Case Summary (G.R. No. 211140)
Charges and Sentencing
Donato Bindoy was originally sentenced to twelve years and one day of reclusion temporal for homicide, along with a monetary indemnification of P1,000 to the heirs of the deceased and the payment of court costs. The charge stemmed from an incident where Bindoy allegedly attacked and fatally injured Omamdam with a bolo.
Details of the Incident
The altercation began when Bindoy attempted to offer tuba (a traditional alcoholic beverage) to Faustino Pacas’ wife, who declined. Following a verbal exchange and a physical struggle for the bolo between Bindoy and Pacas, Omamdam approached the scene, having heard the commotion. During the struggle, Bindoy, in an attempt to free himself from Pacas, accidentally inflicted a fatal wound on Omamdam.
Evidence and Testimony
Both sides presented testimonies regarding the nature of the incident. Witnesses for the prosecution claimed that Bindoy deliberately stabbed Omamdam, while the defense maintained that the injury was accidental. The widow of the deceased reported that Omamdam had indicated before his death that the injury was unintentional. Witness Gaudencio Cenas corroborated the defense's narrative, stating that the bolo hit Omamdam purely by accident and without Bindoy’s awareness of his presence.
Deliberation on Intent and Malice
The court focused on the presence or absence of malicious intent on Bindoy's part. It was established that Bindoy did not aim to harm Omamdam; rather, the injury occurred amidst a struggle to retain possession of the bolo from Pacas. Such circumstances led the court to contemplate the principles of criminal liability, particularly regarding unintentional harm during confrontational situations.
Protection Under Penal Code
The court referenced Article 8, No. 8 of the Penal Code concerning the criteria for criminal liability, emphasizing that culpability depends on the willful commissio
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Case Overview
- The case involves an appeal from a judgment by the Court of First Instance of Occidental Misamis, where Donato Bindoy was sentenced to twelve years and one day of reclusion temporal for the crime of homicide.
- The incident occurred on May 6, 1930, in the barrio of Calunod, municipality of Baliangao, involving a disturbance at a tuba wineshop.
- The charge against Bindoy was based on his alleged attack with a bolo that resulted in the death of Emigdio Omamdam.
Incident Details
- A disturbance arose at the tuba wineshop involving patrons, including Faustino Pacas and his wife, Tibay.
- Bindoy offered tuba to Tibay, who refused. Bindoy threatened her, leading to a verbal exchange and physical struggle with Pacas.
- Emigdio Omamdam, residing nearby, approached to investigate the disturbance. During the struggle for the bolo between Bindoy and Pacas, Bindoy inadvertently struck Omamdam, resulting in a fatal wound to the chest.
Legal Arguments
- The appellant, Bindoy, contended that the trial court erred in finding him guilty of homicide beyond a reasona