‘RTC, Branch 25 in Tabuk convicted 45 accused rapists from Jan. 2024-Aug.2025…dito na niyo makikita na meron talaga kaming kino-convict’ - Atty. Calsiyao

Tabuk City, Kalinga - The Regional Trial Court, Branch 25 in Tabuk City reminds the people of Kalinga that rape cases must be prosecuted under the law and should not be settled through traditional practices like the Bodong.  

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera this August 14, Atty. May Frances S. Calsiyao, Clerk of Court VI of the RTC, Branch 25 said the court disposed of 83 rape cases from January 2024 to August 2025. Disposed cases are those cases that the court has already acted upon and closed.  

Of these, based on the court’s record, 34 are under no trial and 49 under those trialed.  

Under the no-trial cases, there are 10 provisionally dismissed (cases that can be refiled once the complainant wants to or is found), 21 totally dismissed (mostly when the complainant stops appearing in court), and 3 archived (the accused is still at large).  

The clerk of court said many dismissals happen when the victim does not continue appearing in court, often after an out-of-court settlement through Bodong. This, according to Calsiyao, leads to the loss of justice.  

“Ito kasi (provisionally dismissed) puwedeng irefile. Kapag nahanap na yong complainant, puwede na ulit irefile yong kaso. Yong mga nadissmissed talaga, ito yong hindi na nagaattend yong complainant. Feeling ko ito na yong mga case na nasettle (through the traditional way). Ang nangyayari kapag nagsesettle sila, hindi na sila nag-a-appear (in court). Madidismiss yong case kasi sa mga rape cases, yong pinaka-main witness mo yong victim. So kung hindi sila nag-appear, kahit na gusto naming ituloy yong trial, walang mangyayari. So doon nadidissmiss yong kaso,” Calsiyao explained.  

Cases under trial have 45 convictions and only 4 acquittals.  

With the big difference in the number of convicted and acquitted accused rapists, Calsiyao said this should be clear proof that they are serious in handling rape cases and that such crimes should not be settled outside the court.  

“Kung mapapansin niyo dito sa convicted and acquitted, ang laki ng difference. So dito na niyo makikita na meron talaga kaming kino-convict. Ibig sabihin, madami sa mga nasasampahan ng rape ang nahahatulan,” Calsiyao added.  

For the number of cases filed at the RTC branch, or those formally submitted to the court within a specific time or period, there were 54 in 2024 and 31 this 2025 (January - July). 

RTC Branch 25 covers Tabuk City, Pinukpuk, and Rizal only, while the other municipalities are covered by the RTC branch in Lubuagan. 

Families trying to settle rape cases during trial  

When asked if they encountered instances where families tried to settle rape cases during trial and how they handled it, Calsiyao stressed that while Kalinga is known for its strong indigenous conflict resolution, like the Bodong or peace pacts, these cultural practices cannot override Philippine criminal law when it comes to rape cases.  

The lawyer explained that while families may reach private agreement or settle the civil aspect, the criminal case must still push through. The problem, she noted, is that once parties settle outside, complainants often stop appearing in court. That leads to the dismissal of the cases despite the court’s willingness to hear ND try them.  

” …may mga instances na may mga ganun. Sinasabi nila that they are trying to settle the case. Pero kahit ganun, ang ginagawa namin, itutuloy pa rin namin yong kaso. Kaya nga lang, ang nangyayari, kapag sinettle nila sa labas, hindi na babalik yong complainant. Pero hindi ibig sabihin na hindi namin nahearing yon, na-hearing namin, kaso nagusap sila sa labas, yon yong nangyayari, nadisdismissed, which is sad. Kung titignan mo, willing namin kaming ihear yong mga cases. As much as possible, ayaw naming nadidismissed yong case,” she said.

Safety of rape victims during trial  

For the safety of rape victims during trial, the woman lawyer underscored that the court provides protection, especially the minors.

The RTC has measures to prevent further trauma, such as allowing the victims to testify in a separate room away from the accused. For the accused, the RTC ensures they have their right to hear the accuser’s testimony. 

Special arrangements, similar to video conferencing, are also used to avoid direct confrontation if the victim is not emotionally ready.  

“Mayroon kaming witness room for safety, especially kapag minors. Hindi hearing in public. Pag nagtestify yong minor, meron siyang supporters. Puwedeng hindi siya magtestigo sa loob ng courtroom. Meron din siyang right na hindi makita yong akusado, kasi may case kami na ganun, traumatic para sa bata na makita yong accused. Nasa separate room sila, parang nagzoom sila. Unless kaya nong bata na harapin. Tatanugin sa bata kung kaya niyang nakikita yong accused puwede I hearing in public. Pero kung hindi, puwede naming parang ilivestream kasi yong akusado meron siyang karapatang marinig yong testimony ng umaakusa sa kanya. So hindi naman puwede na excluded yong accused,” Calsiyao said.