Facts:

• Peter Tarapen was charged with Homicide for the death of James Lacbao Pangoden.
• The incident occurred on June 8, 2000, in Baguio City, Philippines.
• Tarapen, a garbage collector, struck Pangoden twice on the head with a steel shovel following an argument over soiled goods.
• Pangoden was taken to the Baguio General Hospital & Medical Center and later transferred to Saint Louis University Hospital.
• Pangoden succumbed to his injuries on June 10, 2000.
• The Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Baguio City, Branch 3, initially charged Tarapen with Frustrated Homicide, later amended to Homicide after Pangoden's death.
• The prosecution presented several witnesses, including the victim's wife, co-vendors, medical professionals, and a police officer.
• The defense claimed self-defense, presenting witnesses who testified that Pangoden was the aggressor.
• The RTC found Tarapen guilty of Homicide, sentenced him to imprisonment, and ordered him to pay damages.
• The Court of Appeals affirmed the RTC's decision with modifications.
• Tarapen sought a review from the Supreme Court.

Issue:

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Ruling:

1. The Supreme Court found no error in the lower courts' decision to give credence to the prosecution witnesses.
2. The Supreme Court upheld the lower courts' decision to reject the defense of self-defense.
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Ratio:

• The Supreme Court held that the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses were credible and consistent with the medical findings.
• The Court noted that the mere relationship of a witness to the victim does not impair their credibility.
• The defense's claim of self-defense was not substantiated, as the evidence showed that the victim was unarmed and struck from behind.
• The Court emphasized that self-defense requires proof of unlawful aggression,...continue reading