FACTS:

The appellant, Rizalino Rebose, was charged with the crime of rape. The prosecution presented Lourdes Rizalte, Lorena Rizalte's grandmother, who testified that Lorena was asked to look after their house and upon her return, Lourdes noticed apparent kiss marks on Lorena's neck and learned that Lorena had been sexually violated by Rebose. Lorena confirmed this and a medical examination revealed the signs of sexual assault. The defense presented witnesses who contradicted the victim's account, claiming that Rebose was elsewhere during the alleged incident. Rebose himself testified that there was a misunderstanding between him and the Rizalte family, leading to false accusations of rape. The trial court ultimately found Rebose guilty of rape and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua, as well as ordering him to pay moral damages to Lorena.

ISSUES:

1. Whether the prosecution has proven the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.

RULING:

1. The trial court found the accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of rape and sentenced him to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua. The court also ordered the accused to indemnify the victim the sum of P200,000. The ruling of the trial court was affirmed.

PRINCIPLES:

• The guilt of the accused in criminal cases must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

• Rape can be proven by the testimony of the victim alone as long as it is credible, convincing, and consistent with human nature and the normal course of things.