ISIDRO OLIVAREZ, versus G.R. No. 163866 COURT OF APPEALS and PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondents. Promulgated: July 29, 2005 2005 Facts: !e o"ended party #r$st$na %l$t$ong &as a 16'year old !$g! s(!ool student &!o &$t! !er )rot!ers &ere employed )y t!e a((used, 6*' year old +s$dro l$-are, $n t!e ma/$ng o sampagu$ta garlands. or one year s!e !ad )een report$ng or &or/ dur$ng &ee/ends at t!e res$den(e res$den(e o t!e a((used. $t!$n t!e (ompound and at a)out t!ree armslengt! rom t!e ma$n door o t!e !ouse &as !er &or/pla(e.t a)out 11:30 o(lo(/ $n t!e morn$ng o July 20, 1994, #r$st$na, !er t&o )rot!ers a(oy and odong, and one named 7$eel &ere at t!e$r &or/ &!en t!e a((used &!o &as near t!e ma$n door (alled or !er. !e dut$ully approa(!ed !$m. !e a((used as/ed !er $ s!e !ad told !er mot!er t!at !e ga-e !er money, and &!en s!e sa$d t!at s!e d$d not, !e em)ra(ed !er and !eld !er )reast. !e &or/ers &ere a($ng t!e street street so t!at t!e t&o &ere not seen. e pulled !er to t!e /$t(!en and, (los$ng t!e /$t(!en door, /$ssed !er on t!e l$ps. !e pus!ed !$m a&ay and &ent )a(/ to !er stat$on. er )rot!er a(oy sa& !er (ry$ng &!en s!e (ame out o t!e !ouse. !e d$d not say a &ord, )ut &ent to t!e au(et and &as!ed !er a(e. !e o"ended o"ended party (ont$nued to n$s! t!e garlands s!e &as &or/$ng on, and &a$ted unt$l t!e aternoon or !er &ages. !en s!e arr$-ed at !er !ome, s!e rst told !er mot!er t!at s!e no longer &$s!ed to go )a(/. !en pressed or a reason, s!e sa$d basta po mama ayaw ko ng magtuhog. magtuhog. $nally, s!e told !er mot!er &!at !appened.urora %l$t$ong, t!e mot!er, a((ompan$ed t!e o"ended party to t!e an ;$(ente
er-$(e tat$on &!$(! &as only a -e m$nute r$de rom !$s !ome )y tr$(y(le. $s daug!ter nalee l$-are l$-are &as stay$ng $n anot!er !ouse $n t!e (ompound and attended a morn$ng mass. !en s!e returned
laundry&oman, &!o &as &as!$ng (lot!es outs$de t!e /$t(!en, sa& t!e a((used earl$er. stat$on or t&o and a !al !ours &a$t$ng or t!e s!$pment o ?o&ers rom Pampanga. !e goods arr$-ed at 12:15 P.. e let s!ortly t!ereater and passed )y t!e mar/et )eore go$ng !ome. e arr$-ed at 12:30 P.. !e ne>t se-eral days &ere une-entul or !$m unt$l !$s laundry&oman ar$tess told !$m t!at t!er t!ere e &as a (ompla (ompla$nt $nt aga$nst aga$nst !$m at t!e t!e )arang )arangay ay o@(e. o@(e. meet$ meet$ng ng too/ too/ pla(e pla(e )et&e )et&een en !$m and t!e t!e g$rls g$rls am$ly am$ly $n t!e t!e pres presen( en(e e o t!e t!e )arang )arangay ay aut!o aut!or$t r$t$es $es.. !e g$rls g$rls mot!e mot!err &as demand$ng P30,000 or t!e settlement o t!e (ase, )ut !e reused to (a-e $n and told a )arangay o@($al Ja$me Ramos t!at !e &ould rat!er see !$s a((users $n (ourt t!an g$-e a (enta-o )e(ause !e d$d not (omm$t t!e (r$me.
Issue: N !e onora)le #ourt o ppeals (omm$tted gra-e a)use o d$s(ret$on $n not !old$ng t!at t!e essent$al elements $n ;$olat$on o e(t$on 5, rt$(le +++ o Repu)l$( (t 4610, &!$(! are age o t!e o"ended o"ended party and t!at s!e $s an a)used or e>plo$te e>plo$ted d (!$ld (!$ld as dened dened $n t!e la&, not !a-$ng !a-$ng )een )een alleged alleged $n t!e +normat$on +normat$on,, pet$t$onerAa((used pet$t$onerAa((used (annot )e ound gu$lty o sa$d o"ense and must )e a(Bu$tted.
Actins ! t"e curts: R#: ound l$-are gu$lty o -$olat$ng e(t$on 5 o R.. 4610 and senten(ed !$m to su"er an $ndeterm$nate penalty o $mpr$sonment rom e$g!t C8D years and one C1D day o prision o prision mayor as as m$n$mum to se-e se-ent ntee een n C14D C14D year years, s, our our C*D C*D mont mont!s !s and and one one C1D C1D day day o reclusion temporal as temporal as ma>$mum, to $ndemn$y t!e m$nor #r$st$na %l$t$ong $n t!e amount o P15,000.00 as moral damages and to pay t!e (osts. #: @rmed R# #: @rmed # )ut &$t! mod$(at$ons on damages
Rati: e(t$on 5, rt$(le +++ o R.. 4610 states:
%#. 5. #!$ld Prost$tut$on and t!er e>ual )use. #!$ldren, &!et!er male or emale, &!o or money, prot, or any ot!er (ons$derat$on or due to t!e (oer($on or $n?uen(e o any adult, synd$(ate or group, $ndulge $n se>ual $nter(ourse or las($-$ous (ondu(t, are deemed to )e (!$ldren e>plo$ted $n prost$tut$on and ot!er se>ual a)use. !e penalty o re(lus$on temporal $n $ts med$um per$od to re(lus$on perpetua s!all )e $mposed upon t!e ollo&$ng: E C)D !ose &!o (omm$t t!e a(t o se>ual $nter(ourse or las($-$ous (ondu(t &$t! a (!$ld e>plo$ted $n prost$tut$on or su)=e(ted to ot!er se>ual a)use: Pro-$ded, !at &!en t!e -$(t$m $s under t&el-e C12D years o age, t!e perpetrators s!all )e prose(uted under rt$(le 335, paragrap! 3, or rape and rt$(le 336 o (t No. 3815, as amended, t!e Re-$sed Penal #ode, or rape or las($-$ous (ondu(t, as t!e (ase may )e: Pro-$ded, !at t!e penalty or las($-$ous (ondu(t &!en t!e -$(t$m $s under t&el-e C12D years o age s!all )e re(lus$on temporal $n $ts med$um per$od. !e elements o se>ual a)use under e(t$on 5, rt$(le +++ o R.. 4610 are as ollo&s: 1. !e a((used (omm$ts t!e a(t o se>ual $nter(ourse or las($-$ous (ondu(t. 2. !e sa$d a(t $s perormed &$t! a (!$ld e>plo$ted $n prost$tut$on or su)=e(ted to ot!er se>ual a)use. 3. !e (!$ld, &!et!er male or emale, $s )elo& 18 years o age. $s(uss$ons on t!e presen(e o elements 1. !e rst element o)ta$ns $n t!$s (ase. +t &as esta)l$s!ed )eyond reasona)le dou)t t!at pet$t$oner /$ssed #r$st$na and tou(!ed !er )reasts &$t! le&d des$gns as $nerred rom t!e nature o t!e a(ts t!emsel-es and t!e en-$ronmental ($r(umstan(es. 2. !e se(ond element, $.e., t!at t!e a(t $s perormed &$t! a (!$ld e>plo$ted $n prost$tut$on or su)=e(ted to ot!er se>ual a)use, $s l$/e&$se present. s su(($n(tly e>pla$ned $n People -. 7ar$n: (!$ld $s deemed e>plo$ted $n prost$tut$on or su)=e(ted to ot!er se>ual a)use, &!en t!e (!$ld $ndulges $n se>ual $nter(ourse or las($-$ous (ondu(t CaD or money, prot, or
any ot!er (ons$derat$onF or C)D under t!e (oer($on or $n?uen(e o any adult, synd$(ate or group. ... +t must )e noted t!at t!e la& (o-ers not only a s$tuat$on $n &!$(! a (!$ld $s a)used or prot, )ut also one $n &!$(! a (!$ld, t!roug! (oer($on or $nt$m$dat$on, engages $n las($-$ous (ondu(t. Ct!$s &as re$terated $n mployo -s PeopleD !us, a (!$ld $s deemed su)=e(ted to ot!er se>ual a)use &!en t!e (!$ld $ndulges $n las($-$ous (ondu(t under t!e (oer($on or $n?uen(e o any adult. +n t!$s (ase, #r$st$na &as se>ually a)used )e(ause s!e &as (oer(ed or $nt$m$dated )y pet$t$oner to $ndulge $n a las($-$ous (ondu(t. urt!ermore, $t $s $n(onseBuent$al t!at t!e se>ual a)use o((urred only on(e. s e>pressly pro-$ded $n e(t$on 3 C)D o R.. 4610, t!e a)use may )e !a)$tual or not. +t must )e o)ser-ed t!at rt$(le +++ o R.. 4610 $s (apt$oned as #!$ld Prost$tut$on and t!er e>ual )use )e(ause #ongress really $ntended to (o-er a s$tuat$on &!ere t!e m$nor may !a-e )een (oer(ed or $nt$m$dated $nto las($-$ous (ondu(t, not ne(essar$ly or money or prot. !e la& (o-ers not only (!$ld prost$tut$on )ut also ot!er orms o se>ual a)use. 3. Pet$t$oner &as urn$s!ed a (opy o t!e #ompla$nt &!$(! &as ment$oned $n t!e $normat$on, !en(e !e &as adeBuately $normed o t!e age o t!e (ompla$nant. !e prose(ut$on !as also esta)l$s!ed t!e m$nor$ty o t!e o"ended party t!roug! (ompetent e-$den(e. #r$st$na test$ed t!at s!e &as 16 years old and a (ert$(at$on rom t!e @(e o t!e 7o(al Reg$strar o an Pedro, 7aguna &as presented s!o&$ng t!at s!e &as )orn on (to)er 14, 1980. !e t!$rd element o se>ual a)use $s t!ereore present.
On t"e issue a%ut t"e in!r&atin as a''e(ed %) O'ivare*: +n all (r$m$nal prose(ut$ons, t!e a((used $s ent$tled to )e $normed o t!e nature and (ause o t!e a((usat$on aga$nst !$m. (ompla$nt $s su@($ent $ $t states t!e name o t!e a((usedF t!e des$gnat$on o t!e o"ense g$-en )y t!e statuteF t!e a(ts or om$ss$ons (ompla$ned o as (onst$tut$ng t!e o"enseF t!e name o t!e o"ended partyF t!e appro>$mate date o t!e (omm$ss$on o t!e o"enseF and t!e pla(e &!ere t!e o"ense &as (omm$tted.!e (ompla$nt or $normat$on s!all state t!e des$gnat$on o t!e o"ense g$-en )y t!e statute, a-er t!e a(ts or om$ss$ons (onst$tut$ng t!e o"ense, and spe($y $ts Bual$y$ng and aggra-at$ng ($r(umstan(es. + t!ere $s no des$gnat$on
o t!e o"ense, reeren(e s!all )e made to t!e se(t$on or su)se(t$on o t!e statute pun$s!$ng $t.22H !e a(ts or om$ss$ons (ompla$ned o as (onst$tut$ng t!e o"ense and t!e Bual$y$ng and aggra-at$ng ($r(umstan(es must )e stated $n ord$nary and (on($se language and not ne(essar$ly $n t!e language used $n t!e statute )ut $n terms su@($ent to ena)le a person o (ommon understand$ng to /no& &!at o"ense $s )e$ng (!arged as &ell as $ts Bual$y$ng and aggra-at$ng ($r(umstan(es and or t!e (ourt to pronoun(e =udgment.+n t!e present (ase, t!e #ourt o ppeals ound t!e $normat$on to )e su@($ent. Rely$ng on t!e pr$n($ple la$d do&n $n People -. Rosare, $t !eld:
$spos$t$-e:
HEREFORE, t!e pet$t$on $s DENIED. !e de($s$on o t!e #ourt o ppeals dated January 9, 200* $n #'G.R. #R No. 22860 and $ts .it" resolut$on dated June *, 200*, are AFFIR-ED -ODIFICATION. +n add$t$on to t!e a&ard o P15,000.00 as moral damages, pet$t$oner +s$dro l$-are $s also ordered to pay a ne $n t!e amount o P15,000.00.
-ICHAEL /OHN Z0 -ALTO v0 PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES 10R0 N0 #23455, Se6te&%er +#, +774 Crna, /0 Dctrine: !e s&eet!eart t!eoryK (annot )e $n-o/ed or purposes o se>ual $nter(ourse and las($-$ous (ondu(t $n (!$ld a)use (ases under R 4610. #onsent $s $mmater$al )e(ause t!e mere a(t o !a-$ng se>ual $nter(ourse or (omm$tt$ng las($-$ous (ondu(t &$t! a (!$ld &!o $s su)=e(ted to se>ual a)use (onst$tutes t!e o"ense. oreo-er, a (!$ld $s presumed )y la& to )e $n(apa)le o g$-$ng rat$onal (onsent to any las($-$ous a(t or se>ual $nter(ourse. Facts:
omet$me dur$ng t!e mont! o No-em)er 1994 to 1998, alto sedu(ed !$s student, , a m$nor, to $ndulge $n se>ual $nter(ourse se-eral t$mes &$t! !$m. Pr$or to t!e $n($dent, pet$t$oner and !ad a mutual understand$ngK and )e(ame s&eet!earts. Pressured and ara$d o t!e pet$t$onerLs t!reat to end t!e$r relat$ons!$p, su((um)ed and )ot! !ad se>ual $nter(ourse. Ipon d$s(o-ery o &!at under&ent, Ls mot!er lodged a (ompla$nt $n t!e @(e o t!e #$ty Prose(utor o Pasay #$ty. ss$stant #$ty Prose(utor (!arged t!e pet$t$oner $n an +normat$on a -$olat$on o e(t$on 5CaD, rt$(le +++, R 4610. ur$ng t!e mont! o No-em)er 1994 up to 1998, $n Pasay #$ty, $(!ael Jo!n. M. alto, a proessor, d$d t!en and t!ere &$llully, unla&ully and elon$ously ta/e ad-antage and e>ert $n?uen(e, relat$ons!$p and moral as(endan(y and $ndu(e andAor sedu(e !$s student at ssumpt$on #ollege, (ompla$nant, , a m$nor o 14 years old, to $ndulge $n se>ual $nter(ourse and las($-$ous (ondu(t or se-eral t$mes &$t! !$m as $n a(t sa$d a((used !as (arnal /no&ledge. !e tr$al (ourt ound t!e e-$den(e or t!e prose(ut$on su@($ent to susta$n pet$t$onerLs (on-$(t$on and rendered a de($s$on nd$ng pet$t$oner gu$lty )eyond reasona)le dou)t or -$olat$on o rt$(le +++, e(t$on 5CaD, par. 3 o R 4610, as amended and senten(ed !$m to re(lus$on temporal. +n a de($s$on, t!e appellate (ourt a@rmed !$s (on-$(t$on e-en $ $t ound t!at !$s a(ts &ere not (o-ered )y paragrap! CaD )ut )y paragrap! C)D o e(t$on 5, rt$(le +++ o R 4610F and t!ere)y senten(ed to an $ndeterm$nate penalty pr$s$on mayor. Issue: +n a de($s$on, t!e appellate (ourt a@rmed !$s (on-$(t$on e-en $ $t ound t!at !$s a(ts &ere not (o-ered )y paragrap! CaD )ut )y paragrap! C)D o e(t$on 5, rt$(le +++ o R 4610F and t!ere)y senten(ed to an $ndeterm$nate penalty pr$s$on mayor. N
Rati:
element (orresponds to t!e m$nor$ty or age o t!e o"ended party. $n(e all t!ree elements o t!e (r$me &ere present, t!e (on-$(t$on o pet$t$oner &as proper. #onsent o t!e (!$ld $s $mmater$al $n (r$m$nal (ases $n-ol-$ng -$olat$on o e(. 5, rt. +++ o R 4610. Pet$t$oner (la$ms t!at &el(omed !$s /$sses and tou(!es and (onsented to !a-e se>ual $nter(ourse &$t! !$m. !ey engaged $n t!ese a(ts out o mutual lo-e and a"e(t$on. !e s&eet!eart t!eory appl$es $n a(ts o las($-$ousness and rape, elon$es (omm$tted aga$nst or &$t!out t!e (onsent o t!e -$(t$m. +t operates on t!e t!eory t!at t!e se>ual a(t &as (onsensual. +t reBu$res proo t!at t!e a((used and t!e -$(t$m &ere lo-ers and t!at s!e (onsented to t!e se>ual relat$ons.30 or purposes o se>ual $nter(ourse and las($-$ous (ondu(t $n (!$ld a)use (ases under R 4610, t!e s&eet!eart deense $s una((epta)le. (!$ld e>plo$ted $n prost$tut$on or su)=e(ted to ot!er se>ual a)use (annot -al$dly g$-e (onsent to se>ual $nter(ourse &$t! anot!er person. (!$ld (annot g$-e (onsent to a (ontra(t under our ($-$l la&s. !$s $s on t!e rat$onale t!at s!e (an eas$ly )e t!e -$(t$m o raud as s!e $s not (apa)le o ully understand$ng or /no&$ng t!e nature or $mport o !er a(t$ons. !e tate, as parens patr$ae, $s under t!e o)l$gat$on to m$n$m$e t!e r$s/ o !arm to t!ose &!o, )e(ause o t!e$r m$nor$ty, are as yet una)le to ta/e (are o t!emsel-es ully. !ose o tender years deser-e $ts prote(t$on. !e !arm &!$(! results rom a (!$ldLs )ad de($s$on $n a se>ual en(ounter may )e $nn$tely more damag$ng to !er t!an a )ad )us$ness deal. !us, t!e la& s!ould prote(t !er rom t!e !armul (onseBuen(es o !er attempts at adult se>ual )e!a-$or. or t!$s reason, a (!$ld s!ould not )e deemed to !a-e -al$dly (onsented to adult se>ual a(t$-$ty and to surrender !ersel $n t!e a(t o ult$mate p!ys$(al $nt$ma(y under a la& &!$(! see/s to a"ord !er spe($al prote(t$on aga$nst a)use, e>plo$tat$on and d$s(r$m$nat$on. +n ot!er &ords, a (!$ld $s presumed )y la& to )e $n(apa)le o g$-$ng rat$onal (onsent to any las($-$ous a(t or se>ual $nter(ourse.
N%G+;%. Pet$t$oner $s &rong. Pet$t$oner -$olated e(t$on 5C)D, rt$(le +++ o R 4610, as amended. !e rst element o e(t$on 5C)D, rt$(le +++ o R 4610 perta$ns to t!e a(t or a(ts (omm$tted )y t!e a((used. !e se(ond element
o pro-$de spe($al prote(t$on to (!$ldren rom all orms o a)use, negle(t, (ruelty, e>plo$tat$on and d$s(r$m$nat$on, and ot!er (ond$t$ons pre=ud$($al to t!e$r de-elopmentF pro-$de san(t$ons or t!e$r (omm$ss$on and (arry out a program or pre-ent$on and
e>plo$tat$on, and d$s(r$m$nat$on. Hs &ell as to $nter-ene on )e!al o t!e (!$ld &!en t!e parents, guard$an, tea(!er or person !a-$ng (are or (ustody o t!e (!$ld a$ls or $s una)le to prote(t t!e (!$ld aga$nst a)use, e>plo$tat$on, and d$s(r$m$nat$on or &!en su(! a(ts aga$nst t!e (!$ld are (omm$tted )y t!e sa$d parent, guard$an, tea(!er or person !a-$ng (are and (ustody o t!e same. !e )est $nterest o (!$ldren s!all )e t!e paramount (ons$derat$on $n all a(t$ons (on(ern$ng t!em, &!et!er underta/en )y pu)l$( or pr$-ate so($al &elare $nst$tut$ons, (ourts o la&, adm$n$strat$-e aut!or$t$es, and leg$slat$-e )od$es, (ons$stent &$t! t!e pr$n($ples o $rst #all or #!$ldren as enun($ated $n t!e In$ted Nat$ons #on-ent$on on t!e R$g!ts o t!e #!$ld. %-ery e"ort s!all )e e>erted to promote t!e &elare o (!$ldren and en!an(e t!e$r opportun$t$es or a useul and !appy l$e.
10R0 N0 #8+859
A6ri' +7, +7#7
RUSTAN AN1 ) PASCUA, Pet$t$oner, -s.
THE HONORALE COURT OF APPEALS and IRISH SA1UD, Respondents. a(ts: #ompla$nant +r$s! agud C+r$s!D and a((used Rustan &ere (lassmates at esleyan In$-ers$ty $n urora Pro-$n(e. Rustan (ourted +r$s! and t!ey )e(ame on'and'o" s&eet!earts to&ards t!e end o 200*. !en +r$s! learned ater&ards t!at Rustan !ad ta/en a l$-e'$n partner Cno& !$s &$eD, &!om !e !ad gotten pregnant, +r$s! )ro/e up &$t! !$m.+n t!e early morn$ng o June 5, 2005, +r$s! re(e$-ed t!roug! mult$med$a message ser-$(e CD a p$(ture o a na/ed &oman &$t! spread legs and &$t! +r$s!Ls a(e super$mposed on t!e gure C%>!$)$t D.2 !e senderLs (ellp!one num)er, stated $n t!e message, &as 0921'808*468, one o t!e num)ers t!at Rustan used. +r$s! surm$sed t!at !e (op$ed t!e p$(ture o !er a(e rom a s!ot !e too/ &!en t!ey &ere $n t messages rom Rustan. e )oasted t!at $t &ould )e easy or !$m to (reate s$m$larly s(andalous p$(tures o !er. nd !e t!reatened to spread t!e p$(ture !e sent t!roug! t!e $nternet. ne o t!e messages !e sent to +r$s!, &r$tten $n te>t messag$ng s!ort!and, read: adal$ lang $/alat yun, my (!atrum ang tarla( rayt p&ede r$ng send sa la!at ng (!atter.+r$s! soug!t t!e !elp o t!e -$(e mayor o ar$a urora &!o reerred !er to t!e pol$(e. Inder pol$(e super-$s$on, +r$s! (onta(ted Rustan t!roug! t!e (ellp!one num)ers !e used $n send$ng t!e p$(ture and !$s te>t messages. +r$s! as/ed Rustan to meet !er at t!e 7orentess Resort $n
$dent$y a pran/ster &!o &as send$ng !er mal$($ous te>t messages. Rustan got t!e senderLs num)er and, pretend$ng to )e +r$s!, (onta(ted t!e person. Rustan (la$ms t!at !e got )a(/ o)s(ene messages rom t!e pran/ster, &!$(! !e or&arded to +r$s! rom !$s (ellp!one. !$s e>pla$ned, !e sa$d, &!y t!e o)s(ene messages appeared to !a-e or$g$nated rom !$s (ellp!one num)er. Rustan (la$ms t!at $t &as +r$s! !ersel &!o sent t!e o)s(ene p$(ture C%>!$)$t D to !$m. e presented s$> p$(tures o a &oman &!om !e $dent$ed as +r$s!. $(!elle ng C$(!elleD, RustanLs &$e, test$ed t!at s!e &as sure +r$s! sent t!e s$> p$(tures. $(!elle (la$ms t!at s!e re(e$-ed t!e p$(tures and !$d t!e memory (ard C%>!$)$t 8D t!at (onta$ned t!em )e(ause s!e &as =ealous and angry. !e d$d not &ant to see anyt!$ng o +r$s!. y (lot!$ng, $n none d$d s!e appear na/ed as $n %>!$)$t . urt!er, t!e a(e o t!e &oman $n %>!$)$ts 2, *, 5 and 6 (ould not )e seen. +r$s! den$ed t!at s!e &as t!e &oman $n t!ose our p$(tures. s or %>!$)$ts 3 and 4, t!e &oman $n t!e p$(ture &as ully dressed. +ssue: !e pr$n($pal $ssue $n t!$s (ase $s &!et!er or not a((used Rustan sent +r$s! )y (ellp!one message t!e p$(ture &$t! !er a(e pasted on t!e )ody o a nude &oman, $n?$(t$ng angu$s!, psy(!olog$(al d$stress, and !um$l$at$on on !er $n -$olat$on o e(t$on 5C!D o R.. 9262. 1. !et!er or not a dat$ng relat$ons!$p e>$sted )et&een Rustan and +r$s! as t!$s term $s dened $n R.. 9262F 2. !et!er or not a s$ngle a(t o !arassment, l$/e t!e send$ng o t!e nude p$(ture $n t!$s (ase, already (onst$tutes a -$olat$on o e(t$on 5C!D o R.. 9262.
e(t$on 3CaD o R.. 9262 pro-$des t!at -$olen(e aga$nst &omen $n(ludes an a(t or a(ts o a person aga$nst a &oman &$t! &!om !e !as or !ad a se>ual or dat$ng relat$ons!$p. !us: %#. 3. en$t$on o erms. O s used $n t!$s (t, CaD ;$olen(e aga$nst &omen and t!e$r (!$ldren reers to any a(t or a ser$es o a(ts (omm$tted )y any person aga$nst a &oman &!o $s !$s &$e, ormer &$e, or aga$nst a &oman &$t! &!om t!e person !as or !ad a se>ual or dat$ng relat$ons!$p, or &$t! &!om !e !as a (ommon (!$ld, or aga$nst !er (!$ld &!et!er leg$t$mate or $lleg$t$mate, &$t!$n or &$t!out t!e am$ly a)ode, &!$(! result $n or $s l$/ely to result $n p!ys$(al, se>ual, psy(!olog$(al !arm or su"er$ng, or e(onom$( a)use $n(lud$ng t!reats o su(! a(ts, )attery, assault, (oer($on, !arassment or ar)$trary depr$-at$on o l$)erty. e(t$on 5 $dent$es t!e a(t or a(ts t!at (onst$tute -$olen(e aga$nst &omen and t!ese $n(lude any orm o !arassment t!at (auses su)stant$al emot$onal or psy(!olog$(al d$stress to a &oman. !us: %#. 5. (ts o ;$olen(e ga$nst omen and !e$r #!$ldren. O !e (r$me o -$olen(e aga$nst &omen and t!e$r (!$ldren $s (omm$tted t!roug! any o t!e ollo&$ng a(ts: !. %ngag$ng $n purposeul, /no&$ng, or re(/less (ondu(t, personally or t!roug! anot!er, t!at alarms or (auses su)stant$al emot$onal or psy(!olog$(al d$stress to t!e &oman or !er (!$ld. !$s s!all $n(lude, )ut not )e l$m$ted to, t!e ollo&$ng a(ts: 5. %ngag$ng $n any orm o !arassment or -$olen(eF
Rati and Ru'in(:
!e a)o-e pro-$s$ons, ta/en toget!er, $nd$(ate t!at t!e elements o t!e (r$me o -$olen(e aga$nst &omen t!roug! !arassment are: 1. !e o"ender !as or !ad a se>ual or dat$ng relat$ons!$p
2. !e o"ender, )y !$msel or t!roug! anot!er, (omm$ts an a(t or ser$es o a(ts o !arassment aga$nst t!e &omanF and 3. !e !arassment alarms or (auses su)stant$al emot$onal or psy(!olog$(al d$stress to !er. ne. !e part$es to t!$s (ase agree t!at t!e prose(ut$on needed to pro-e t!at a((used Rustan !ad a dat$ng relat$ons!$p &$t! +r$s!. e(t$on 3CeD pro-$des t!at a dat$ng relat$ons!$p $n(ludes a s$tuat$on &!ere t!e part$es are romant$(ally $n-ol-ed o-er t$me and on a (ont$nu$ng )as$s dur$ng t!e (ourse o t!e relat$ons!$p. !us: CeD at$ng relat$ons!$p reers to a s$tuat$on &!ere$n t!e part$es l$-e as !us)and and &$e &$t!out t!e )enet o marr$age or are romant$(ally $n-ol-ed o-er t$me and on a (ont$nu$ng )as$s dur$ng t!e (ourse o t!e relat$ons!$p. (asual a(Bua$ntan(e or ord$nary so($al$at$on )et&een t&o $nd$-$duals $n a )us$ness or so($al (onte>t $s not a dat$ng relat$ons!$p. CInders(or$ng suppl$ed.D ere, Rustan (la$ms t!at, )e$ng romant$(ally $n-ol-ed, $mpl$es t!at t!e o"ender and t!e o"ended &oman !a-e or !ad se>ual relat$ons. ((ord$ng to !$m, roman(e $mpl$es a se>ual a(t. e ($tes e)sterLs #ompre!ens$-e $(t$onary %n(y(loped$a %d$t$on &!$(! pro-$des a (olloBu$al or $normal mean$ng to t!e &ord roman(e used as a -er), i.e., to ma/e lo-eF to ma/e lo-e to as $n e roman(ed !er. ual a(t. +t d$d not say t!at t!e o"ender must !a-e roman(ed t!e o"ended &oman. Rat!er, $t used t!e noun roman(e to des(r$)e a (oupleLs relat$ons!$p, i.e., a lo-e a"a$r.9 R.. 9262 pro-$des $n e(t$on 3 t!at -$olen(e aga$nst &omen > > > reers to any a(t or a ser$es o a(ts (omm$tted )y any person aga$nst a &oman > > > &$t! &!om t!e person !as or !ad a se>ual or dat$ng relat$ons!$p. #learly, t!e la& $tsel d$st$ngu$s!es a se>ual relat$ons!$p rom a dat$ng relat$ons!$p. +ndeed, e(t$on 3CeD a)o-e denes dat$ng relat$ons!$p &!$le e(t$on 3CD denes
may or may not result $n t!e )ear$ng o a (ommon (!$ld. !e dat$ng relat$ons!$p t!at t!e la& (ontemplates (an, t!ereore, e>$st e-en &$t!out a se>ual $nter(ourse ta/$ng pla(e )et&een t!ose $n-ol-ed. Rustan also (la$ms t!at s$n(e t!e relat$ons!$p )et&een +r$s! and !$m &as o t!e on'and'o" -ar$ety Ca&ay')at$D, t!e$r roman(e (annot )e regarded as !a-$ng de-eloped o-er t$me and on a (ont$nu$ng )as$s. pla$n$ng &!at a&ay')at$ meant, +r$s! e>pla$ned t!at at t$mes, &!en s!e (ould not reply to RustanLs messages, !e &ould get angry at !er. !at &as all. +ndeed, s!e (!ara(ter$ed t!e$r t!ree'mont! romant$( relat$on as (ont$nuous. 10 &o. Rustan argues t!at t!e one a(t o send$ng an o"ens$-e p$(ture s!ould not )e (ons$dered a orm o !arassment. e (la$ms t!at su(! &ould unduly ru$n !$m personally and set a -ery dangerous pre(edent. (!anged o)s(ene p$(tures &$t! +r$s! su(! t!at s!e &as already desens$t$ed )y t!em.
!$)$ts 2'4D. +t $s dou)tul $ t!e &oman $n t!e p$(ture &as +r$s! s$n(e !er a(e d$d not (learly s!o& on t!em. $(!elle, RustanLs &$e, (la$med t!at s!e deleted se-eral ot!er p$(tures t!at +r$s! sent, e>(ept %>!$)$ts 2 to 4. !$)$ts 2 to 4 !ad rema$ned sa-ed ater s!e deleted t!e p$(tures. 7ater, !o&e-er, s!e sa$d t!at s!e d$d not !a-e t$me to delete t!em. 11 nd, $ s!e t!oug!t t!at s!e !ad deleted all t!e p$(tures rom t!e memory (ard, t!en s!e !ad no reason at all to /eep and !$de su(! memory (ard. !ere &ould !a-e )een not!$ng to !$de. $nally, $ s!e /ne& t!at some p$(tures rema$ned $n t!e (ard, t!ere &as no reason or !er to /eep $t or se-eral years, g$-en t!at as s!e sa$d s!e &as too =ealous to &ant to see anyt!$ng (onne(ted to +r$s!. !us, t!e R# &as (orre(t $n not g$-$ng (reden(e to !er test$mony. 1avvphi1 e(ondly, t!e #ourt (annot measure t!e trauma t!at +r$s! e>per$en(ed )ased on RustanLs lo& regard or t!e alleged moral sens$)$l$t$es o todayLs yout!. !at $s o)s(ene and $n=ur$ous to an o"ended &oman (an o (ourse only )e determ$ned )ased on t!e ($r(umstan(es o ea(! (ase. ere, t!e na/ed &oman on t!e p$(ture, !er legs spread open and )ear$ng +r$s!Ls !ead and a(e, &as (learly an o)s(ene p$(ture and, to +r$s! a re-olt$ng and o"ens$-e one. urely, any &oman l$/e +r$s!, &!o $s not $n t!e pornograp!y trade, &ould )e s(andal$ed and pa$ned $ s!e sees !ersel $n su(! a p$(ture. !at ma/es $t urt!er terr$y$ng $s t!at, as +r$s! test$ed, Rustan sent t!e p$(ture &$t! a t!reat to post $t $n t!e $nternet or all to see. !at must !a-e g$-en !er a n$g!tmare. !ree. Rustan argues t!at, s$n(e !e &as arrested and (erta$n $tems &ere se$ed rom !$m &$t!out any &arrant, t!e e-$den(e presented aga$nst !$m s!ould )e deemed $nadm$ss$)le. !$)$t # or t!e prose(ut$on &as )ut a p!otograp! dep$(t$ng t!e
ony %r$(sson P900 (ellp!one t!at &as used, &!$(! (ellp!one Rustan adm$tted o&n$ng dur$ng t!e pre'tr$al (oneren(e. (tually, t!oug!, t!e )ul/ o t!e e-$den(e aga$nst !$m (ons$sted $n +r$s!Ls test$mony t!at s!e re(e$-ed t!e o)s(ene p$(ture and mal$($ous te>t messages t!at t!e senderLs (ellp!one num)ers )elonged to Rustan &$t! &!om s!e !ad )een pre-$ously $n (ommun$(at$on. +ndeed, to pro-e t!at t!e (ellp!one num)ers )elonged to Rustan, +r$s! and t!e pol$(e used su(! num)ers to summon !$m to (ome to 7orentess Resort and !e d$d.12 #onseBuently, t!e prose(ut$on d$d not !a-e to present t!e (ons(ated (ellp!one and + (ards to pro-e t!at Rustan sent t!ose messages. oreo-er, Rustan adm$tted !a-$ng sent t!e mal$($ous te>t messages to +r$s!.13 $s deense &as t!at !e !$msel re(e$-ed t!ose messages rom an un$dent$ed person &!o &as !arass$ng +r$s! and !e merely or&arded t!e same to !er, us$ng !$s (ellp!one. t message (onst$tutes an ele(tron$( do(ument. !us, $t s!ould )e aut!ent$(ated )y means o an ele(tron$( s$gnature, as pro-$ded under e(t$on 1, Rule 5 o t!e Rules on %le(tron$( %-$den(e C.. 01'4'01'#D. !$)$t , or t!e rst t$me )eore t!$s #ourt. !e o)=e(t$on $s too late s$n(e !e s!ould !a-e o)=e(ted to t!e adm$ss$on o t!e p$(ture on su(! ground at t!e t$me $t &as o"ered $n e-$den(e. e s!ould )e deemed to !a-e already &a$-ed su(! ground or o)=e(t$on. 1*
a(t$ons, Buas$'=ud$($al pro(eed$ngs. 15
pro(eed$ngs,
and
adm$n$strat$-e
+n (on(lus$on, t!$s #ourt nds t!at t!e prose(ut$on !as pro-ed ea(! and e-ery element o t!e (r$me (!arged )eyond reasona)le dou)t. %R%R%, t!e #ourt %N+% t!e pet$t$on and +R t!e de($s$on o t!e #ourt o ppeals $n #'G.R. #R 30564 dated January 31, 2008 and $ts resolut$on dated pr$l 25, 2008. R%R%.
DO-IN1O V RA;ALA 10R0 N0 #9985#
Fe%ruar) #8, +778
Dctrine Sexual harassment is an imposition of misplaced superiority which is enough to dampen an employees spirit and her capacity for advancement. It aects her sense of judgment; it changes her life. !e la& penal$$ng se>ual !arassment $n our =ur$sd$(t$on $s R 4844. e(t$on 3 t!ereo denes &or/'related se>ual !arassment $n t!$s &$se: Sec. 3.Work, Education or Training-related Sexual Harassment Defned.– ork! education or training-related se"ual harassment is committed by an employer! manager! supervisor! agent of the employer! teacher! instructor! professor! coach! trainor! or any other person who! having authority! in#uence or moral ascendancy over another in a work or training or education environment! demands! re$uests or otherwise re$uires any se"ual favor from the other! regardless of whether the demand! re$uest or re$uirement for submission is accepted by the object of said %ct. &a' In a work-related or employment environment! se"ual harassment is committed when( 1' )he se"ual favor is made as a condition in the hiring or in the employment! re-employment or continued employment of said
compensation! terms! conditions! promotions! or privileges; or the refusal to grant the se"ual favor results in limiting! segregating or classifying the employee which in a way would discriminate! deprive or diminish employment opportunities or otherwise adversely aect said employee; *' )he above acts would impair the employee+s rights or privileges under e"isting labor laws; or ,' )he above acts would result in an intimidating! hostile! or oensive environment for the employee.
RIEF ual !arassment aga$nst #!a$rman Rayala )eore e(retary <$en-en$do7aguesma o t!e epartment o 7a)or and %mployment C7%D. o support t!e #ompla$nt, om$ngo e>e(uted an @da-$t narrat$ng t!e $n($den(es o se>ual !arassment (ompla$ned o, $nd$(at$ng t!at:hairman ayala! while /omingo is typing a letter! holds and s$uee0e the latter+s shoulders! running his ngers across her neck and tickling her ear! having inappropriate conversations with her! giving her money! and making statements with unmistakable se"ual implications. om$ngo led t!e #ompla$nt or se>ual !arassment on t!e )as$s o dm$n$strat$-e rder No. 250, t!e Rules and Regulat$ons +mplement$ng R 4844 $n t!e epartment o 7a)or and %mployment. Rayala )e$ng a pres$dent$al appo$ntee, 7% reerred t!e #ompla$nt to t!e P. !e P, t!roug! t!en %>e(ut$-e e(retary Ronaldo
$n t!e #ompla$nt and (reate a (omm$ttee or su(! purpose. !e #omm$ttee ound Rayala gu$lty o t!e o"ense (!arged and re(ommended t!e $mpos$t$on o t!e m$n$mum penalty pro-$ded under 250, &!$(! $t erroneously stated as suspens$on or s$> C6D mont!s. e(retary 7aguesma su)m$tted a (opy o t!e #omm$ttee Report and Re(ommendat$on to t!e P, )ut &$t! t!e re(ommendat$on t!at t!e penalty s!ould )e suspens$on or s$> C6D mont!s and one C1D day, $n a((ordan(e &$t! 250.
OP Decisin #!a$rman Rayala o N7R# $s ound gu$lty o t!e gra-e o"ense o d$sgra(eul and $mmoral (ondu(t and $s !ere)y DIS-ISSED rom t!e ser-$(e. CA Decisin +t !eld t!at t!ere &as su@($ent e-$den(e on re(ord to (reate moral (erta$nty t!at Rayala (omm$tted t!e a(ts !e &as (!arged &$t!. Pet$t$on $sm$ssed. Rayala led 3 pet$t$ons &!$(! t!e # d$re(ted t!e$r (onsol$dat$on.
ISSUE !et!er #!a$rman Rayala (omm$tted se>ual !arassment HELD = ;es0 +t $s not ne(essary t!at t!e demand, reBuest or reBu$rement o a se>ual a-or )e art$(ulated $n a (ategor$(al oral or &r$tten statement. +t may )e d$s(erned, &$t! eBual (ert$tude, rom t!e a(ts o t!e o"ender. old$ng and sBuee$ng om$ngoLs s!oulders, runn$ng !$s ngers a(ross !er ne(/ and t$(/l$ng !er ear, !a-$ng $nappropr$ate (on-ersat$ons &$t! !er, g$-$ng !er money allegedly or s(!ool e>penses &$t! a prom$se o uture pr$-$leges, and ma/$ng statements &$t! unm$sta/a)le se>ual o-ertones O all t!ese a(ts o Rayala resound &$t! deaen$ng (lar$ty t!e unspo/en reBuest or a se>ual a-or. +t $s not essent$al t!at t!e demand, reBuest or reBu$rement )e made as a (ond$t$on or (ont$nued employment or or promot$on to a !$g!er pos$t$on. +t $s enoug! t!at t!e respondentLs a(ts result $n (reat$ng an $nt$m$dat$ng, !ost$le or o"ens$-e en-$ronment or t!e employee. !at t!e a(ts o Rayala generated an $nt$m$dat$ng and !ost$le en-$ronment or om$ngo $s (learly s!o&n )y t!e (ommon a(tual nd$ng o t!e +n-est$gat$ng
an o@(emate and, ater t!e last $n($dent, led or a lea-e o a)sen(e and reBuested transer to anot!er un$t. +t $s note&ort!y t!at under 250, se>ual !arassment amounts to d$sgra(eul and $mmoral (ondu(t. !us, any nd$ng o l$a)$l$ty or se>ual !arassment may also )e t!e )as$s o (ulpa)$l$ty or d$sgra(eul and $mmoral (ondu(t.Rayala !olds t!e e>alted pos$t$on o N7R# #!a$rman, &$t! t!e ran/ eBu$-alent to a # Just$(e. !us, $t $s not una-a$l$ng t!at r$g$d standards o (ondu(t may )e demanded o !$m.
PEOPLE V -ELCHOR CAAL>UINTO 10R0 N0 #242<5
am$ly mem)er, &$t!out t!e latterQs (onsent, s!all )e l$a)le to t!e (ontempt po&er o t!e (ourt.
Se6te&%er #<, +772
?Fr&er') 10R0 Ns0 #34248@84 e(. *0 o t!eule on 2iolence %gainst omen and their hildren states:
Dctrine e(. 29 o R 4610 pro-$des: e(. 29.ondentiality . at t!e $nstan(e o t!e o"ended party, !$s name may )e &$t!!eld rom t!e pu)l$( unt$l t!e (ourt a(Bu$res =ur$sd$(t$on o-er t!e (ase.
+t s!all )e unla&ul or any ed$tor, pu)l$s!er, and reporter or (olumn$st $n (ase o pr$nted mater$als, announ(er or produ(er $n t!e (ase o tele-$s$on and rad$o )road(ast$ng, produ(er and d$re(tor $n t!e (ase o t!e mo-$e $ndustry, to (ause undue and sensat$onal$ed pu)l$($ty o any (ase o a -$olat$on o t!$s (t &!$(! results $n t!e moral degradat$on and su"er$ng o t!e o"ended party.
e(. ** o R 9262 s$m$larly pro-$des: e(. **.ondentiality.ll re(ords perta$n$ng to (ases o -$olen(e aga$nst &omen and t!e$r (!$ldren $n(lud$ng t!ose $n t!e )arangay s!all )e (ondent$al and all pu)l$( o@(ers and employees and pu)l$( or pr$-ate (l$n$(s or !osp$tals s!all respe(t t!e r$g!t to pr$-a(y o t!e -$(t$m. !oe-er pu)l$s!es or (auses to )e pu)l$s!ed, $n any ormat, t!e name, address, telep!one num)er, s(!ool, )us$ness address, employer, or ot!er $dent$y$ng $normat$on o a -$(t$m or an $mmed$ate
e(. *0.3rivacy and condentiality of proceedings.4ll !ear$ngs o (ases o -$olen(e aga$nst &omen and t!e$r (!$ldren s!all )e (ondu(ted $n a manner (ons$stent &$t! t!e d$gn$ty o &omen and t!e$r (!$ldren and respe(t or t!e$r pr$-a(y.
RIEF !$s (ase presents an opportun$ty or t!e #ourt not only to on(e aga$n d$spense due reBu$tal or t!e su"er$ngs o a (!$ld &!o !as )een deled )y !er o&n at!er, )ut also to e"e(tuate t!e pro-$s$ons o Repu)l$( (t No. 4610 CR 4610D, ot!er&$se /no&n as t!e 5pecial 3rotection of hildren %gainst hild %buse! 6"ploitation and /iscrimination %ct , and $ts $mplement$ng rules, R 9262, ot!er&$se /no&n as t!e %nti-2iolence %gainst omen and )heir hildren %ct of *778, and $ts $mplement$ng rules, and our o&n ule on 2iolence %gainst omen and their hildren. FACTS <# test$ed t!at s!e $s t!e (ommon'la& &$e o #a)alBu$nto and t!at t!ey !a-e our (!$ldren, namely: <<<, ###, t!e (!$ld'-$(t$m , and . t around 8:*5 p.m. o No-em)er 13, 1998, s!e &as on !er &ay !ome. $n(e t!ere $s a !al'$n(! gap )et&een t!e door and t!e &all, s!e peeped t!roug! t!e gap and sa& #a)alBu$nto ly$ng a(e do&n ma/$ng pump$ng mot$ons on t!e$r daug!ter, , &!o &as ly$ng underneat! !$m &$t! !er pant$es pulled do&n. !en s!e !eard #a)alBu$nto tell to open !er legs C$)u/amoD, s!e /$(/ed and pounded t!e door. #a)alBu$nto $mmed$ately lay do&n. t!en stood up and opened t!e door. <# entered t!e room and (onronted #a)alBu$nto &!o only den$ed !er a((usat$on. <# urt!er test$ed t!at dur$ng t!e pol$(e $n-est$gat$on on No-em)er
!appened to !er on No-em)er 8, 1998, t!e day o !er r$endLs )$rt!day (ele)rat$on. r. analo, &!o (ondu(ted t!e p!ys$(al e>am$nat$on o , test$ed t!at !ad no $n=ury on !er gen$tal$aF t!at !er !ymen $s Bu$te large and d$stens$)le poss$)ly )e(ause o pen$le penetrat$onF and t!at s!e re(o-ered a strand o pu)$( !a$r $ns$de Qs -ag$nal -ault &!$(! (ould only !a-e rea(!ed t!e area as a (onseBuen(e o pen$le penetrat$on )e(ause d$d not !a-e pu)$( !a$r yet. est$y$ng as lone &$tness or !$s deense, #a)alBu$nto den$ed t!at !e raped . !e tr$al (ourt ga-e ull (reden(e to Qs test$mony and ound t!e a((used gu$lty o t!e (r$me o rape. !e mot!er su)m$tted t!at (ondent$al$ty and t!e )est $nterest o t!e (!$ld must pre-a$l o-er pu)l$( a((ess to $normat$on and pleaded t!at !er daug!terLs (ase, as &ell as t!ose o a s$m$lar nature, )e e>(luded rom t!e e) Page.
$n-o/ed alls &$t!$n t!e (onst$tut$onally'prote(ted one o pr$-a(y, $t must )e s!o&n t!at t!e personLs e>pe(tat$on o pr$-a(y $s reasona)le. !e reasona)leness o su(! e>pe(tan(y depends on a t&o part test: C1D &!et!er )y !$s (ondu(t, t!e $nd$-$dual !as e>!$)$ted an e>pe(tat$on o pr$-a(yF and C2D &!et!er t!$s e>pe(tat$on $s one t!at so($ety re(ogn$es as reasona)le. +t s!all )e unla&ul or any ed$tor, pu)l$s!er, and reporter or (olumn$st $n (ase o pr$nted mater$als, announ(er or produ(er $n t!e (ase o tele-$s$on and rad$o )road(ast$ng, produ(er and d$re(tor $n t!e (ase o t!e mo-$e $ndustry, to (ause undue and sensat$onal$ed pu)l$($ty o any (ase o a -$olat$on o t!$s (t &!$(! results $n t!e moral degradat$on and su"er$ng o t!e o"ended party.
ISSUE 1. !et!er #a)alBu$nto $s gu$lty o t!e (r$me rape ' ;es 2. !et!er t!e $dent$ty o t!e aggr$e-ed party s!ould not )e d$s(losed $n l$ne &$t! t!e r$g!t to pr$-a(y or rape (ases ' ;es HELD 1. #arnal /no&ledge o a &oman under 12 years o age $s rape as dened under rt. 335 o t!e Re-$sed Penal #ode, and $s Bual$ed &!en t!e o"ender $s a parent o t!e -$(t$m, $n &!$(! (ase, t!e deat! penalty s!all )e $mposed as pro-$ded under t!e eat! Penalty 7a&. 39 +n t!$s (ase, t!e Bual$y$ng ($r(umstan(es o t!e -$(t$mQs m$nor$ty and !er relat$ons!$p &$t! t!e a((used as t!e latterQs daug!ter &ere properly alleged $n t!e +normat$ons, pro-en dur$ng tr$al and not reuted )y #a)alBu$nto. o&e-er, $n -$e& o Repu)l$( (t No. 93*6 &!$(! pro!$)$ts t!e $mpos$t$on o t!e deat! penalty, t!e penalty o reclusion perpetua&$t!out el$g$)$l$ty or parole s!ould $nstead )e $mposed. 2. !e pos$t$on o t!e G $n $ts #omment $s note&ort!y. !e G su)m$ts t!at t!e 6stin( ! t"e !u'' teBt ! decisins in cases inv'vin( c"i'd a%use n t"e Su6re&e Curt e% Pa(e vi'ates t"e ri("t t 6rivac) ! t"e a((rieved 6arties0 +n order to determ$ne &!et!er
A>UINO VS0 ACOSTA ATT;0 SUSAN -0 A>UINO , pet$t$oner, -s. HON0 ERNESTO D0 ACOSTA, Presidin( /ud(e, Curt ! TaB A66ea's, respondent A0-0 N0 CTA@7#@# 02 pr$l 2002 Ponente: N;7'GI+%RR%M, J.
Nature ! Case: dm$n$strat$-e #ase RIEF: tty. usan . Bu$no, #!$e o t!e 7egal and e(!n$(al ta" o t!e #ourt o a> ppeals C#D, (!arged Judge %rnesto (osta, Pres$d$ng Judge o t!e same (ourt, &$t! se>ual !arassment under R.. 4844 and -$olat$on o t!e #anons o Jud$($al %t!$(s and #ode o Proess$onal Respons$)$l$ty. FACTS: n No-em)er 21, 2000, s!e reported or &or/ ater !er -a(at$on $n t!e I.., )r$ng$ng g$ts or t!e t!ree =udges o t!e #, $n(lud$ng respondent. +n t!e aternoon o t!e same day, !e entered !er room and greeted !er )y s!a/$ng !er !and. uddenly, !e pulled !er to&ards !$m and /$ssed !er on !er (!ee/. n e(em)er 28, 2000, &!$le respondent &as on o@($al lea-e, !e (alled (ompla$nant )y p!one, say$ng !e &$ll get somet!$ng $n !er o@(e. !ortly t!ereater, !e entered !er room, s!oo/ !er !and and greeted !er, erry #!r$stmas. !ereupon, !e em)ra(ed !er and /$ssed !er. !e &as a)le to ree !ersel )y sl$g!tly pus!$ng !$m a&ay. n t!e rst &or/$ng day $n January, 2001, respondent p!oned (ompla$nant, as/$ng $ s!e (ould see !$m $n !$s (!am)ers $n order to d$s(uss some matters. !en (ompla$nant arr$-ed t!ere, respondent tr$ed to /$ss !er )ut s!e &as a)le to e-ade !$s se>ual attempt. ee/s later, ater t!e enate appro-ed t!e proposed )$ll e>pand$ng t!e =ur$sd$(t$on o t!e #, &!$le (ompla$nant and !er (ompan$ons &ere (ongratulat$ng and /$ss$ng ea(! ot!er, respondent suddenly pla(ed !$s arms around !er s!oulders and /$ssed !er. +n t!e morn$ng o e)ruary 1*, 2001, respondent (alled (ompla$nant, reBuest$ng !er to go to !$s o@(e. !e t!en as/ed Ru)y 7anua, a (ler/ $n t!e Re(ords e(t$on, to a((ompany !er. ortunately, &!en t!ey rea(!ed !$s (!am)ers, respondent !ad let. !e last $n($dent !appened t!e ne>t day. t around 8:30 a.m., respondent (alled (ompla$nant and as/ed !er to see !$m $n !$s o@(e to d$s(uss t!e enate )$ll on t!e #. !e aga$n reBuested
s!ould a(t as $ t!ey met )y a(($dent $n respondents o@(e. Ru)y t!en approa(!ed t!e se(retarys ta)le &!$(! &as separated rom respondents o@(e )y a transparent glass. or !er part, (ompla$nant sat $n ront o respondentQs ta)le and as/ed !$m &!at !e &anted to /no& a)out t!e enate )$ll. Respondent seemed to )e at a loss or &ords and /ept glan($ng at Ru)y &!o &as sear(!$ng or somet!$ng at t!e se(retaryQs des/. ort!&$t!, respondent approa(!ed Ru)y, as/ed !er &!at s!e &as loo/$ng or and stepped out o t!e o@(e. !en !e returned, Ru)y sa$d s!e ound &!at s!e &as loo/$ng or and let. Respondent t!en approa(!ed (ompla$nant say$ng, me gusto a/ongga&$nsa$yo/a!apon pa. !ereupon, !e tr$ed to gra) !er. #ompla$nant $nst$n(t$-ely ra$sed !er !ands to prote(t !ersel )ut respondent !eld !er arms t$g!tly, pulled !er to&ards !$m and /$ssed !er. !e pus!ed !$m a&ay, t!en slumped on a (!a$r trem)l$ng. eant$me, respondent sat on !$s (!a$r and (o-ered !$s a(e &$t! !$s !ands. !ereater, (ompla$nant let (ry$ng and lo(/ed !ersel $ns$de a (omort room. ter t!at $n($dent, respondent &ent to !er o@(e and tossed a note stat$ng, sorry, $t &onLt !appen aga$n.
ISSUE: !et!er or not Judge (osta $s gu$lty o se>ually !arassment. ACTIONS OF THE COURT SC: N0 COURT RATIONALE ON THE AOVE FACTS: mere (asual )uss on t!e (!ee/ $s not a se>ual (ondu(t or a-or and does not all &$t!$n t!e pur-$e& o se>ual !arassment under R.. No. 4844. e(t$on 3 CaD t!ereo pro-$des, to &$t: Qe(. 3. or/, %du(at$on or ra$n$ng ' related e>ual arassment ened. ' or/, edu(at$on or tra$n$ng'related se>ual !arassment $s (omm$tted )y an employer, employee, manager, super-$sor, agent o t!e employer, tea(!er, $nstru(tor, proessor, (oa(!, tra$nor, or any ot!er person &!o, !a-$ng aut!or$ty, $n?uen(e or moral as(endan(y o-er anot!er $n a &or/ or tra$n$ng or edu(at$on en-$ronment, demands, reBuests or ot!er&$se reBu$res any se>ual a-or rom t!e ot!er, regardless o &!et!er t!e demand, reBuest or reBu$rement or su)m$ss$on $s a((epted )y t!e o)=e(t o sa$d (t. aD +n a &or/'related or employment !arassment $s (omm$tted &!en:
en-$ronment,
se>ual
employment, re'employment or (ont$nued employment o sa$d $nd$-$dual, or $n grant$ng sa$d $nd$-$dual a-ora)le (ompensat$on, terms, (ond$t$ons, promot$ons or pr$-$legesF or t!e reusal to grant se>ual a-or results $n l$m$t$ng, segregat$ng or (lass$y$ng t!e employee &!$(! $n any&ay &ould d$s(r$m$nate, depr$-e or d$m$n$s! employment opportun$t$es or ot!er&$se ad-ersely a"e(t sa$d employeesF 2D !e a)o-e a(ts &ould $mpa$r t!e employeeQs r$g!t or pr$-$leges under e>$st$ng la)or la&sF or 3D !e a)o-e a(ts &ould result $n an $nt$m$dat$ng, !ost$le, or o"ens$-e en-$ronment or t!e employee. #learly, under t!e orego$ng pro-$s$ons, t!e elements o se>ual !arassment are as ollo&s: $D !e employer, employee, manager, super-$sor, agent o t!e employer, tea(!er, $nstru(tor, proessor, (oa(!, tra$nor, or any ot!er person !as aut!or$ty, $n?uen(e or moral as(endan(y o-er anot!erF $$D !e aut!or$ty, $n?uen(e or moral as(endan(y e>$sts $n a &or/$ng en-$ronmentF $$$D !e employer, employee, manager, super-$sor, agent o t!e employer, tea(!er, $nstru(tor, proessor, (oa(!, or any ot!er person !a-$ng aut!or$ty, $n?uen(e or moral as(endan(y ma/es a demand, reBuest or reBu$rement o a se>ual a-or. +ndeed, rom t!e re(ords on !and, t!ere $s no s!o&$ng t!at respondent =udge demanded, reBuested or reBu$red any se>ual a-or rom (ompla$nant $n e>(!ange or a-ora)le (ompensat$on, terms, (ond$t$ons, promot$on or pr$-$leges spe($ed under e(t$on 3 o R.. 4844. Nor d$d !e, )y !$s a(tuat$ons, -$olate t!e #anons o Jud$($al %t!$(s or t!e #ode o Proess$onal Respons$)$l$ty.
NONITO I-O ; 1A-ORES , pet$t$oner, -s. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES , respondent 10R0 N0 #<44#+ 20 pr$l 2015 Ponente: P%R%M, J. Nature ! Case: Pet$t$on or Re-$e& o #ert$orar$ under Rule *5 RIEF: ppeal on t!e de($s$on o t!e # a@rm$ng R# de($s$on (on-$(t$ng pet$t$oner o t!e #r$me o (ts o 7as($-$ousness under rt$(le 336 o t!e RP# $n relat$on to e(t$on 5, rt$(le +++ o R No 4160. FACTS: !e +normat$on led aga$nst t!e pet$t$oner !ere$n stated t!at on or a)out 1* (to)er 2003 up to 25 January 200* $n Sueon #$ty, +m)o (omm$tted a(ts o las($-$ousness upon !$s 11 year old daug!ter )y t!en and t!ere or($ng !er to remo-e !er s!orts, mas!$ng !er )reasts and pr$-ate parts and /$ss$ng !er, t!ere)y su)=e(t$ng sa$d (ompla$nant to se>ual a)use, &$t! le&d des$gn and aga$nst !er &$ll. +m)o (la$med t!at !$s &$e merely a)r$(ated su(! a story C$n +m)oLs daug!terLs story, s!e s(reamed or !er mot!er 3 t$mes and &as not !eard and s!e &as only a)le to tell !er mot!er a)out t!e $n($dent $n t!e ollo&$ng morn$ngD t!at !e !ad raped !$s daug!ter. Ilt$mately, +m)o (la$med t!at on t!e n$g!t $n Buest$on, &$t!$n t!e per$od rom 1* (to)er 2003 to 25 January 200*, no (r$me o((urred, !$s days end$ng as d$d !$s &or/day &!$(! &ere rom 830am to 500pm.
SUPRE-E COURT RULIN1: %R%R%, respondent Judge %rnesto . (osta $s !ere)y %N%R% o t!e (!arges aga$nst !$m. o&e-er, !e $s ;+% to )e more ($r(umspe(t $n !$s deportment.
ISSUE: !et!er +m)o $s l$a)le or t!e (r$me o a(ts o las($-$ousness.
I-O VS0 PEOPLE
COURT RATIONALE ON THE AOVE FACTS:
ACTIONS OF THE COURT RTC: Cnvicted !r t"e cri&e ! Acts ! Lasciviusness CA: Ar&ed RTC ru'in( SC: Ar&ed RTC and CA ru'in(s
+m)o !as undou)tedly (omm$tted t!e a(ts o las($-$ousness as all t!e elements o t!e (r$me &as su@($ently pro-en t!roug! t!e lone test$mony o !$s daug!ter &!$(! t!e (ourt !as !eld $n more t!an one o((as$on as more t!an su@($ent to esta)l$s! t!e gu$lt o t!e a((used.Inder rt. 336 o t!e RP#, t!e elements o t!e (r$me o (ts o 7as($-$ousness are: 1D T"e ender c&&its an) act ! 'asciviusness r 'e.dnessF 2D !at $t $s done under any o t!e ollo&$ng ($r(umstan(es: a. ) usin( !rce r inti&idatin F or ). !en t!e o"ended party $s depr$-ed o reason or ot!er&$se un(ons($ousF or (.
SUPRE-E COURT RULIN1:
%R%R%, t!e appeal $s %N+%. !e e($s$on dated e)ruary 14, 2011 o t!e #ourt o ppeals $n #'G.R. #R No. 3280* and t!e Judgment o t!e Reg$onal r$al #ourt, $mum.
