A Catholic priest was sentenced to 40 years in prison for raping a minor in March 2023 in Baguio City.
On December 17, the Baguio City Regional Trial Court found the priest guilty of three counts of rape.
The court has ordered his immediate transfer to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
In addition to his prison term, the priest was directed to pay the victim ₱75,000 in civil damages, ₱75,000 in moral damages, and ₱75,000 in exemplary damages for each count, with interest at six percent per annum from the finality of the decision until full payment.
The victim, a 16-year-old student, was living in a compound when she was allegedly raped by the priest in March 2023.
The priest denied the accusation against him but the court found the testimony and evidence presented by the victim as strong. (Zaldy Comanda)
