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PEOPLE vs Arnold Ratunil

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. ARNOLD RATUNIL y OTICO, accused-appellant.

G.R. No. 137270 | 2000-06-29

D E C I S I O N


PANGANIBAN, J.:

In a rape case, the testimony of the complainant is scrutinized with great caution, for the crime is usually known only to her and the rapist. The dubious behavior of the alleged victim after the rape detracts from her credibility and creates reasonable doubt that may lead to the acquittal of the accused. Conviction always rests on the strength of the prosecution's evidence, never on the weakness of that of the defense.

The Case

Arnold Ratunil y Otico appeals the November 13, 1998 Decision of the Regional Trial Court of Malaybalay, Bukidnon convicting him of rape and sentencing him to reclusion...