PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. RANIE ESTONILO Y DE GUZMAN, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.
- G.R. Number: G.R. No. 248694
- Promulgated: 2022-12-26
- Ponente: Perlas-Bernabe, J.
Doctrine
For trafficking, the prosecution must show recruitment/transport/transfer/harboring or receipt of persons and the means used, including coercion.
When the trafficked person is a child, recruitment and use of the child's minority to coerce sexual acts supports trafficking even absent the trafficker's clients or intercourse with third parties.
Qualified Trafficking carries penalty of life imprisonment and a fine not less than P2,000,000; victims are entitled to moral and exemplary damages with legal interest.
Facts
Accused-appellant Ranie Estonilo appealed the Court of Appeals decision that affirmed with modification the RTC judgment finding him guilty in Criminal Case Nos. 10-5894 and 10-5895 under RA 7610.
The courts below found that Estonilo befriended two minors, AAA and BBB, recruited and coerced them to perform sexual acts with each other under the pretext of earning money.
The Court considered whether Estonilo's acts constituted trafficking in persons, even though the sexual acts occurred between the two minors and not with clients of the accused.
Issues
Whether or not Estonilo should be held criminally liable for his supposed acts against AAA and BBB.
Ruling
The appeal is denied. Estonilo is found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of Qualified Trafficking in Persons under Section 4(a) in relation to Section 6(a) of RA 9208 in Criminal Case No. 10-5894; sentenced to life imprisonment and fined P2,000,000; ordered to pay AAA and BBB moral and exemplary damages with legal interest.