People v. Embok

Summary

The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal of Jimmy Guinalang Bernadas a.k.a. "Embok" who was charged with rape under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code. The incident occurred on September 8, 2014, when accused allegedly had carnal knowledge of complainant AAA through force and intimidation while she was drunk and weak. The Regional Trial Court of Davao City found him guilty, which was affirmed by the Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court upheld the conviction, finding that the prosecution established all elements of rape and that AAA's testimony was credible and categorical in identifying the accused as the perpetrator. The Court rejected accused-appellant's defenses of denial and alibi, sentenced him to reclusion perpetua, and ordered payment of P225,000.00 total damages. The case demonstrates the courts' reliance on victim testimony in rape cases and the high standard required to overturn lower court credibility determinations.