People v. Rosales

Summary

Dennis Rosales y Kaladkad was convicted of statutory rape of an 8-year-old victim (AAA) that occurred on August 26, 2010. The Supreme Court dismissed his appeal and affirmed the Court of Appeals decision, finding that the prosecution established beyond reasonable doubt the elements of statutory rape under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code. The Court emphasized that in statutory rape, only two elements matter: the victim being under 12 years old and the occurrence of carnal knowledge, regardless of force or intimidation. The victim's detailed testimony and medical evidence from Dr. Julieta Cumpio-Tan supported the conviction. The Supreme Court modified the monetary award, increasing exemplary damages to P75,000.00 and imposing 6% annual interest on all awards, following prevailing jurisprudence in People v. Jugueta. This case reinforces the strict liability nature of statutory rape and the protection afforded to child victims under Philippine criminal law.