People v. Xxx

Summary

This criminal appeal involves the rape conviction of accused-appellant XXX for the sexual assault of 15-year-old victim AAA on March 22, 2009. The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction, finding both elements of rape established: carnal knowledge through the victim's credible testimony corroborated by medical evidence of fresh hymenal lacerations, and force through the victim being physically restrained by both accused. The Court emphasized that a single credible witness testimony suffices for conviction in rape cases. While affirming the reclusion perpetua sentence, the Court corrected the legal basis, applying Article 266-B's first paragraph rather than the second paragraph's enhanced penalty provision, and deleted the 'without eligibility for parole' qualification as inappropriate for the circumstances. The case demonstrates the sufficiency of victim testimony supported by medical evidence in establishing rape beyond reasonable doubt.