga, Leyte, while AAA was living with BBB�s sister, CCC.� The house of CCC was around one kilometer away from her and accused-appellant�s house.� AAA, however, was frequently in BBB�s house since she had lunch there and since it was nearer to her school than CCC�s house.� BBB remembered AAA crying on July 20, 1999, but when she asked AAA, the latter told her that she was merely fondled by accused-appellant.� AAA was 13 years old on July 20, 1999.15

On January 8, 2001, when BBB learned that accused-appellant took AAA to Tabontabon, Leyte, she immediately looked for them in Burauen, Leyte.� When she failed to find them there, she reported the apparent abduction of AAA to the PNP in Tunga.� Together with an uncle of accused-appellant, she reached Tabontabon at around 9:30 in the morning, but found only AAA.� She asked AAA why she went with accused-appellant, to which AAA replied that she was threatened by accused-appellant that he would kill them all.� AAA also told her that she was actually raped by accused-appellant on July 20, 1999.16

For the defense, Tunga resident Ernesto Davocol testified that sometime on July 20, 1999, he saw AAA and accused-appellant, carrying a bag and a bolo, in front of the municipal cemetery of Tunga, Leyte.� They hailed and boarded a jeep bound for Tacloban.17

Accused-appellant Alcober testified that on October 20, 1999,18 at around 2:00 a.m., he was inside their house in Tunga, Leyte, drinking coffee in the kitchen when AAA unzipped her shirt and told him that �this is the gift that I am offering you that you are longing for too long.�� They then proceeded to have consensual sexual intercourse.� He claimed that this was the only time that they had sexual intercourse.� On cross-examination, accused-appellant admitted that AAA sometimes called him Papa and that he did not give her monetary support since she grew up at her uncle�s house.� Accused-appellant clarified that AAA was not in their house on July 20, 1999 and that their sexual intercourse occurred on October 20, 1999.� Accused-appellant categorically admitted that he had sex with his 13-year old stepdaughter on October 20, 1999.� Accused-appellant further testified on cross that BBB watched him having sexual intercourse with AAA and that BBB was crying while watching them.� To prove that the sexual intercourse was consensual, accused-appellant presented in court what he claimed was the underwear of AAA, alleging that they agreed to exchange underwear with each other.19

On March 15, 2002, the RTC of Carigara, Leyte rendered its Decision finding accused-appellant guilty of the crime of rape.� The dispositive portion of the Decision is as follows:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

WHEREFORE, premises considered, pursuant to paragraph 1(a), Art. 266-A and the second paragraph of Art. 266-B (Rape Law of 1997, R.A. No. 8353) of the Revised Penal Code as amended, and further amended by R.A. No. 7659, (The Death Penalty Law), the Court found DANIEL ALCOBER, GUILTY beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of Rape and sentenced to suffer the maximum penalty of DEATH, and indemnify [AAA] the amount of Seventy[-]Five (P75,000.00) Thousand Pesos and pay moral damages in the amount of Fifty Thousand (P50,000.00) Pesos and pay the cost.20

On May 29, 2009, the Court of Appeals affirmed the RTC Decision with several modifications:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

WHEREFORE, in view of the foregoing premises, the assailed Decision of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 13 in Carigara, Leyte in Criminal Case No. 4025 is hereby AFFIRMED with MODIFICATIONS.� Finding accused-appellant Daniel Alcober GUILTY beyond reasonable doubt as principal of the crime of rape qualified by the use of a deadly weapon, the Court sentences him to reclusion perpetua.� Accused-appellant is further ordered to pay the following sums:� Php75,000 as civil indemnity; Php75,000 as moral damages; and Php25,000 as exemplary damages.� Costs against accused-appellant.21

Accused-appellant appeals to this Court with the following Assignment of Errors:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

I

THE COURT A QUO GRAVELY ERRED IN COMPLETELY IGNORING THE SWEETHEART THEORY INTERPOSED BY ACCUSED-APPELLANT.

II

THE COURT A QUO GRAVELY ERRED IN FINDING ACCUSED-APPELLANT GUILTY BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT OF THE CRIME OF RAPE.22

Accused-appellant asserts that AAA�s testimony that the sexual intercourse between them was not consensual is �patently incredible.�� According to accused-appellant, AAA could have escaped after she was raped for the first time on July 20, 1999.� Since AAA was already residing in her aunt�s house, she should never have returned to BBB and accused-appellant�s house in order to prevent the repeated sexual intercourse after July 20, 1999 and the before the incident in Tabontabon.23� Accused-appellant furthermore claim that the delay in revealing her alleged sexual ordeals from July 20, 1999 up to January 10, 2001 creates serious doubts as to her contention that she was raped.24

We must emphasize that when the accused in a rape case claims, as in the case at bar, that the sexual intercourse between him and the complainant was consensual, the burden of evidence shifts to him, such that he is now enjoined to adduce sufficient evidence to prove the relationship.� Being an affirmative defense, it must be established with convincing evidence, such as by some documentary and/or other evidence like mementos, love letters, notes, pictures and the like.25� Thus, in People v. Mirandilla, Jr.,26 we held:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

The sweetheart theory as a defense, however, necessarily admits carnal knowledge, the first element of rape. Effectively, it leaves the prosecution the burden to prove only force or intimidation, the coupling element of rape.� x x x.

This admission makes the sweetheart theory more difficult to defend, for it is not only an affirmative defense that needs convincing proof; after the prosecution has successfully established a prima facie case, the burden of evidence is shifted to the accused, who has to adduce evidence that the intercourse was consensual. (Citations omitted.)

Other than his self-serving testimony, however, accused-appellant failed to adduce evidence of his supposed relationship with AAA.� The testimony of Davocol as regards seeing AAA and accused-appellant on July 20, 1999 boarding a jeep bound for Tacloban does not in any way suggest a romantic or sexual relationship between them.� On the other hand, we are convinced that the sordid version of facts presented by accused-appellant is nothing but a depraved concoction by a very twisted and obnoxious imagination.� Accused-appellant�s tale of being seduced by his 13-year old stepdaughter who calls him �Tatay� or �Papa,� and having sexual intercourse with her while her mother was watching and crying is not only nauseatingly repulsive but is likewise utterly incredible.� It is unthinkable for BBB, who helped AAA file the complaint and testified against accused-appellant, to just passively endure such an outrage happening before her very eyes.� The trial court, which observed the demeanor of AAA, BBB and the accused-appellant on the witness stand, did not find accused-appellant�s account plausible, and instead gave full faith and credence to the testimonies of AAA and BBB.� The trial court, in fact, described accused-appellant�s demeanor as boastful and his narration as a make-believe story:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

While at the witness stand, the accused boastfully testified and took out from the back pocket of his pants a panty of a woman which according to him was given to him by [AAA] after their sexual intercourse to which he exchanged it with his own brief as a proof that [AAA] enjoyed having sexual intercourse with him; viz:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

x x x

PROS. MERIN:

Q � So, you are telling this court that [AAA] was enjoying?

A � Yes, sir, and her panty is even here.� I brought this to the Court as evidence.

Q � What was then in your mind that you would make your own stepdaughter without a panty after you had sex with her?� What was in your mind?

A � Because this was given to me by her and we exchanged our underwear, she gave me her panty and I gave her my brief.

Q � And it was in the presence of her mother?

A � Yes sir. TSN p[p]. 10-11.� March 5, 2002.)

This make-believe story of the sex escapade of accused Daniel Alcober and the minor [AAA], conveying to the court that the 13 year old [AAA] enjoyed the morbid situation that [befell] on her life is unavailing and deserves no credence.� The trauma, the shame and the embarrassment and the public humiliation to which [accused-appellant] has forced the minor child to stop her studies, denying her the proper education and a bright future, all because of the [insatiable] beastful lust of her stepfather who virtually reduced her to a sex slave, a pawn for almost two (2) years, who cannot do anything but obey the whims and caprices of the accused Alcober until he was apprehended and formally charged in court on March 21, 2001. x x x.27

Accused-appellant�s incredulous testimony appears even more unconvincing in contrast to the believable account of AAA of the incident on July 20, 1999:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

Q:
After you noticed that it was your stepfather who embraced you, what else transpired, if any?
A:
I resisted, but at that time he was always bringing with him a long bolo, locally known as �sundang.�� He took it off from the scabbard.
Q:
You mean when he embraced you, he was already holding a long bolo?
A:
It was still tucked at his waist, together with the scabbard.
Q:
You said that you resisted.� When was that time when he unsheathed his bolo then tucked on his waist?
A:
When I resisted.
x x x
Q:�
When you went upstairs, what next transpired, if any?
A:
He ordered me to take off my short pants.
Q:�
What was then your attire that time?
A:
I was then wearing shorts and t-shirt.
Q:�
How about that bolo, what did the accused do with that bolo?
A:
It was poked on me.
Q:�
Where, what portion of your body?
A:
Towards my stomach.
Q:��
Did you comply with his order that you would have to undress yourself and took your attire?
A:
Yes sir.
Q:��
Why did you have to comply to that?
A:
Because, he told me that if I will not follow him, he will kill me, my brothers and sisters and my mother.
x x x
Q:�
After you were already undressed, what next transpired, if any?
A:
That was the time that he placed his long bolo �sundang� beside me on my left side.
Q:�
You mean, you were already lying on the floor?
A:
Yes sir.
Q:�
Now, after he placed that bolo beside you, what next transpired, if any?
A:
He took off his t-shirt and shorts and thereafter, he placed himself on top of me.
Q:
Did you not make any shout that which you would be heard?
A:
I did not shout, because he told me not to shout or make any noise.
Q:�
Did you comply to such order?
A:
Yes sir.
Q:�
Why?
A:
Because, he threatened me that if I shout, he will kill me, all of us.
Q:�
After he placed himself on top of you, what did the accused do, if any?
A:
He held every part of my body.
x x x
Q:�
What portion of your body was touched by the accused?
A:
My breast.
Q:
What else, if any?
A:
Until down.
Q:�
You mean, to include your vagina?
A:
Yes sir.
Q:�
How did he touch your breast, your vagina and other extremities of your body.� Describe that.
A:
While he places himself on top of me, his other hands was used in touching other parts of my body.
Q:�
What hand was touching the other parts of your body?
A:
His right hand.
Q:
And where was his left hand, then?
A:
It was on my hair.
x x x
Q:
After he did that touching of your private parts, your breast, vagina and touching your hair gently, what transpired next?
A:
He took my womanhood.
Q:
How?
A:
He poked his penis to my vagina.
x x x
Q:
After the accused poked his penis to your vagina, what did the accused then do after poking his penis to your vagina?
A:
He did the act of pulling and pushing.
x x x
Q:�
When this penis of the accused was placed in your vagina as you earlier testified, what else did you feel?
A:
I felt the pain.
Q:�
After he was through with this push and pull movement, what did the accused do next, after he caressed you and told you that statement that you are still a virgin?
A:
He stood up and said this things, �if you will tell this to anybody, I will kill you.�
Q:�
Did you tell your mother of what the accused did to you?
A:
I did not.
Q:
Why?
A:
Because I was afraid he will execute his threats to kill us all.28

Contrary to the assertions of accused-appellant, the fact that AAA was not able to escape when she had the opportunity to do so, her continued visit to their home after the incident, and her delay in filing the complaint does not at all contradict her credibility.� As discussed by the Court of Appeals, when a rape victim is paralyzed with fear, she cannot be expected to think and act coherently.� Her failure to take advantage of an opportunity to escape does not automatically vitiate the credibility of her account.29� Similarly, in People v. Lazaro,30 we propounded on the impropriety of judging the actions of child rape victims by the norms of behavior that can be expected from adults under similar circumstances:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

It is not uncommon for a young girl to conceal for some time the assault on her virtue.� Her initial hesitation may be due to her youth and the molester�s threat against her. Besides, rape victims, especially child victims, should not be expected to act the way mature individuals would when placed in such a situation.�� It is not proper to judge the actions of children who have undergone traumatic experience by the norms of behavior expected from adults under similar circumstances.� x x x.� It is, thus, unrealistic to expect uniform reactions from them. Certainly, the Court has not laid down any rule on how a rape victim should behave immediately after she has been violated.�� This experience is relative and may be dealt with in any way by the victim depending on the circumstances, but her credibility should not be tainted with any modicum of doubt.� Indeed, different people react differently to a given stimulus or type of situation, and there is no standard form of behavioral response when one is confronted with a strange or startling or frightful experience. x x x. (Citations omitted.)

Indeed, AAA�s explanation for the delay in reporting the crime is more than adequate:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

Q:
Would you kindly tell the Court the reason why you did not immediately file a case against your stepfather on July 20, 1999?
A:
Because I was afraid of his threat that he will kill my mother, my brother and sisters including me.
Q:�
When was this threat by the way?
A:
At the time when I was already at the kitchen.
Q:�
You mean this date of July 20, 1999?
A:
Yes, sir.31

In all, we do not find sufficient ground to overturn the guilty verdict rendered by the lower courts.� We note, however, that the trial court and the Court of Appeals differed in the penalty imposed and in their appreciation of aggravating circumstances.� We proceed to pass upon these matters.

The trial court imposed the death penalty upon accused-appellant on the basis of the fifth paragraph, number 1, of Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code, which provides:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

The death penalty shall also be imposed if the crime of rape is committed with any of the following aggravating/qualifying circumstances:

1. When the victim is under eighteen (18) years of age and the offender is a parent, ascendant, stepparent, guardian, relative by consanguinity or affinity within the third civil degree, or the common law spouse of the parent of the victim[.]

The Court of Appeals, however, found the fifth paragraph of Article 266-B inapplicable.� According to the appellate court, although it is undisputed that accused-appellant is the common-law spouse of the victim�s mother, the records are bereft of independent evidence to prove that AAA is a minor, apart from the testimonies of AAA and her mother.32

We disagree.

In People v. Pruna,33 the Court established the guidelines in appreciating age, either as an element of the crime or as a qualifying circumstance, as follows:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

1.� The best evidence to prove the age of the offended party is an original or certified true copy of the certificate of live birth of such party.

2.� In the absence of a certificate of live birth, similar authentic documents such as baptismal certificate and school records which show the date of birth of the victim would suffice to prove age.

3.� If the certificate of live birth or authentic document is shown to have been lost or destroyed or otherwise unavailable, the testimony, if clear and credible, of the victim�s mother or a member of the family either by affinity or consanguinity who is qualified to testify on matters respecting pedigree such as the exact age or date of birth of the offended party pursuant to Section 40, Rule 130 of the Rules on Evidence shall be sufficient under the following circumstances:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

a. If the victim is alleged to be below 3 years of age and what is sought to be proved is that she is less than 7 years old;

b. If the victim is alleged to be below 7 years of age and what is sought to be proved is that she is less than 12 years old;

c. If the victim is alleged to be below 12 years of age and what is sought to be proved is that she is less than 18 years old.

4.� In the absence of a certificate of live birth, authentic document, or the testimony of the victim�s mother or relatives concerning the victim�s age, the complainant�s testimony will suffice provided that it is expressly and clearly admitted by the accused.

5.� It is the prosecution that has the burden of proving the age of the offended party. The failure of the accused to object to the testimonial evidence regarding age shall not be taken against him.

6. The trial court should always make a categorical finding as to the age of the victim.� (Emphases supplied, citation omitted.)

In the case at bar, no birth or baptismal certificate or school record showing the date of birth of AAA was presented.

Pursuant to number 4 of the guidelines, however, in the absence of the foregoing documents (certificate of live birth or authentic document), the complainant�s testimony will suffice provided that it is expressly and clearly admitted by the accused.� In the case at bar, AAA testified that she was 13 years old on July 20, 1999 and that her birthday was in February.34� Accused-appellant, who insists that the incident occurred on October 20, 1999, expressly and clearly admitted that AAA was still 13 years old on that date, which was three months later:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

Q:
I am referring to October 20, 1999 when she accompanied her mother[,] you made sex with your stepdaughter on October 20, 1999 when she was still 13 years of age?
A:
Yes, sir.35

Several more questions were propounded to accused-appellant to ascertain that he was aware of AAA�s minority at the time of the sexual intercourse, and accused-appellant�s answers plainly showed that he was fully cognizant of this fact:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

Q:
But you would admit that you have sexual intercourse with [AAA] while she was still 13 years old?
A:
No, sir, it was her uncle who raped her and that was according to [AAA] on that date of July 20, 1999.
Q:�
I am referring to October 20, 1999 when she accompanied her mother you [had] sex with your stepdaughter on October 20, 1999 when she was still 13 years of age?
A:
Yes, sir.
Q:�
Is it not a conscious revolting act in your part to have sex with your stepdaughter who was still a minor when your wife was in the premises where you live?
A:
The mother of [AAA] knew that sexual intercourse happened to us on that early morning.
Q:�
You mean to tell this Court that you made sex with a minor daughter of your common-law-wife in her presence?
A:
Yes, sir she was by the door.
Q:�
You mean, she was looking [at] both of you having sex?
A:
Yes, sir.
Q:�
You would like this Court to believe that your own wife was there looking at you having sex with her daughter, her eldest minor daughter?
A:
It depends to the Court if the Court will believe to that I have stated but that is the truth.36

Furthermore, BBB categorically testified that AAA was 13 years old at the time material to this case.� To be sure, there is no disparity between the evidence for the prosecution and the defense on the point that the accused had carnal knowledge of AAA when she was only 13 years old.

Taking into account that the minority of the victim and accused-appellant�s being the common-law spouse of the victim�s mother, this Court finds it proper to appreciate this qualifying circumstance under the fifth paragraph, item number 1, Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code.

The Court of Appeals also made several modifications with regard to the appreciation of aggravating circumstances.� The trial court considered the aggravating circumstances of dwelling, use of weapon, force and intimidation, nighttime and ignominy.37� The Court of Appeals correctly modified the RTC Decision in finding the appreciation of force and intimidation improper for being an element of the crime of rape.� The Court of Appeals likewise correctly reversed the consideration of dwelling, nocturnity and ignominy as these circumstances were not alleged in the Information.� Furthermore, this Court observes that nocturnity cannot be appreciated in this case since there was no showing that it was deliberately sought to prevent the accused from being recognized or to ensure his escape.38

The Court of Appeals, however, affirmed the appreciation of the aggravating circumstance of use of a deadly weapon.� We agree with this assessment.� As discussed by the Court of Appeals, this circumstance was sufficiently alleged in the Information and proven during the trial through AAA�s credible testimony, which clearly showed that the sundang was used to make the victim submit to the will of the offender.

The proper penalty for qualified rape is reclusion perpetua pursuant to Republic Act No. 9346 which prohibited the imposition of the death penalty.� Consistent with prevailing jurisprudence, we modify the amount of exemplary damages for qualified rape by increasing the same from Twenty-Five Thousand Pesos (P25,000.00) to Thirty Thousand Pesos (P30,000.00) following established jurisprudence.39ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

WHEREFORE, the Decision of the Court of Appeals dated May 29, 2009 in CA-G.R. CR.-H.C. No. 00063 which affirmed with modifications the finding of the Regional Trial Court of Carigara, Leyte finding accused-appellant Daniel Alcober guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of rape, is further MODIFIED as follows: (1) accused-appellant Alcober is hereby found GUILTY of the crime of rape qualified by minority and relationship under number 1, fifth paragraph, Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code for which the penalty of reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole is imposed; (2) aside from the civil indemnity of P75,000.00 and moral damages of P75,000.00, the liability of accused-appellant for exemplary damages is hereby increased to P30,000.00; and (3) accused-appellant Alcober is likewise ORDERED to pay AAA interest at the legal rate of six percent (6%) per annum in all amounts of damages awarded, commencing from the date of finality of this Decision until fully paid.chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

SO ORDERED.

Sereno, C.J., Bersamin, Villarama, Jr., and Reyes, JJ., concur.

Endnotes:


1 CA rollo, pp. 144-147.

2Rollo, pp. 5-16; penned by Associate Justice Edgardo L. de los Santos with Associate Justices Franchito N. Diamante and Rodil V. Zalameda, concurring.

3 CA rollo, pp. 13-28.

4 The real names of the victim and her family, with the exception of accused-appellant, are withheld per Republic Act No. 7610 and Republic Act No. 9262, as held in People v. Cabalquinto, 533 Phil. 703 (2006).

5 Records, p. 1.

6 TSN, June 11, 2001, pp. 2-3.

7 TSN, July 31, 2001, pp. 4-5.

8 Id. at 5-9.

9 Id. at 9-13.

10 Id. at 14.

11 Id. at 15-20.

12 TSN, October 9, 2001, pp. 3-4.

13 TSN, November 16, 2001, pp. 6-8.

14 TSN, October 30, 2001, pp. 2-4.

15 Id. at 4-7.

16 Id. at 6-10.

17 TSN, January 30, 2002, pp. 2-6.

18 Accused-appellant was asked about his whereabouts on July 20, 1999, but he answered using the date October 20, 1999.� Later into the testimony, accused-appellant Alcober stated that AAA was not at home on July 20, 1999.� Accused-appellant, however, admitted during pre-trial that the incident occurred on July 20, 1999. (TSN, June 11, 2001, p. 2.)

19 TSN, March 5, 2002, pp. 2-11.

20 CA rollo, p. 74.

21Rollo, p. 15.

22 CA rollo, p. 49.

23 Id. at 51-52.

24 Id. at 52.

25People v. Bautista, G.R. No. 140278, June 3, 2004, 430 SCRA 469, 490.

26 G.R. No. 186417, July 27, 2011, 654 SCRA 761, 772.

27 CA rollo, pp. 72-73.

28 TSN, July 31, 2001, pp. 7-13.

29 CA rollo, p. 134.

30 G.R. No. 186379, August 19, 2009, 596 SCRA 587, 601-602.

31 TSN, September 14, 2001, p. 14.

32Rollo, pp. 13-14.

33 439 Phil. 440, 470-471 (2002).

34 TSN, July 31, 2001, pp. 5-6.

35 TSN, March 5, 2002, p. 9.

36 Id.

37 Records, p. 69.

38 See People v. Fortich, 346 Phil. 596, 617 (1997).

39People v. Galvez, G.R. No. 181827, February 2, 2011, 641 SCRA 472, 484-485.



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November-2013 Jurisprudence                 

  • G.R. No. 170618, November 20, 2013 - FAR EASTERN SURETY AND INSURANCE CO., INC., Petitioners, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 184565, November 20, 2013 - MANOLITO DE LEON AND LOURDES E. DE LEON, Petitioners, v. BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, Respondent.

  • A.M. No. P-12-3100, November 12, 2013 - EXECUTIVE JUDGE HENEDINO P. EDUARTE, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 20, CAUAYAN, ISABELA, Complainant, v. ELIZABETH T. IBAY, CLERK II, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT IN CITIES, CAUAYAN, ISABELA,1 Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 172222, November 11, 2013 - VICTOR AFRICA, Petitioners, v. THE HONORABLE SANDIGANBAYAN AND BARBARA ANNE C. MIGALLOS, Respondents.; G.R. NO. 174493 - EASTERN TELECOMMUNICATIONS PHILS., INC. [ETPI]-PCGG, Petitioners, v. VICTOR V. AFRICA, Respondent.; G.R. NO. 184636 - VICTOR AFRICA, Petitioners, v. THE HONORABLE SANDIGANBAYAN AND EASTERN TELECOMMUNICATIONS PHILIPPINES, INC., Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 8954, November 13, 2013 - HON. MARIBETH RODRIGUEZ-MANAHAN, Presiding Judge, Municipal Trial Court, San Mateo, Rizal, Complainant, v. ATTY. RODOLFO FLORES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 205180, November 11, 2013 - RYAN VIRAY, Petitioners, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 7965, November 13, 2013 - AZUCENA SEGOVIA-RIBAYA, Complainant, v. ATTY. BARTOLOME C. LAWSIN, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 9698, November 13, 2013 - ROLANDO E. CAWALING, PEDRO L. LABAYO, WENCESLAO Q. ARROYO, JR., CLEMENTE B. BUEN, RAMON D. DERIT, DWIGHT B, DURAN, FELIZARDO R. FRANCISCO, JR., SUSANA G. HABOC, ARNOLD C. PEREZ, VERLAND E. VERGARA, AMELIA L. ESPINOSA, NOEL P. BOLA, VENERANDO A. PADUA, JR., LAURENCE ALBERT D. AYO, WILLY B. AQUINO, EDUARDO A. REMPIS, JIMMY A. BUTAC, EDUARDO D. DOCTAMA, AND ANTONIO T. REODIQUE, Complainants, v. NAPOLEON M. MENESE (RETIRED COMMISSIONER, NLRC-SECOND DIVISION), RAUL T. AQUINO (PRESIDING COMMISSIONER, NLRC-SECOND DIVISION) AND TERESITA D. CASTILLON-LORA (COMMISSIONER, NLRC-SECOND DIVISION), Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 199067, November 11, 2013 - NISSAN GALLERY-ORTIGAS, Petitioners, v. PURIFICACION F. FELIPE, Respondent.

  • A.M. Nos. P-13-3116 & P-13-3112, November 12, 2013 - OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR, Complainant, v. MS. ROSA A. ACAMPADO, CLERK OF COURT II, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT, TAFT, EASTERN SAMAR, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 188526, November 11, 2013 - CENTURY CHINESE MEDICINE CO., MING SENG CHINESE DRUGSTORE, XIANG JIAN CHINESE DRUG STORE, TEK SAN CHINESE DRUG STORE, SIM SIM CHINESE DRUG STORE, BAN SHIONG TAY CHINESE DRUG STORE AND/OR WILCENDO TAN MENDEZ, SHUANG YING CHINESE DRUGSTORE, AND BACLARAN CHINESE DRUG STORE, Petitioners, v. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES AND LING NA LAU, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 181416, November 11, 2013 - MEDICAL PLAZA MAKATI CONDOMINIUM CORPORATION, Petitioners, v. ROBERT H. CULLEN, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 171428, November 11, 2013 - ALEJANDRO V. TANKEH, Petitioners, v. DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, STERLING SHIPPING LINES, INC., RUPERTO V. TANKEH, VICENTE ARENAS, AND ASSET PRIVATIZATION TRUST, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 184266, November 11, 2013 - APPLIED FOOD INGREDIENTS COMPANY, INC., Petitioners, v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 200029, November 13, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. BASILIO VILLARMEA Y ECHAVEZ, Accused-Appellant.

  • A.M. No. 11-9-167-RTC, November 11, 2013 - RE: UNAUTHORIZED TRAVEL ABROAD OF JUDGE CLETO R. VILLACORTA III, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 6, BAGUIO CITY

  • G.R. No. 192183, November 11, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ANDY ZULIETA A.K.A. �BOGARTS,� Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 181622, November 20, 2013 - GENESIS INVESTMENT, INC., CEBU JAYA REALTY INC., AND SPOUSES RHODORA AND LAMBERT LIM, Petitioners, v. HEIRS OF CEFERINO EBARASABAL,* NAMELY: ROGELIO EBARASABAL, SPOUSES LIGAYA E. GULIMLIM AND JOSE GULIMLIM, SPOUSES VISITACION E. CONEJOS AND ELIAS CONEJOS, BEN TEJERO, POCAS TEJERO, GERTRUDES TEJERO, BANING HAYO, LACIO EBARASABAL AND JULIETA EBARASABAL; HEIRS OF FLORO EBARASABAL, NAMELY: SOFIA ABELONG, PEPITO EBARASABAL AND ELPIDIO EBARASABAL; HEIRS OF LEONA EBARASABAL-APOLLO, NAMELY: SILVESTRA A. MOJELLO AND MARCELINO APOLLO; HEIRS OF PEDRO EBARASABAL, NAMELY: BONIFACIO EBARASABAL, SERGIO EBARASABAL AND JAIME EBARASABAL; HEIRS OF ISIDRO EBARASABAL, NAMELY: SPOUSES CARLOSA E. NUEVO AND FORTUNATO NUEVA;** HEIRS OF BENITO EBARASABAL, NAMELY: PAULO BAGAAN, SPOUSES CATALINA A. MARIBAO AND RENE MARIBAO, VICENTE ABRINICA AND PATRON EBARASABAL; HEIRS OF JULIAN EBARASABAL, NAMELY: ALFREDO BAGAAN, JUAN BAGAAN, AVELINO BAGAAN, FERDINAND BAGAAN, MAURO BAGAAN, SPOUSES ROWENA B. LASACA AND FRANCISCO LACASA,*** SPOUSES MARIA B. CABAG AND EMILIO CABAG AND ESTELITA BAGAAN, ALL BEING REPRESENTED HEREIN BY VICTOR MOJELLO, FEDERICO BAGAAN AND PAULINO EBARASABAL, AS THEIR ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 165585, November 20, 2013 - GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM, Petitioners, v. PRUDENTIAL GUARANTEE AND ASSURANCE, INC., DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, AND LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondents.; G.R. NO. 176982 - GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM, Petitioners, v. PRUDENTIAL GUARANTEE AND ASSURANCE, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 182314, November 12, 2013 - VIRGINIA Y. GOCHAN, FELIX Y. GOCHAN III, LOUISE Y. GOCHAN, ESTEBAN Y. GOCHAN, JR., AND DOMINIC Y. GOCHAN, Petitioners, v. CHARLES MANCAO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 187854, November 12, 2013 - RAY PETER O. VIVO, Petitioners, v. PHILIPPINE AMUSEMENT AND GAMING CORPORATION (PAGCOR), Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 7329, November 27, 2013 - SPOUSES DAVID AND MARISA WILLIAMS, Complainants, v. ATTY. RUDY T. ENRIQUEZ, Respondent.

  • G.R. Nos. 197592 and 202623, November 27, 2013 - THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN, Petitioners, v. JODY KING CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT CORP., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 198338, November 13, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. P/SUPT. ARTEMIO E. LAMSEN, PO2 ANTHONY D. ABULENCIA, AND SPO1 WILFREDO L. RAMOS, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 188260, November 13, 2013 - LUZON HYDRO CORPORATION, Petitioners, v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 9385, November 11, 2013 - MARIANO AGADAN, EDEN MOLLEJON, ARSENIO IGME, JOSE NUMBAR, CECILIA LANGAWAN, PABLO PALMA, JOSELITO CLAVERIA, MIGUEL FLORES, AND ALBERT GAYDOWEN, Complainants, v. ATTY. RICHARD BALTAZAR KILAAN, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 180200, November 25, 2013 - DIGITAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS PHILIPPINES, INC., Petitioners, v. JESSIE E. CANTOS, Respondent.

  • A.M. No. 14155-Ret., November 19, 2013 - RE: APPLICATION FOR SURVIVORSHIP PENSION BENEFITS UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9946 OF MRS. PACITA A. GRUBA, SURVIVING SPOUSE OF THE LATE MANUEL K. GRUBA, FORMER CTA ASSOCIATE JUDGE.

  • G.R. No. 202358, November 27, 2013 - GATCHALIAN REALTY, INC., Petitioners, v. EVELYN M. ANGELES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 181473, November 11, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. DONEY GADUYON Y TAPISPISAN, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 181983, November 13, 2013 - CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIAL GASES, INC., Petitioners, v. ALABANG MEDICAL CENTER, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 180529, November 13, 2013 - COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Petitioners, v. BANK OF COMMERCE, Respondent.

  • A.M. No. MTJ-03-1505, November 27, 2013 - MAMASAW SULTAN ALI, Complainant, v. HON. BAGUINDA-ALI PACALNA, PRESIDING JUDGE, HON. PUNDAYA A. BERUA, ACTING PRESIDING JUDGE, HADJI IBRA DARIMBANG, CLERK OF COURT AND MANDAG U. BATUA-AN, COURT STENOGRAPHER, ALL OF THE MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURT, MUNICIPALITY OF BALINDONG, PROVINCE OF LANAO DEL SUR, Respondents.; IN THE MATTER OF: PETITION FOR ABSOLUTE JUDICIAL CLEMENCY OF FORMER JUDGE BAGUINDA-ALI A. PACALNA, MTCC, MARAWI CITY

  • G.R. No. 198718, November 27, 2013 - SPOUSES TEODORO AND ROSARIO SARAZA AND FERNANDO SARAZA, Petitioners, v. WILLIAM FRANCISCO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 190318, November 27, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ROBERTO VELASCO, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 190180, November 27, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. MARISSA CASTILLO Y ALIGNAY, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 199494, November 27, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. WELMO LINSIE Y BINEVIDEZ, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 194538, November 27, 2013 - MORETO MIRALLOSA AND ALL PERSONS CLAIMING RIGHTS AND INTERESTS UNDER HIM, Petitioners, v. CARMEL DEVELOPMENT, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 198318, November 27, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ASIR GANI Y ALIH AND NORMINA GANI Y GALOS, Accused-Appellants.

  • A.M. No. P-12-3063 (Formerly A.M. OCA IPI No. 09-3082-P), November 26, 2013 - ELEANOR P. OLIVAN, Complainant, v. ARNEL JOSE A. RUBIO, DEPUTY SHERIFF IV, OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, NAGA CITY, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 194582, November 27, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. ALLAN NIEGAS Y FALLORE, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 183923, November 27, 2013 - GENEROSO ENESIO, Petitioners, v. LILIA TULOP, SUBSTITUTED BY HER HEIRS, NAMELY: MILAGROS T. ASIA, MATTHEW N. TULOP AND RESTITUTO N. TULOP, JR., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 206794, November 26, 2013 - BANKERS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES AND PERRY L. PE, Petitioners, v. THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 193839, November 27, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. JAVIER CA�AVERAS, Accused-Appellant.

  • A.M. No. P-12-3089 (Formerly OCA I.P.I. No. 11-3591-P), November 13, 2013 - HEIRS OF CELESTINO TEVES, REPRESENTED BY PAUL JOHN TEVES ABAD, ELSA C. AQUINO AND FELIMON E. FERNAN, Complainants, v. AUGUSTO J. FELICIDARIO, SHERIFF IV, OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MANILA, Respondent.

  • G.R. Nos. 168951 & 169000, November 27, 2013 - DR. ROGER R. POSADAS AND DR. ROLANDO P. DAYCO, Petitioners, v. SANDIGANBAYAN AND PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 173183, November 18, 2013 - SYCAMORE VENTURES CORPORATION AND SPOUSES SIMON D. PAZ AND LENG LENG PAZ, Petitioners, v. METROPOLITAN BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 176419, November 27, 2013 - GMA NETWORK, INC., Petitioners, v. CARLOS P. PABRIGA, GEOFFREY F. ARIAS, KIRBY N. CAMPO, ARNOLD L. LAGAHIT AND ARMAND A. CATUBIG, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 186433, November 27, 2013 - NUCCIO SAVERIO AND NS INTERNATIONAL, INC., Petitioners, v. ALFONSO G. PUYAT, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 192941, November 13, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. DANIEL ALCOBER, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 188395, November 20, 2013 - HEIRS OF THE LATE FELIX M. BUCTON, NAMELY: NICANORA G. BUCTON, ERLINDA BUCTON-EBLAMO, AGNES BUCTON-LUGOD, WILMA BUCTON-YRAY AND DON G. BUCTON, Petitioners, v. SPOUSES GONZALO AND TRINIDAD GO, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 176702, November 13, 2013 - OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN, Petitioners, v. MARCELINO A. DECHAVEZ, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 182913, November 20, 2013 - REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioners, v. ANTONIO, FELIZA, NEMESIO, ALBERTO, FELICIDAD, RICARDO, MILAGROS AND CIPRIANO, ALL SURNAMED BACAS; EMILIANA CHABON, SATURNINO ABDON, ESTELA CHABON, LACSASA DEMON, PEDRITA CHABON, FORTUNATA EMBALSADO, MINDA J. CASTILLO, PABLO CASTILLO, ARTURO P. LEGASPI, AND JESSIE I. LEGASPI, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 176269, November 13, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Appellee, v. KENNETH MONCEDA Y SY ALIAS �WILLIAM SY� AND YU YUK LAI ALIAS �SZE YUK LAI,�Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 200289, November 25, 2013 - WESTWIND SHIPPING CORPORATION, Petitioners, v. UCPB GENERAL INSURANCE CO., INC. AND ASIAN TERMINALS, INC., Respondents.; G.R. NO. 200314 - ORIENT FREIGHT INTERNATIONAL, INC., Petitioners, v. UCPB GENERAL INSURANCE CO., INC. AND ASIAN TERMINALS, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 193190, November 13, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. MARILYN SANTOS AND ARLENE VALERA, Accused-Appellants.

  • G.R. No. 179181, November 18, 2013 - ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP OF MANILA, Petitioners, v. CRESENCIA STA. TERESA RAMOS, ASSISTED BY HER HUSBAND, PONCIANO FRANCISCO, Respondent.

  • G.R. Nos. 172532 & 172544-45, November 20, 2013 - PRIMO C. MIRO, IN HIS CAPACITY AS DEPUTY OMBUDSMAN FOR THE VISAYAS, Petitioners, v. MARILYN MENDOZA VDA. DE EREDEROS, CATALINA ALINGASA AND PORFERIO I. MENDOZA, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 171464, November 27, 2013 - SPOUSES ELISEO R. BAUTISTA AND EMPERATRIZ C. BAUTISTA, Petitioners, v. SPOUSES MILA JALANDONI AND ANTONIO JALANDONI AND MANILA CREDIT CORPORATION, Respondents.; G.R. NO. 199341 - MANILA CREDIT CORPORATION, Petitioners, v. SPOUSES MILA AND ANTONIO JALANDONI, AND SPOUSES ELISEO AND EMPERATRIZ C. BAUTISTA, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 194201, November 27, 2013 - SPOUSES BAYANI H. ANDAL AND GRACIA G. ANDAL, Petitioners, v. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK, REGISTER OF DEEDS OF BATANGAS CITY, JOSE C. CORALES, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 198935, November 27, 2013 - MAYNILAD WATER SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION, REPRESENTED BY ROBERTA ESTINO, Petitioners, v. MAYNILAD WATER SERVICES, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 181276, November 11, 2013 - THE COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Petitioners, v. VISAYAS GEOTHERMAL POWER COMPANY, INC., Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 206095, November 25, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ROBERTO GARCIA Y PADIERNOS, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 201445, November 27, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff�Appellee, v. HERMENIGILDO MAGLENTE Y MEDINA ALIAS �JUN MAGLENTE� AND ROLANDO VELASQUEZ Y GUEVARRA ALIAS �RANDY,� Accused�Appellants. - DAN MAGSIPOC Y CANCELER AND PABLO INEZ ALIAS �KA JAY,� Accused.

  • G.R. No. 201445, November 27, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff�Appellee, v. HERMENIGILDO MAGLENTE Y MEDINA ALIAS �JUN MAGLENTE� AND ROLANDO VELASQUEZ Y GUEVARRA ALIAS �RANDY,� Accused�Appellants. - DAN MAGSIPOC Y CANCELER AND PABLO INEZ ALIAS �KA JAY,� Accused.

  • G.R. No. 203433, November 27, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. FAISAL LOKS Y PELONYO, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 181873, November 27, 2013 - SPOUSES PIO DATO AND SONIA Y. SIA, Petitioners, v. BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 171282, November 27, 2013 - SKM ART CRAFT CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. EFREN BAUCA, PATRICIO OLMILLA, ZALDY ESCALARES, PEDRITO OLMILLA, PEDRO BERAY, DANILO SOLDE, NOEL PALARCA, JULIUS CESAR MIGUELA, OCTAVIO OBIAS, ARVIN ABINES, RADDY TERENCIO, FE RANIDO, EDNA MANSUETO, SANDRO RODRIGUEZ, RENATO TANGO, HERMOGENES OBIAS, DOMINGO LAROCO, DANTE AQUINO, ARMANDO VILLA, ROGELIO DELOS REYES, NOMER MANAGO, ANTONIO BALUDCAL AND LUDIVICO STA. CLARA, Respondents.; G.R. NO. 183484 - SKM ART CRAFT CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. EFREN BAUCA, PATRICIO OLMILLA, ZALDY ESCALARES, PEDRITO OLMILLA, PEDRO BERAY, DANILO SOLDE, NOEL PALARCA, JULIUS CESAR MIGUELA, OCTAVIO OBIAS, ARVIN ABINES, RADDY TERENCIO, FE RANIDO, EDNA MANSUETO, SANDRO RODRIGUEZ, RENATO TANGO, HERMOGENES OBIAS, DOMINGO LAROCO, DANTE AQUINO, ARMANDO VILLA AND ROGELIO DELOS REYES, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 201105, November 25, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Appellee, v. NATALIO HILARION Y LALIAG, Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 170904, November 13, 2013 - BANI RURAL BANK, INC., ENOC THEATER I AND II AND/OR RAFAEL DE GUZMAN, Petitioners, v. TERESA DE GUZMAN, EDGAR C. TAN AND TERESA G. TAN, Respondents.

  • A.C. No. 10043, November 20, 2013 - AURORA H. CABAUATAN, Complainant, v. ATTY. FREDDIE A. VENIDA, Respondent.

  • A.C. No. 5239, November 18, 2013 - SPOUSES GEORGE A. WARRINER AND AURORA R. WARRINER, Complainants, v. ATTY. RENI M. DUBLIN, Respondent.

  • G.R. No. 171937, November 25, 2013 - CERILA J. CALANASAN, REPRESENTED BY TEODORA J. CALANASAN AS ATTORNEY�IN�FACT, Petitioner, v. SPOUSES VIRGILIO DOLORITO AND EVELYN C. DOLORITO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 191756, November 25, 2013 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. JONAS GUILLEN Y ATIENZA, Accused-Appellant.

  • G.R. No. 194307, November 20, 2013 - BIRKENSTOCK ORTHOPAEDIE GMBH AND CO. KG (FORMERLY BIRKENSTOCK ORTHOPAEDIE GMBH), Petitioner, v. PHILIPPINE SHOE EXPO MARKETING CORPORATION, Respondent.

  • G.R. Nos. 164068�69, November 19, 2013 - ROLANDO P. DE LA CUESTA, Petitioner, v. THE SANDIGANBAYAN, FIRST DIVISION AND THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondents.; G.R. NOS. 166305�06 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. EDUARDO M. COJUANGCO, JR., HERMENEGILDO ** C. ZAYCO, SALVADOR ESCUDERO III, VICENTE B. VALDEPE�AS, JR., ROLANDO P. DE LA CUESTA AND THE HON. SANDIGANBAYAN (FIRST DIVISION), Respondents.; G.R. NOS. 166487�88 - REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioner, v. THE SANDIGANBAYAN AND EDUARDO M. COJUANGCO, JR., ROLANDO P. DE LA CUESTA, HERMINIGILDO C. ZAYCO, JOSE R. ELEAZAR, JR., FELIX V. DUE�AS, JR., SALVADOR ESCUDERO III, AND VICENTE B. VALDEPE�AS, JR., Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 203204, November 20, 2013 - HEIRS OF ROMULO D. SANDUETA, namely: GLORIA SANDUETA ELOPRE, HEIRS OF JOSEPHINE S. NADALA, represented by ROY S. NADALA, HOFBOWER ANDUETA, NERISA SANDUETA MICUBO, OSCAR SANDUETA, MARILYN SANDUETA VELASCO, RONALD SANDUETA, AND NAPOLEON SANDUETA, Petitioners, v. DOMINGO ROBLES, HEIRS OF TEODORO ABAN, namely: NERIO ABAN, VIRGINIO ABAN, SUSANA ABAN, AND DAVID ABAN; HEIRS OF EUFRECENA* GALEZA, namely: CESAR GALEZA, NESTOR GALEZA, ANGELA GALEZA, JUSTO GALEZA, KIA GALEZA PONCE, PORFERIA GALEZA NALZARO, ROSARIO GALEZA VELASCO, HERMINIA GALEZA GUERRERO, AND NONA GALEZA NACARIO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 184083, November 19, 2013 - WILLIAM C. DAGAN, Petitioner, v. OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN, REPRESENTED BY HON. ROGELIO A. RINGPIS, GRAFT INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION OFFICER II, JAIME DILAG Y AGONCILLO, EDUARDO JOSE Y BAUTISTA, VERGEL CRUZ Y AQUINO,. EDUARDO DOMINGO Y COSCULLUELA, ROGELIO TANDIAMA Y ARESPACOCHAGA, REYNALDO FERNANDO Y GALANG, AND ROMEO BUENCAMINO Y FRANCISCO, Respondents.

  • G.R. No. 208566, November 19, 2013 - GRECO ANTONIOUS BEDA B. BELGICA, JOSE M. VILLEGAS, JR., JOSE L. GONZALEZ, REUBEN M. ABANTE, AND QUINTIN PAREDES SAN DIEGO, Petitioners, v. HONORABLE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR., SECRETARY OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT FLORENCIO B. ABAD, NATIONAL TREASURER ROSALIA V. DE LEON, SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES, REPRESENTED BY FRANKLIN M. DRILON IN HIS CAPACITY AS SENATE PRESIDENT, AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, REPRESENTED BY FELICIANO S. BELMONTE, JR. IN HIS CAPACITY AS SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, Respondents.; G.R. NO. 208493 - SOCIAL JUSTICE SOCIETY (SJS) PRESIDENT SAMSON S. ALCANTARA, Petitioner, v. HONORABLE FRANKLIN M. DRILON, IN HIS CAPACITY AS SENATE PRESIDENT, AND HONORABLE FELICIANO S. BELMONTE, JR., IN HIS CAPACITY AS SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Respondents.; G.R. NO. 209251 - PEDRITO M. NEPOMUCENO, FORMER MAYOR�BOAC, MARINDUQUE FORMER PROVINCIAL BOARD MEMBER � PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE, Petitioner, v. PRESIDENT BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III* AND SECRETARY FLORENCIO �BUTCH� ABAD, DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT, Respondents.