G.R. Nos. 135853-54 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, VS. OPENIANO LACISTE Y MATONDO, ACCUSED-.D E C I S I O N - Supreme Court E-Library

Ruling

WHEREFORE, the judgment of the court a quo in Criminal Case No. 40-423-98 is AFFIRMED with MODIFICATION in that appellant Openiano Laciste is found guilty only of simple rape, and he is sentenced to suffer, instead of death, the penalty of reclusion perpetua . Appellant is further ordered to pay complainant conformably with existing jurisprudence the sum of P50,000.00 by way of civil indemnity ex delicto , P50,000.00 moral damages and P25,000.00 exemplary damages. Costs de oficio . SO ORDERED.