Back

PEOPLE vs Jovito Manalo

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, appellee, vs. JOVITO MANALO, appellant.

G.R. Nos. 144989-90 | 2003-01-31

D E C I S I O N

PANGANIBAN, J.:

Each count in a series of rapes is a distinct crime that should separately be proven beyond reasonable doubt. Its elements must be established beyond moral certainty. The mere fact that the first rape incident has been established does not justify a generalized testimony on the alleged subsequent rapes.

The Case

Jovito Manalo appeals the July 25, 2000 Decision[1] of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Zamboanga City (Branch 13) in Criminal Case Nos. 2745(10877) and 2746(10878), finding him guilty of two counts of rape and sentencing him to reclusion perpetua for each count. The dispositive portion of the...