MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court of the Philippines has reaffirmed that retractions by victims do not automatically negate prior credible testimony, upholding a life sentence against a father convicted of sexually abusing his own child.

In a resolution penned by Associate Justice Antonio Kho Jr., the Second Division of the Supreme Court confirmed the conviction for lascivious conduct under Republic Act 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse Law. The ruling imposed reclusion perpetua (life imprisonment) and awarded ₱225,000 in damages to the victim.

Court records show that the victim, a 14-year-old girl at the time, was allegedly subjected to attempts of undressing, groping, and sexual assault by her father while they slept. Although the attempts to rape were unsuccessful, the victim reported the incident to her teacher the following day, who immediately alerted authorities.

While the minor later withdrew her testimony, the Supreme Court emphasized that the retraction does not automatically invalidate her original account, particularly when it is clear, detailed, and credible. The Court stressed that the welfare and protection of children remain paramount, and justice must not be thwarted by undue pressure or subsequent recantations.

The decision underscores a critical point in Philippine jurisprudence: the integrity of early, credible testimonies is recognized even if victims later attempt to retract them, reinforcing the principle that perpetrators of child sexual abuse must be held accountable. This case raises a broader societal question: How can the justice system ensure the protection of children while balancing the complexities of victim recantation? (Larawan mula sa: Clarity Child Guidance Center)