In People of the Philippines vs. Rodito Daganio, the Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of a father for the rape of his minor daughter, emphasizing the weight of the victim’s testimony and the aggravating circumstance of the offender being a parent. This case underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting children from sexual abuse, especially within the family, and sends a strong message that such crimes will be met with severe penalties. The ruling clarifies the admissibility of leading questions in examining child witnesses and affirms the use of parental testimony to establish the victim’s age. Practically, this means increased protection and validation for child victims in incestuous rape cases.

When Trust is Betrayed: A Father’s Act of Rape and the Quest for Justice

The case revolves around Rodito Daganio, Sr., who was charged with rape by his minor daughter, Virgie Daganio. The information filed against him stated that on or about September 6, 1994, in Sapad, Lanao del Norte, Rodito Daganio “willfully, unlawfully, and feloniously, by means of force, violence, and intimidation… did then and there lie with and have carnal knowledge of said VIRGIE DAGANIO, his 11 YEAR OLD daughter, against her will and consent.” The accused pleaded not guilty during arraignment, leading to a trial where the prosecution presented evidence primarily from the victim, her mother, and the examining physician.

Virgie testified that her father raped her multiple times, with one specific instance occurring on September 6, 1994, when she was 11 years old. On that night, her mother was away, and the accused-appellant instructed her to enter the house, where he sexually assaulted her. Following the assault, he threatened her against disclosing the incident. Laureta Daganio, the victim’s mother, corroborated the incident and also claimed that the accused-appellant had previously raped their other daughter. Dr. William Canoy, who examined Virgie, testified to finding physical evidence consistent with sexual assault.

The defense presented Rodito Daganio, Sr., who denied the accusations, claiming he was ill on the day of the alleged incident and unaware of any sexual molestation due to his fever. The trial court found the accused guilty, sentencing him to death and ordering him to indemnify the victim. The defense appealed, arguing that the court erred in giving credence to the victim’s testimony and failing to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Supreme Court addressed the defense’s argument regarding leading questions posed to the victim. The Court acknowledged that leading questions are generally not allowed but cited Section 10, Rule 132 of the Rules of Court, which provides an exception: “When there is difficulty in getting direct and intelligible answers from a witness who is ignorant, or a child of tender years.” Given the victim’s age and educational level, the trial judge correctly allowed the prosecutor to ask leading questions to elicit the truth.

Building on this principle, the Supreme Court referenced the Rule on Examination of a Child Witness, which emphasizes giving courts wide latitude in questioning child witnesses to ascertain the truth, ensure appropriate questioning, protect children from harassment, and avoid wasting time. This rule further supports the allowance of leading questions in all stages of examining a child if it serves the interests of justice. The Court highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable witnesses and ensuring they can effectively communicate their experiences in court.

The Court found the totality of the evidence showed beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused-appellant raped the victim on September 6, 1994. The victim provided a detailed account of the rape during cross-examination. Despite the defense pointing out that Dr. William Canoy did not find fresh wounds, the Court emphasized that Dr. Canoy found swelling in the victim’s genitalia, which could have been caused by a male organ, as well as healed lacerations. These findings were deemed sufficient evidence of forcible defloration.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court rejected the defense’s argument that the victim’s failure to shout for help discredited her testimony. The Court emphasized the significance of a rape victim’s testimony when accusing a close relative. As noted in People vs. Juntilla, 314 SCRA 568 (1999), “A rape victim’s testimony is entitled to greater weight when she accuses a close relative of having raped her.” It is uncommon for a young girl to file a false complaint against her own father, making her testimony all the more credible.

The Court took judicial notice that rape does not always occur in isolated locations. As stated in People vs. Tundag, G.R. No. 135695-96, October 12, 2001, “Lust is no respecter of time or place.” It goes against human experience for a girl to fabricate a story that would bring dishonor to herself and her family, especially when the charges could lead to the death of her own father. Thus, the Court concluded that the accused-appellant was correctly found guilty of raping his daughter.

The Supreme Court also addressed the imposition of the death penalty under Article 335 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by R.A. No. 7659, which states that “The death penalty shall also be imposed if the crime of rape is committed with any of the following attendant circumstances: when the victim is under eighteen (18) years of age and the offender is a parent.” The Court emphasized that the victim’s minority and her relationship to the accused must be duly alleged and proven.

In this case, the information stated that the victim was eleven years old, which was established through the testimony of her mother, Laureta Daganio. The presentation of the victim’s Certificate of Live Birth was dispensed with at the defense counsel’s instance. As noted in People vs. Dela Cruz, 338 SCRA 582, 599 (2000), the Court has relied on the testimony of the victims’ mother to establish the minority of her daughters and imposed the death penalty on the accused. The principle of stare decisis et non quieta movere (to adhere to precedents and not disturb settled matters) guided the Court’s decision to impose the death penalty.

The Court increased the civil indemnity from P50,000.00 to P75,000.00, moral damages of P50,000.00, and exemplary damages of P25,000.00. Moral damages are awarded to the victim in such amount as the Court deems just, without the need for pleading or proof of the basis thereof. Exemplary damages may be imposed in cases of incestuous rape to deter other fathers with perverse tendencies from abusing their own daughters.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Regional Trial Court, sentencing Rodito Daganio to death and modifying the civil indemnity and damages. The case highlights the importance of protecting child victims, the admissibility of leading questions in certain circumstances, and the weight given to parental testimony in establishing the victim’s age.

FAQs

What was the key issue in this case?	The key issue was whether the accused, Rodito Daganio, was guilty of raping his minor daughter and whether the death penalty was appropriately imposed, considering the aggravating circumstance of the offender being a parent.
Why was the victim’s testimony given significant weight?	The victim’s testimony was given significant weight because it is uncommon for a young girl to falsely accuse her own father of rape. The Supreme Court recognizes that such accusations are more likely to be truthful, especially when supported by other evidence.
Why were leading questions allowed during the victim’s testimony?	Leading questions were allowed because the victim was a child of tender years, making it difficult for her to provide direct and intelligible answers without guidance. This is an exception under Section 10, Rule 132 of the Rules of Court.
What evidence corroborated the victim’s testimony?	The victim’s testimony was corroborated by the medical examination conducted by Dr. William Canoy, who found physical evidence consistent with sexual assault. Additionally, the testimony of the victim’s mother, Laureta Daganio, supported the victim’s account.
How was the victim’s age established?	The victim’s age was established through the testimony of her mother, Laureta Daganio, who had personal knowledge of her daughter’s age. The presentation of the victim’s birth certificate was dispensed with at the instance of the defense counsel.
What is the significance of the principle of stare decisis in this case?	The principle of stare decisis, which means to adhere to precedents and not disturb settled matters, guided the Court in imposing the death penalty, as previous cases have relied on parental testimony to establish a victim’s age.
Why were moral and exemplary damages awarded in this case?	Moral damages were awarded to compensate the victim for the mental, physical, and psychological trauma she suffered. Exemplary damages were imposed to deter other fathers from committing similar acts of incestuous rape.
What was the final ruling of the Supreme Court?	The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Regional Trial Court, sentencing Rodito Daganio to death. It also increased the civil indemnity to P75,000.00, awarded moral damages of P50,000.00, and exemplary damages of P25,000.00.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of incestuous rape and the importance of protecting vulnerable victims. The ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rights of children and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their heinous crimes.

For inquiries regarding the application of this ruling to specific circumstances, please contact ASG Law through contact or via email at frontdesk@asglawpartners.com.

Disclaimer: This analysis is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.
Source: People of the Philippines vs. Rodito Daganio, G.R. No. 137385, January 23, 2002