G.R. No. 130601 - PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, VS. RAFAEL DIOPITA Y GUZMAN, ACCUSED-.D E C I S I O N - Supreme Court E-Library

Ruling

Accordingly, we hold that the court below did not commit any reversible error in ruling that the requisite quantum of evidence for a finding of guilt has been sufficiently met by the prosecution as to call for our affirmance of the judgment of the court a quo . [28] However, in addition to the actual and moral damages awarded by the trial court in the amounts of P8,500.00 and P50,000.00, respectively, another amount of P50,000.00 should have also been awarded to the victim Dominga Pikit-pikit for civil indemnity, as it is mandatory upon a conviction of rape. Such indemnity is distinct from moral damages and based on different jural foundations. [29] WHEREFORE , the assailed Decision of the Regional Trial Court of Davao City, convicting accused-appellant RAFAEL DIOPITA y GUZMAN of ROBBERY WITH RAPE, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua , and ordering him to pay DOMINGA PIKIT-PIKIT the sums of P8,500.00 for actual damages and P50,000.00 for moral damages, is AFFIRMED with the MODIFICATION that, in addition, civil indemnity of another P50,000.00 is further awarded to her. Costs against accused-appellant. SO ORDERED.