People v Babiera 52 Phil 97 (1928)

FACTS: Justo Babiera was the owner of a land, he executed a contract of sale with the right
to repurchase in favor of Basilio Copreros. The period of repurchase expired, after which
Copreros took possession and leased the lands to Severina Haro.
Justo Babiera filed a complaint for recovery but this was dismissed for failure to state a
cause of action.
One evening, Haro and his companions were heading back to town. Suddenly, Babiera
sprang from the grass and struck Haro with a bolo. Haro turned his head and got another
blow on his forehead. Before the assailants left, two or three revolver shots were heard. After
they left, the companions of Haro went near him.

The trial court held them guilty of murder.

ISSUE: WON there is sufficient evidence to hold the appellants guilty?

RULING: Yes. The defense contended that Clemente Babiera only acted in self-defense after
Haro attacked and threatened him with a revolver and fired several shots at him. This,
however, was not proved by evidence. Defense also tried to prove that Haro had a
quarrelsome disposition. However, proof of such disposition must be of his general
reputation in the community and not an isolated and specific act, such as the accused tried
to prove. Thus, the lower court was correct in not admitting such proof.