G.R. No. 236166 - Aspiras vs. People

Kenneth Karl Aspiras y Corpuz (Aspiras), the petitioner, was charged with murder for an incident that occurred on January 13, 2011, in Manila, where he allegedly stabbed Jet Lee Reyes y Daquil (Jet Lee) with a kitchen knife, causing a mortal wound that led to her death.
The Information charged Aspiras with murder based on treachery, evident premeditation, and abuse of superior strength.

Upon Aspiras' request, a preliminary investigation was conducted, resulting in a Resolution dated May 3, 2011 affirming probable cause to indict him for murder.
The Resolution was approved by Senior Assistant City Prosecutor and the City Prosecutor.
Aspiras' Motion for Reconsideration was denied on August 1, 2011.
Aspiras pleaded not guilty during arraignment and was released on bail.
In pre-trial, parties stipulated on certain uncontested facts such as time and place of the crime, the weapon used, and the victim's death.

Cleopatra Reyes, mother of the victim, testified that Jet Lee and Aspiras were common-law spouses living together with her.
On the night of the incident, several people, including Aspiras and Jet Lee, participated in a drinking spree from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cleopatra overheard an argument between Aspiras and Jet Lee; she later heard Jet Lee scream for help and find Aspiras descending stairs with bloodied hands.
Jet Lee, bleeding and holding her abdomen, told her mother she was stabbed by Kenneth.
Jet Lee was taken to a hospital but died shortly after.
Testimonies describe Aspiras as jealous and prone to violence toward Jet Lee.
Aiza Padillo witnessed Aspiras dragging Jet Lee and heard threats from Aspiras.
Jersey Reyes testified seeing Aspiras upset and Jet Lee injured, and found the knife used.
PO2 James G. Lagasca recounted Aspiras’ admission of guilt while intoxicated.
Medico-legal examination showed two stab wounds on Jet Lee, one defensive and one fatal, and hematoma on her eye.

Aspiras claimed he was asleep and awoken by an angry Jet Lee who held a knife.
He said Jet Lee threatened to stab him and that they struggled over the knife, during which he accidentally stabbed her.
After the incident, he fled but asked neighbors to help Jet Lee.
Aspiras admitted to earlier jealousy but denied intending to kill.

The Regional Trial Court (RTC) convicted Aspiras of homicide but acquitted him of murder, finding no evident premeditation, treachery, or abuse of superior strength.
The court rejected self-defense and found Aspiras’ version of events inconsistent.
Sentencing included imprisonment and damages to Jet Lee’s heirs.

The Court of Appeals upheld the RTC’s conviction for homicide with modification, awarding exemplary damages.
Aspiras filed a Petition for Review, raising two main issues concerning the validity of the Information and his conviction.

Whether the Court of Appeals erred in not annulling and setting aside the RTC’s decision for lack of jurisdiction due to the Information not being properly signed and approved by the City Prosecutor as required under Rule 112, Section 4 of the Rules of Court.

Whether the Court of Appeals erred in affirming Aspiras’ conviction for homicide, particularly considering his claim of self-defense.