People v. Kariba

Summary

The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of Ernesto Santos for statutory rape of nine-year-old Priscilla Marcos. The Court rejected arguments that the child victim was incompetent to testify due to tender age, finding her testimony clear and credible despite minor inconsistencies. The elements of statutory rape were established through the victim's testimony, corroborated by medical evidence showing partial penetration and eyewitness testimony of the victim's aunt who caught the accused in the act. The Court dismissed the alibi defense as the accused failed to prove physical impossibility of presence at the crime scene. The conviction demonstrates protection of children from sexual violence and the courts' willingness to accept child testimony when credible. The Court increased moral damages from P10,000 to P50,000, recognizing the severe psychological trauma inflicted on the young victim that may affect her for life.