People v. Remulta

Summary

The Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals' conviction of accused for Simple Rape instead of Qualified Rape. The prosecution successfully proved that the accused had carnal knowledge of a 14-year-old victim through force and intimidation. However, although the prosecution proved during trial that the accused was the live-in partner of the victim's mother - a relationship that would qualify the rape - this qualifying circumstance was not alleged in the information. The Court emphasized the constitutional principle that qualifying circumstances must be both alleged in the information and proven at trial. The accused was sentenced to reclusion perpetua with monetary damages totaling P225,000.00 plus legal interest.