No woman would be willing to make rape public if not to vindicate her honor

It is unthinkable that Letecia, then at fifteen and barely coming out of her adolescent years, would, for no cogent reason at all, fabricate an elaborate scheme to destroy the reputation and the family life of appellant and possibly even to invite repercussions against herself and her own family. No woman, indeed, in her right mind would be willing to make public her being a rape victim and risk the strain of interrogation, were it not for the purpose of vindicating her honor. Complainant's willingness and courage to face the authorities, as well as to submit to medical examination, should be a mute but eloquent confirmation of her sincere resolve. [G.R. No. 118077. November 21, 1996]