People v. Santos

Summary

The Supreme Court affirmed the criminal conviction of Roman Santos for rape under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code. Santos was accused of raping his in-law AAA on December 9, 2016, while threatening her with a knife in their shared residence in Parañaque City. All three court levels - RTC, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court - found Santos guilty based primarily on the victim's credible testimony, corroborated by medical evidence showing hand lacerations from the knife. The Court rejected Santos's arguments regarding the victim's failure to seek immediate help, the possibility of committing rape in a small house with multiple occupants, and the non-presentation of the knife as evidence. Santos was sentenced to reclusion perpetua and ordered to pay P75,000 each for civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages with 6% annual interest. The case demonstrates the courts' consistent application of criminal law principles in rape prosecutions, particularly regarding victim credibility and evidentiary standards.