Case Summary (G.R. No. L-4205)
Facts of the Case
On April 5, 1915, Dario Padilla left his home with the intention of gathering bejuco. He was approached by Severino Mateo, who invited him to go fishing, which Padilla declined. Upon remembering he had left a box of matches at home, Padilla returned to find Mateo holding his wife, Tomasa Barot, by the hands with seemingly inappropriate intentions. In defense of his wife's honor, Padilla attacked Mateo with a bolo, inflicting significant injuries. Mateo sustained two wounds, the serious one rendered his left hand useless.
Testimonies
Mateo, accompanied by witnesses, claimed he entered Padilla's house under the pretext of lighting a cigar and was unexpectedly attacked upon leaving. Padilla, however, admitted to the attack, asserting it was in lawful defense of his wife. Agcaoili testified that he saw Mateo after the attack and did not observe any disturbance from inside the house prior to the incident. Agtang also confirmed that he saw Mateo injured but did not see Padilla enter the house.
Legal Defense
The court recognized Padilla's actions as a legitimate exercise of his right to defend his wife against an unprovoked attack when he discovered Mateo in a compromising situation. It was determined that neither Padilla nor his wife had provoked Mateo's entry into the home, nor did they provide any justification for his inappropriate conduct.
Conclusion of the Court
The court concluded that Padilla's actions fell under Article 8, paragraph 5 of the Penal Code, which exempts hi
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Case Overview
- The case involves Dario Padilla, who is accused of assaulting Severino Mateo.
- The events occurred on April 5, 1915, when Padilla discovered Mateo in an inappropriate situation with his wife.
- The court's decision revolves around the concepts of self-defense and the protection of marital honor.
Factual Background
- Dario Padilla left his home early in the morning to gather bejuco (vine).
- On his way, he encountered Severino Mateo, who invited him to go fishing, which Padilla declined.
- Padilla returned home to retrieve a box of matches and caught Mateo in the act of holding his wife, Tomasa Barot, by the hands.
- In a fit of passion and to defend his wife's honor, Padilla attacked Mateo with a bolo, inflicting two wounds: one serious wound to the left forearm and a lesser wound to the left thumb.
Testimonies Presented
Severino Mateo's Testimony:
- Mateo, accompanied by Fortunato Agcaoili and others, visited Padilla's home to invite him fishing.
- He entered the house under the pretext of lighting a cigar, claiming he did not hear any noise before Padilla atta