People v. Roldan Arcosiba Alias "Entoy"

Summary

The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of Roldan Arcosiba for raping a 14-year-old girl in Leyte on March 21, 2004. The accused used force and intimidation, threatening to shoot the victim while committing sexual assault. Despite being interrupted by a neighbor's arrival, penetration occurred. The Court found the minor victim's testimony credible, straightforward, and consistent, noting that no young girl would fabricate such traumatic details and endure public trial unless seeking justice. The defense of denial and alibi could not overcome positive identification by multiple witnesses. The Court upheld the penalty of reclusion perpetua and awarded P50,000 civil indemnity, P50,000 moral damages, and P25,000 exemplary damages due to the aggravating circumstance of the victim's minority, following established jurisprudence on simple rape cases.