G.R. No. 266706 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, VS. ZZZ,** ACCUSED-.

Ruling

WHEREFORE , in view of the foregoing, the Court finds the accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the following offenses: (a) sexual assault under Article 266-A, paragraph 2 of the [RPC] as amended by [Republic Act No.] 8353 in criminal case no. 2017-1045-D and is sentenced to suffer the indeterminate penalty of [12] years, [10] months[,] and [21] days of reclusion temporal , as minimum, to [15] years, six [] months[,] and [20] days of reclusion temporal , as maximum. He is further ordered to pay AAA [PHP] 30,000.00 as civil indemnity, [PHP] 30,000.00 as moral damages, and [PHP] 30,000.00 as exemplary damages, plus legal interest on all damages awarded at the rate of 6% per annum from the date of finality of this Decision. (b) Rape under Article 266-A paragraph 1 of the [RPC] as amended by Republic Act [No.] 8353 in criminal case nos. 2017-1046-D and 2017-1048-D and is hereby sentenced to suffer the penalty of [ reclusion perpetua ] and to indemnify the victim the sum of [PHP] 75,000.00 as civil indemnity, [PHP] 75,000.00 as moral damages, and [PHP] 30,000.00 as exemplary damages in both cases. Accused is furthered [sic] ordered to pay legal interest on all damages awarded in this case at the rate of [6%] per annum from the date of finality of this Decision until fully paid. (c) Slight physical injuries/maltreatment under paragraph 2, Article 266 of the [RPC], and is hereby sentenced to suffer the penalty of [20] days of arresto menor each in criminal case nos. 2017-1050-D; 2017-1051-D; 2017-1052-D, and 2017-1053-D. The Court however finds the accused "not guilty" in criminal cases nos. 2017-1047-D and 2017-1049-D for failure of the prosecution to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. SO ORDERED.