People v. Historillo

Summary

This case involves the rape of a minor daughter by her father, initially punishable by death under R.A. 7659. While the Supreme Court affirmed the conviction for rape based on the appellant's own admission, it modified the death penalty to reclusion perpetua because the qualifying circumstances of minority and relationship were not alleged in the original complaint. The Court emphasized that qualifying circumstances must be properly pleaded in criminal indictments to justify the death penalty, as failure to do so violates the accused's right to be informed of charges and due process. The decision established an important precedent regarding procedural requirements for imposing capital punishment in qualified rape cases.