G.R. No. 42042 ; November 3, 1934
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, plaintiff-appellee, vs. PIO REYES, defendant-appellant.

FACTS

The defendant, Pio Reyes, was charged with homicide for stabbing and killing Jose Castro. Reyes admitted the stabbing but claimed self-defense. The evidence showed that at night, Castro, a large man with a reputation as a bully, demanded money from Reyes. When Reyes refused, Castro struck him in the face multiple times. Reyes, who had a physical defect rendering his left hand unusable, stepped back, drew a knife, and warned Castro. Castro rushed at him, grappled with him, and tried to take the knife. During the struggle, Reyes stabbed Castro, causing fatal wounds. Reyes immediately surrendered to the police. The trial court convicted Reyes of homicide.

ISSUE

Whether the accused acted in legitimate self-defense, justifying acquittal.

RULING

Yes. The Supreme Court reversed the conviction and acquitted the accused. The Court found the accused’s claim of self-defense credible and legitimate. The deceased was the unlawful aggressor, initiating the assault by demanding money and striking the accused. The accused, physically impaired and facing a stronger aggressor at night, reasonably believed his life was in danger when the deceased rushed him and tried to seize his only means of defense—the knife. The law does not require a person under such circumstances to flee or entrust his life to the aggressor’s mercy. The necessity to use the knife was reasonable under the circumstances.

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