Worker gets life for raping grandma’s tenant

The Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) has sentenced to life imprisonment a 23-year-old construction worker who sexually abused a female tenant of his grandmother in Pasay City more than eight years ago.

Judge Pedro de Leon Gutierrez of Pasay RTC-Branch 119 also ordered Gilbert Penilla to indemnify the victim the amount of P50,000.

Court records showed that on the night of Oct. 23, 1999, the victim was sleeping in her rented room when Penilla  barged in.

The victim said she was awakened by Penilla, who sexually assaulted her. He warned the victim not to report the matter to anyone or he would kill her.

However, on Oct. 26, 1999, the victim reported the incident to concerned barangay officials and the police a week after. Penilla denied the accusation.

In his testimony before the court, Penilla said that what happened between him and the victim was a “consensual act.” He alleged that it was the complainant who first showed interest in him and even initiated the sexual act.

However, the court gave credence to the testimony of the victim.   – Rhodina Villanueva