People v. Tagolino

Summary

The Supreme Court denied the appeal of Roy Tagolino y Laurente, who was convicted of four counts of rape committed on April 25, 2007. The Court found that prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that accused committed rape by carnal knowledge (inserting penis into victim's vagina) and three counts of rape by sexual assault (inserting penis into victim's mouth, inserting three fingers into victim's vagina, and attempting anal penetration) using a deadly weapon. The victim's credible testimony was corroborated by medical evidence showing physical trauma consistent with forcible sexual assault. The Court rejected the defense of consensual sex, noting the victim immediately reported the crime and ran naked from the scene. Each sexual act constituted a separate crime committed to satisfy distinct criminal carnality. The Court modified penalties and damages, imposing reclusion perpetua for carnal knowledge and indeterminate sentences for sexual assault counts, with corresponding civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages totaling P345,000 with 6% annual interest.