**Facts:**
The case revolves around Irvin Tadulan, accused of raping nine-year-old Maristel Cruz. Maristel often played with Tadulan’s children in Pasig, Metro Manila. On April 2, 1992, Tadulan lured Maristel into his apartment, undressed her, and raped her while threatening her with a knife. Maristel experienced pain, bled, and was forced into silence until blood stains on her panties prompted her mother, Estela Santos, to investigate. When confronted by Santos and later by the police, Tadulan admitted to the rape.
Tadulan’s defenses included an alibi, supported by his work supervisor who testified that Tadulan was at work on the day of the crime, and a claim of pardon, suggesting that Santos initially agreed not to pursue legal actions if they vacated the apartment.
The Regional Trial Court of Pasig convicted Tadulan, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua and ordering him to indemnify Maristel.
**Issues:**
1. Did the trial court err in disregarding Tadulan’s alibi and the alleged inconsistencies in the prosecution’s testimonies?
2. Was the trial court correct in dismissing the defense of pardon claimed by Tadulan?
3. Was there a reasonable doubt about Tadulan’s guilt?
**Court’s Decision:**
The Supreme Court affirmed the lower court’s decision, addressing the following issues:
1. **Alibi and Inconsistencies:**
– The Court found Maristel’s testimony credible, noting the absence of any motive for her to falsely accuse Tadulan.
– Tadulan’s alibi was deemed weak because his workplace was in proximity to the crime scene, making it physically possible for him to have committed the crime.
– Minor inconsistencies in the testimonies of witnesses were insufficient to undermine the conviction.
2. **Defense of Pardon:**
– The alleged pardon by Estela Santos was conditional and not adhered to by Tadulan and his wife, leading Santos to report the crime.
– Legal precedent requires both the minor and her parents to pardon for it to be valid under Article 344 of the Revised Penal Code. The minor, Maristel, did not pardon Tadulan.
3. **Reasonable Doubt:**
– Positive identification by Maristel and corroborative medical findings (hymenal lacerations indicating sexual abuse) established Tadulan’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
**Doctrine:**
– **Credibility of Witnesses:** Testimonies of rape victims, especially minors, hold significant weight in criminal prosecutions.
– **Alibi:** An alibi must demonstrate the absolute impossibility of the accused being present at the crime scene.
– **Express Pardon in Rape Cases:** For pardon to be effective, both the offended minor and her parents must expressly pardon the accused.
**Class Notes:**
– **Credibility Analysis:** Courts give high regard to the credibility of witnesses, especially minor victims in rape cases, absent any improper motive.
– **Alibi Defense:** Requires proving that the accused was elsewhere and could not possibly commit the crime.
– **Express Pardon (Rape):** Article 344 of the Revised Penal Code necessitates concurrent pardon by both the victim and her parents for legal effectiveness.
**Historical Background:**
This case occurred amidst prevalent issues of child abuse in the Philippines, highlighting the legal system’s efforts to strictly interpret and enforce rape laws to protect minors. The Supreme Court’s ruling reinforced the importance of testimony credibility and scrutinized defenses like alibi and pardon in serious crimes involving minors.
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