Philippine Supreme Court Resolutions

G.R. No. 199712 (PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES v. ORO SEGUERRA y SEBUJA ALIAS TEODORO SEGUERRA) - Considering the allegations, issues and arguments presented in the appeal, the Court resolves to DISMISS the appeal for failure to sufficiently show that the Court of Appeals (CA) committed any reversible error in its assailed Decision dated March 4, 2011 as to warrant the exercise of the Court's appellate jurisdiction. However, in line with jurisprudence, the award of exemplary damages in the amount of PhP 30,000.00 for each count of rape must be imposed, as well as interest at the rate of six percent (6%) per annum on all damages awarded, from the date of finality of this Resolution, until fully paid.

IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, the Court ADOPTS the findings and conclusions of law in the Decision dated March 4, 2011 in CA-G.R. CR-H.C. No. 03622 and AFFIRMS  with MODIFICATION said Decision finding accused-appellant Oro Seguerra y Sebuja guilty beyond reasonable doubt of two counts of simple rape, as defined and penalized under Articles 266-A and 266-B of the Revised Penal Code. Accused-appellant is hereby ordered to pay the victim PhP 50,000 for each count of rape as civil indemnity ex delicto; moral damages in the amount of PhP 50,000 for each count of rape; and PhP 30,000 as exemplary damages for each count of rape. Interest at the rate of six percent (6%) per annum is likewise imposed on the indemnity and damages from date of finality of this Resolution until fully paid.

SO ORDERED.

Very truly yours,

(Sgd.) LUCITA ABJELINA-SORIANO
  Division Clerk of Court