SC rules 'youth and immaturity' strengthen victims' sincerity in crime cases
Warning: This article includes mention of sexual abuse.
The Supreme Court has ruled that a victim's youth and immaturity are "strong indicators" that they are telling the truth regarding criminal acts done against them.
In a decision written by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul Inting, the high court stood by the conviction of Resty Laconsay after he committed a lascivious act against a 14-year-old girl, reasoning that her testimony was "clear, credible, and supported by her sister’s statement."
According to the victim, she had been sleeping with her siblings in the living room of their house when she was suddenly awoken at around 2:30 a.m. by a person by her feet using a cellphone.
The man then "pulled down her blanket, touched her foot, and caressed her leg up to her groin." After shouting for help, the person suddenly stood up and escaped from their house.
The man was later identified to be Laconsay by the victim's sister, who had gotten a clearer view of his face because of the light coming from his cellphone.
Laconsay denied the accusations and reasoned that he was having a drinking session with his friends at a store until 1:00 a.m. before they went to a videoke bar and stayed there until 3:00 a.m. He claimed to have hung around a convenience store for an hour.
He further argued that the victim was inconsistent with her claims because she initially told her father that it was not Laconsay who molested her.
Both the Regional Trial Court and Court of Appeals found him guilty of Acts of Lasciviousness, and this was affirmed by the Supreme Court.
The court explained that the sister gave a "vivid narration" of the incident and that the victim's inconsistency was reasonable due to how she did not want her father to suffer from a heart attack by revealing Laconsay's identity as her molester.
"The court has consistently held that when the offended party is a young and immature girl, her version of what happened is generally given credence because of her relative vulnerability and the shame and embarrassment that may arise if the matter about which she testified were not true," the ruling stated.
"Youth and immaturity are generally badges of truth and sincerity," it added.
Laconsay is now facing imprisonment of eight years and one day to 17 years, four months, and one day and ordered to pay a total of P165,000 in fines.
If you think you, your friend, or your family member is experiencing child and/or sexual abuse, you may seek help from the Philippine Commission on Women, see the complete list of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Hotlines here.
