People v. Diega

Summary

Carlo Diega y Zapico was convicted of four counts of rape after he and three unidentified companions gang-raped 12-year-old victim AAA on April 14, 2013. The victim was lured to a drinking session, intoxicated, and then successively raped by all four perpetrators at a vacant lot. The Supreme Court applied the conspiracy doctrine, holding Carlo liable not only for his own criminal act but also for the rapes committed by his co-conspirators. The Court emphasized that in conspiracy cases, the act of one conspirator is the act of all. Despite Carlo's denial and alibi defense, the courts gave credence to the victim's positive identification and detailed testimony, which was corroborated by medical evidence showing recent genital trauma. The decision reinforces the principle that accused persons in rape conspiracy cases bear collective responsibility for all acts committed in furtherance of their criminal design.