This case has been cited 3 times or more.
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2009-10-02 |
BRION, J. |
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| We have consistently held, on the issue of credibility, that we give the highest respect to the trial court's evaluation of the testimonies of witnesses; the trial court is in a better position than this Court to assess the credibility of witnesses since it has direct access to and observes the demeanor of these witnesses and their manner of testifying.[46] Thus, the appellate courts will generally not disturb the findings of the trial court unless the latter has plainly overlooked facts of substance and value that, if considered, would affect the results of the case.[47] We find no compelling reason to deviate from this general rule in passing upon the prosecution's version of events. In fact, and as we indicated above, our own reading of the evidence on record shows that it amply supports the RTC and CA factual findings. | |||||
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2000-07-05 |
GONZAGA-REYES, J. |
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| Republic Act 7659 introduced seven modes of committing rape,[38] including the twin special qualifying circumstances of the victim's age and the relationship between the victim and the culprit, which would warrant the automatic imposition of the death penalty. The seven modes of committing rape partake of the nature of a qualifying circumstance under the Revised Penal Code since their presence increases the penalty of rape to one (1) degree.[39] The long-standing rule is that qualifying circumstances must be properly pleaded in the indictment, if the same are not pleaded but proved, they shall be considered only as aggravating circumstances.[40] For rape to be qualified as heinous, warranting the imposition of the death penalty, the circumstances of the minority of the victim and her relationship with the offender must be both alleged in the information for rape.[41] | |||||
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2000-03-27 |
PUNO, J. |
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| While, moral damages was properly awarded, we reduce it to P50,000.00 as dictated by recent jurisprudence.[76] The victim testified that she suffered pain and public humiliation, loss of appetite and sleepless nights brought about by her traumatic experience.[77] Indeed, even without proof in the pleadings to support an award of moral damages, the Court has declared that in crimes of rape, in addition to civil indemnity, moral damages may be awarded to the victim.[78] It is quite apparent that the victim had to endure much anguish and pain that it would be expecting too much for her to recite in detail her traumatic experience merely to obtain pecuniary restitution. As aptly stated by the Court, "a rape victim is a victim many times over. She is physically, psychologically and emotionally scarred resulting in trauma which may last a lifetime."[79] | |||||