ENBANC

[G.R.No.135981.January15,2004]

PEOPLEOFTHEPHILIPPINES,appellee,vs.MARIVICGENOSA,appellant.

DECISION
PANGANIBAN,J.:

Admittingshekilledherhusband,appellantanchorsherprayerforacquittalonanoveltheory
thebatteredwomansyndrome(BWS),whichallegedlyconstitutesselfdefense.Undertheproven
facts, however, she is not entitled to complete exoneration because there was no unlawful
aggressionnoimmediateandunexpectedattackonherbyherbattererhusbandatthetimeshe
shothim.
Absentunlawfulaggression,therecanbenoselfdefense,completeorincomplete.
Butallisnotlost.Theseverebeatingsrepeatedlyinflictedonappellantconstitutedaformof
cumulative provocation that broke down her psychological resistance and selfcontrol. This
psychological paralysis she suffered diminished her will power, thereby entitling her to the
mitigatingfactorunderparagraphs9and10ofArticle13oftheRevisedPenalCode.
In addition, appellant should also be credited with the extenuating circumstance of having
acted upon an impulse so powerful as to have naturally produced passion and obfuscation. The
acutebatteringshesufferedthatfatalnightinthehandsofherbattererspouse,inspiteofthefact
thatshewaseightmonthspregnantwiththeirchild,overwhelmedherandputherintheaforesaid
emotionalandmentalstate,whichovercameherreasonandimpelledhertovindicateherlifeand
herunbornchilds.
ConsideringthepresenceofthesetwomitigatingcircumstancesarisingfromBWS,aswellas
the benefits of the Indeterminate Sentence Law, she may now apply for and be released from
custodyonparole,becauseshehasalreadyservedtheminimumperiodofherpenaltywhileunder
detentionduringthependencyofthiscase.

TheCase

[1]
ForautomaticreviewbeforethisCourtistheSeptember25,1998Decision oftheRegional
TrialCourt(RTC)ofOrmocCity(Branch35)inCriminalCaseNo.50160,findingMarivicGenosa
guiltybeyondreasonabledoubtofparricide.ThedecretalportionoftheDecisionreads:

WHEREFORE,afteralltheforegoingbeingdulyconsidered,theCourtfindstheaccused,MarivicGenosay
Isidro, GUILTY beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of Parricide as provided under Article 246 of the
RevisedPenalCodeasrestoredbySec.5,RANo.7659,andafterfindingtreacheryasagenericaggravating
circumstanceandnoneofmitigatingcircumstance,herebysentencestheaccusedwiththepenaltyofDEATH.

TheCourtlikewisepenalizestheaccusedtopaytheheirsofthedeceasedthesumoffiftythousandpesos
(P50,000.00), Philippine currency as indemnity and another sum of fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00),
[2]
Philippinecurrencyasmoraldamages.

[3]
TheInformation chargedappellantwithparricideasfollows:
Thatonoraboutthe15thdayofNovember1995,atBarangayBilwang,MunicipalityofIsabel,Provinceof
Leyte,PhilippinesandwithinthejurisdictionofthisHonorableCourt,theabovenamedaccused,withintent
to kill, with treachery and evident premeditation, did then and there wilfully, unlawfully and feloniously
attack, assault, hit and wound one BEN GENOSA, her legitimate husband, with the use of a hard deadly
weapon,whichtheaccusedhadprovidedherselfforthepurpose,[causing]thefollowingwounds,towit:

Cadavericspasm.

Bodyonthe2ndstageofdecomposition.

Face,black,blownup&swollenw/evidentpostmortemlividity.Eyesprotrudingfromitssockets
andtongueslightlyprotrudesoutofthemouth.

Fracture,open,depressed,circularlocatedattheoccipitalboneofthehead,resulting[in]laceration
of the brain, spontaneous rupture of the blood vessels on the posterior surface of the brain,
lacerationoftheduraandmeningealvesselsproducingsevereintracranialhemorrhage.

Blistersatbothextrem[i]ties,anteriorchest,posteriorchest,trunkw/sheddingoftheepidermis.

Abdomendistendedw/gas.Trunkbloated.

[4]
whichcausedhisdeath.
[5]
Withtheassistanceofhercounsel, appellantpleadednotguiltyduringherarraignmenton
[6]
March3,1997. Induecourse,shewastriedforandconvictedofparricide.

TheFacts

VersionoftheProsecution

TheOfficeoftheSolicitorGeneral(OSG)summarizestheprosecutionsversionofthefactsin
thiswise:

AppellantandBenGenosawereunitedinmarriageonNovember19,1983inOrmocCity.Thereafter,they
livedwiththeparentsofBenintheirhouseatIsabel,Leyte.Foratime,Bensyoungerbrother,Alex,andhis
wifelivedwiththemtoo.Sometimein1995,however,appellantandBenrentedfromStebanMatigaahouse
atBarangayBilwang,Isabel,Leytewheretheylivedwiththeirtwochildren,namely:JohnMarbenandEarl
Pierre.

OnNovember15,1995,BenandArturoBasobaswenttoacockfightafterreceivingtheirsalary.Theyeach
hadtwo(2)bottlesofbeerbeforeheadinghome.ArturowouldpassBenshousebeforereachinghis.When
theyarrivedatthehouseofBen,hefoundoutthatappellanthadgonetoIsabel,Leytetolookforhim.Ben
wentinsidehishouse,whileArturowenttoastoreacrossit,waitinguntil9:00intheeveningforthemasiao
runnertoplaceabet.ArturodidnotseeappellantarrivebutonhiswayhomepassingthesideoftheGenosas
rented house, he heard her say I wont hesitate to kill you to which Ben replied Why kill me when I am
innocent? That was the last time Arturo saw Ben alive. Arturo also noticed that since then, the Genosas
rentedhouseappeareduninhabitedandwasalwaysclosed.

On November 16, 1995, appellant asked Erlinda Paderog, her close friend and neighbor living about fifty
(50)metersfromherhouse,tolookafterherpigbecauseshewasgoingtoCebuforapregnancycheckup.
Appellant likewise asked Erlinda to sell her motorcycle to their neighbor Ronnie Dayandayan who
unfortunatelyhadnomoneytobuyit.

Thatsameday,about12:15intheafternoon,JosephValidawaswaitingforabusgoingtoOrmocwhenhe
sawappellantgoingoutoftheirhousewithhertwokidsintow,eachonecarryingabag,lockingthegateand
takingherchildrentothewaitingareawherehewas.Josephlivedaboutfifty(50)metersbehindtheGenosas
rentedhouse.Joseph,appellantandherchildrenrodethesamebustoOrmoc.Theyhadnoconversationas
Josephnoticedthatappellantdidnotwanttotalktohim.

On November 18, 1995, the neighbors of Steban Matiga told him about the foul odor emanating from his
housebeingrentedbyBenandappellant.Stebanwenttheretofindoutthecauseofthestenchbutthehouse
was locked from the inside. Since he did not have a duplicate key with him, Steban destroyed the gate
padlock with a borrowed steel saw. He was able to get inside through the kitchen door but only after
destroyingawindowtoreachahookthatlockedit.Alone,Stebanwentinsidetheunlockedbedroomwhere
theoffensivesmellwascomingfrom.There,hesawthelifelessbodyofBenlyingonhissideonthebed
coveredwithablanket.Hewasonlyinhisbriefswithinjuriesatthebackofhishead.Seeingthis,Steban
went out of the house and sent word to the mother of Ben about his sons misfortune. Later that day,
IluminadaGenosa,themotherofBen,identifiedthedeadbodyasthatof[her]son.

Meanwhile,inthemorningofthesameday,SPO3LeoAcodesin,thenassignedatthepolicestationatIsabel,
Leyte,receivedareportregardingthefoulsmellattheGenosasrentedhouse.TogetherwithSPO1Millares,
SPO1Colon,andDr.RefelinaCerillo,SPO3Acodesinproceededtothehouseandwentinsidethebedroom
wheretheyfoundthedeadbodyofBenlyingonhissidewrappedwithabedsheet.Therewasbloodatthe
napeofBenwhoonlyhadhisbriefson.SPO3Acodesinfoundinonecorneratthesideofanaparador a
metalpipeabouttwo(2)metersfromwhereBenwas,leaningagainstawall.Themetalpipemeasuredthree
(3)feetandsix(6)incheslongwithadiameterofoneandhalf(11/2)inches.Ithadanopenendwithouta
stopvalvewitharedstainatoneend.Thebedroomwasnotindisarray.

About10:00thatsamemorning,thecadaverofBen,becauseofitsstench,hadtobetakenoutsideattheback
ofthehousebeforethepostmortemexaminationwasconductedbyDr.Cerillointhepresenceofthepolice.
AmunicipalhealthofficeratIsabel,Leyteresponsibleformedicolegalcases,Dr.CerillofoundthatBenhad
beendeadfortwotothreedaysandhisbodywasalreadydecomposing.ThepostmortemexaminationofDr.
Cerillo yielded the findings quoted in the Information for parricide later filed against appellant. She
concluded that the cause of Bens death was cardiopulmonary arrest secondary to severe intracranial
hemorrhageduetoadepressedfractureoftheoccipital[bone].

AppellantadmittedkillingBen.ShetestifiedthatgoinghomeafterworkonNovember15,1995,shegot
worriedthatherhusbandwhowasnothomeyetmighthavegonegamblingsinceitwasapayday.Withher
cousinEcelArao,appellantwenttolookforBenatthemarketplaceandtavernsatIsabel,Leytebutdidnot
find him there. They found Ben drunk upon their return at the Genosas house. Ecel went home despite
appellantsrequestforhertosleepintheirhouse.

Then, Ben purportedly nagged appellant for following him, even challenging her to a fight. She allegedly
ignoredhimandinsteadattendedtotheirchildrenwhoweredoingtheirhomework.Apparentlydisappointed
withherreaction,Benswitchedoffthelightand,withtheuseofachoppingknife,cutthetelevisionantenna
orwiretokeepherfromwatchingtelevision.Accordingtoappellant,Benwasabouttoattackhersosheran
to the bedroom, but he got hold of her hands and whirled her around. She fell on the side of the bed and
screamed for help. Ben left. At this point, appellant packed his clothes because she wanted him to leave.
Seeinghispackedclothesuponhisreturnhome,Benallegedlyflewintoarage,draggedappellantoutsideof
thebedroomtowardsadrawerholdingherbytheneck,andtoldherYoumightaswellbekilledsonobody
wouldnagme.AppellanttestifiedthatshewasawarethattherewasaguninsidethedrawerbutsinceBen
didnothavethekeytoit,hegotathreeinchlongbladecutterfromhiswallet.Shehowever,smashedthe
armofBenwithapipe,causinghimtodropthebladeandhiswallet.AppellantthensmashedBenathisnape
withthepipeashewasabouttopickupthebladeandhiswallet.Shethereafterraninsidethebedroom.

Appellant,however,insistedthatsheendedthelifeofherhusbandbyshootinghim.Shesupposedlydistorted
[7]
the drawer where the gun was and shot Ben. He did not die on the spot, though, but in the bedroom.
(Citationsomitted)

VersionoftheDefense
 Appellantrelatesherversionofthefactsinthismanner:

1.MarivicandBenGenosawereallegedlymarriedonNovember19,1983.Priortohermarriage,Marivic
had graduated from San Carlos, Cebu City, obtaining a degree of Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration,andwasworking,atthetimeofherhusbandsdeath,asaSecretarytothePortManagersin
OrmocCity.Thecouplehadthree(3)children:JohnMarben,EarlPierreandMarieBianca.

2.MarivicandBenhadknowneachothersinceelementaryschooltheywereneighborsinBilwangthey
wereclassmatesandtheywerethirddegreecousins.Bothsetsofparentswereagainsttheirrelationship,but
Benwaspersistentandtriedtostopothersuitorsfromcourtingher.Theirclosenessdevelopedashewasher
constantpartneratfiestas.

3. After their marriage, they lived first in the home of Bens parents, together with Bens brother, Alex, in
Isabel,Leyte.Inthefirstyearofmarriage,MarivicandBenlivedhappily.Butapparently,soonthereafter,the
couplewouldquarreloftenandtheirfightswouldbecomeviolent.

4. Bens brother, Alex, testified for the prosecution that he could not remember when Ben and Marivic
married. He said that when Ben and Marivic quarreled, generally when Ben would come home drunk,
Marivicwouldinflictinjuriesonhim.Hesaidthatinoneincidentin1993hesawMarivicholdingakitchen
knifeafterBenhadshoutedforhelpashislefthandwascoveredwithblood.Marivicleftthehousebutafter
a week, she returned apparently having asked for Bens forgiveness. In another incident in May 22, 1994,
earlymorning,AlexandhisfatherapparentlyrushedtoBensaidagainandsawbloodfromBensforehead
andMarivicholdinganemptybottle.BenandMarivicreconciledafterMarivichadapparentlyagainasked
forBensforgiveness.

Mrs.IluminadaGenosa,Marivicsmotherinlaw,testifiedtoo,sayingthatBenandMarivicmarriedin1986
or 1985 more or less here in Fatima, Ormoc City. She said as the marriage went along, Marivic became
already very demanding. Mrs. Iluminada Genosa said that after the birth of Marivics two sons, there were
three(3)misunderstandings.ThefirstwaswhenMarivicstabbedBenwithatableknifethroughhisleftarm
the second incident was on November 15, 1994, when Marivic struck Ben on the forehead using a sharp
instrumentuntiltheeyewasalsoaffected.ItwaswoundedandalsotheearandherhusbandwenttoBento
helpandthethirdincidentwasin1995whenthecouplehadalreadytransferredtothehouseinBilwangand
shesawthatBenshandwasplasteredasthebonecracked.

BothmotherandsonclaimedtheybroughtBentoaPasarclinicformedicalintervention.

5.ArturoBasobas,acoworkerofBen,testifiedthatonNovember15,1995Afterwecollectedoursalary,
wewenttothecockfightingplaceofISCO.Theystayedthereforthree(3)hours,afterwhichtheywentto
Uniloksanddrankbeerallegedlyonlytwo(2)bottleseach.Afterdrinkingtheyboughtbarbequeandwentto
theGenosaresidence.Marivicwasnotthere.HestayedawhiletalkingwithBen,afterwhichhewentacross
theroadtowaitfortherunnerandtheusherofthemasiaogamebecauseduringthattime,thehearingon
masiaonumberswasrampant.IwaswaitingfortheushersandrunnerssothatIcanplacemybet.Onhis
wayhomeatabout9:00intheevening,heheardtheGenosasarguing.Theywerequarrelingloudly.Outside
theirhousewasoneFredowhoisusedbyBentofeedhisfightingcocks.Basobastestimonyontherootof
thequarrel,convenientlyoverheardbyhimwasMarivicsayingIwillneverhesitatetokillyou,whilstBen
repliedWhykillmewhenIaminnocent.Basobasthoughttheywerejoking.

HedidnothearthemquarrelingwhilehewasacrosstheroadfromtheGenosaresidence.Basobasadmitted
that he and Ben were always at the cockpits every Saturday and Sunday. He claims that he once told Ben
beforewhenhewasstrickenwithabottlebyMarivicGenosathatheshouldleaveherandthatBenwould
alwaystakeherbackaftershewouldleavehimsomanytimes.

BasobascouldnotrememberwhenMarivichadhitBen,butitwasalongtimethattheyhadbeenquarreling.
HesaidBenevenhadawoundontherightforehead.Hehadknownthecoupleforonlyone(1)year.

6.Marivictestifiedthatafterthefirstyearofmarriage,Benbecamecrueltoherandwasahabitualdrinker.
Shesaidheprovokedher,hewouldslapher,sometimeshewouldpinherdownonthebed,andsometimes
beather.
Theseincidentshappenedseveraltimesandshewouldoftenrunhometoherparents,butBenwouldfollow
herandseekherout,promisingtochangeandwouldaskforherforgiveness.Shesaidaftershewouldbe
beaten,shewouldseekmedicalhelpfromDr.DinoCaing,Dr.LuceroandDra.Cerillo.Thesedoctorswould
enter the injuries inflicted upon her by Ben into their reports. Marivic said Ben would beat her or quarrel
withhereverytimehewasdrunk,atleastthreetimesaweek.

7.Inherdefense,witnesseswhowerenotsocloselyrelatedtoMarivic,testifiedastotheabuseandviolence
shereceivedatthehandsofBen.

7.1.Mr.JoeBarrientos,afisherman,whowasa[neighbor]oftheGenosas,testifiedthatonNovember15,
1995,heoverheardaquarrelbetweenBenandMarivic.Marivicwasshoutingforhelpandthroughtheopen
jalousies, he saw the spouses grappling with each other. Ben had Marivic in a choke hold. He did not do
anything, but had come voluntarily to testify. (Please note this was the same night as that testified to by
[8]
ArturoBusabos. )

7.2.Mr.JunnieBarrientos,alsoafisherman,andthebrotherofMr.JoeBarrientos,testifiedthatheheardhis
neighbor Marivic shouting on the night of November 15, 1995. He peeped through the window of his hut
whichislocatedbesidetheGenosahouseandsawthespousesgrapplingwitheachotherthenBenGenosa
washoldingwithhisbothhandstheneckoftheaccused,MarivicGenosa.Hesaidafterawhile,Marivicwas
abletoextricatehe[r]selfandentertheroomofthechildren.Afterthat,hewentbacktoworkashewastogo
fishingthatevening.Hereturnedat8:00thenextmorning.(Again,pleasenotethatthiswasthesamenight
asthattestifiedtobyArturoBasobas).

7.3.Mr.TeodoroSarabiawasaformerneighboroftheGenosaswhiletheywerelivinginIsabel,Leyte.His
house was located about fifty (50) meters from theirs. Marivic is his niece and he knew them to be living
together for 13 or 14 years. He said the couple was always quarreling. Marivic confided in him that Ben
wouldpawnitemsandthenwouldusethemoneytogamble.Onetime,hewenttotheirhouseandtheywere
quarreling.Benwassoangry,butwouldbepacifiedifsomebodywouldcome.HetestifiedthatwhileBen
wasaliveheusedtogambleandwhenhebecamedrunk,hewouldgotoourhouseandhewillsay,Teody
because that was what he used to call me, mokimas ta, which means lets go and look for a whore. Mr.
SarabiafurthertestifiedthatBenwouldboxhiswifeandIwouldseebruisesandonetimesherantome,I
noticedawound(thewitnesspointedtohisrightbreast)asaccordingtoheraknifewasstrickentoher.Mr.
Sarabia also said that once he saw Ben had been injured too. He said he voluntarily testified only that
morning.

7.4.MissEcelArano,an18yearoldstudent,whoisacousinofMarivic,testifiedthatintheafternoonof
November 15, 1995, Marivic went to her house and asked her help to look for Ben. They searched in the
marketplace,severaltavernsandsomeotherplaces,butcouldnotfindhim.SheaccompaniedMarivichome.
Marivic wanted her to sleep with her in the Genosa house because she might be battered by her husband.
When they got to the Genosa house at about 7:00 in the evening, MissArano said that her husband was
alreadythereandwasdrunk.MissAranoknewhewasdrunkbecauseofhisstaggeringwalkingandIcan
alsodetecthisface.Marivicenteredthehouseandsheheardthemquarrelnoisily.(Again,pleasenotethat
thisisthesamenightasthattestifiedtobyArturoBasobas)MissAranotestifiedthatthiswasnotthefirst
timeMarivichadaskedhertosleepinthehouseasMarivicwouldbeafraideverytimeherhusbandwould
comehomedrunk.Atonetimewhenshedidsleepover,shewasawakenedat10:00intheeveningwhenBen
arrivedbecausethecouplewereverynoisyinthesalaandIhadheardsomethingwasbrokenlikeavase.She
saidMarivicranintoherroomandtheylockedthedoor.WhenBencouldntgetinhegotachairandaknife
andshowedustheknifethroughthewindowgrillandhescaredus.ShesaidthatMarivicshoutedforhelp,
butnoonecame.Oncrossexamination,shesaidthatwhensheleftMarivicshouseonNovember15,1995,
thecouplewerestillquarreling.

7.5. Dr. Dino Caing, a physician testified that he and Marivic were coemployees at PHILPHOS, Isabel,
Leyte. Marivic was his patient many times and had also received treatment from other doctors. Dr. Caing
testified that from July 6, 1989 until November 9, 1995, there were six (6) episodes of physical injuries
inflicteduponMarivic.TheseinjurieswerereportedinhisOutPatientChartatthePHILPHOSHospital.The
prosecutionadmittedthequalificationsofDr.Caingandconsideredhimanexpertwitness.

xxxxxxxxx
Dr.CaingsclinicalhistoryofthetensionheadacheandhypertentionofMarivicontwentythree(23)separate
occasions was marked at Exhibits 2 and 2B. The OPD Chart of Marivic at the Philphos Clinic which
reflected all the consultations made by Marivic and the six (6) incidents of physical injuries reported was
markedasExhibit3.

Oncrossexamination,Dr.Caingsaidthatheisnotapsychiatrist,hecouldnotsaywhethertheinjurieswere
directly related to the crime committed. He said it is only a psychiatrist who is qualified to examine the
psychologicalmakeupofthepatient,whethersheiscapableofcommittingacrimeornot.

7.6Mr.PanfiloTero,thebarangaycaptainintheplacewheretheGenosasresided,testifiedthatabouttwo(2)
monthsbeforeBendied,Marivicwenttohisofficepast8:00intheevening.Shesoughthishelptosettleor
confronttheGenosacouplewhowereexperiencingfamilytroubles.HetoldMarivictoreturninthemorning,
buthedidnothearfromheragainandassumedthattheymighthavesettledwitheachotherortheymight
haveforgivenwitheachother.

xxxxxxxxx

Marivicsaidshedidnotprovokeherhusbandwhenshegothomethatnightitwasherhusbandwhobegan
theprovocation.Marivicsaidshewasfrightenedthatherhusbandwouldhurtherandshewantedtomake
sureshewoulddeliverherbabysafely.Infact,MarivichadtobeadmittedlaterattheRizalMedicalCentre
asshewassufferingfromeclampsiaandhypertension,andthebabywasbornprematurelyonDecember1,
1995.

Marivictestifiedthatduringhermarriageshehadtriedtoleaveherhusbandatleastfive(5)times,butthat
Benwouldalwaysfollowherandtheywouldreconcile.MarivicsaidthatthereasonwhyBenwasviolent
andabusivetowardsherthatnightwasbecausehewascrazyabouthisrecentgirlfriend,LuluxxxRubillos.

Oncrossexamination,MarivicinsistedsheshotBenwithagunshesaidthathediedinthebedroomthat
theirquarrelscouldbeheardbyanyonepassingtheirhousethatBasobasliedinhistestimonythatsheleft
forManilathenextday,November16,1995thatshedidnotbotheranyoneinManila,rentedherselfaroom,
andgotherselfajobasafieldresearcherunderthealiasMarvelousIsidroshedidnottellanyonethatshe
was leaving Leyte, she just wanted to have a safe delivery of her baby and that she was arrested in San
Pablo,Laguna.

AnsweringquestionsfromtheCourt,Marivicsaidthatshethrewthegunawaythatshedidnotknowwhat
happenedtothepipesheusedtosmashhimoncethatshewaswoundedbyBenonherwristwiththebolo
andthattwo(2)hoursaftershewaswhirledbyBen,hekickedherassanddraggedhertowardsthedrawer
whenhesawthatshehadpackedhisthings.

9.ThebodyofBenGenosawasfoundonNovember18,1995afteraninvestigationwasmadeofthefoul
odoremittingfromtheGenosaresidence.Thisfactwastestifiedtobyalltheprosecutionwitnessesandsome
defensewitnessesduringthetrial.

10.Dra.RefelinaY.Cerillo,aphysician,wastheMunicipalHealthOfficerofIsabel,Leyteatthetimeofthe
incident, and among her responsibilities as such was to take charge of all medicolegal cases, such as the
examinationofcadaversandtheautopsyofcadavers.Dra.Cerilloisnotaforensicpathologist.Shemerely
tookthemedicalboardexamsandpassedin1986.ShewascalledbythepolicetogototheGenosaresidence
andwhenshegotthere,shesawsomepoliceofficerandneighboraround.ShesawBenGenosa,coveredbya
blanket,lyinginasemipronepositionwithhisbacktothedoor.Hewaswearingonlyabrief.

xxxxxxxxx

Dra.Cerillosaidthat there is only one injury and that is the injury involving theskeletalareaofthehead
whichshedescribedasafracture.Andthatbasedonherexamination,Benhadbeendead2or3days.Dra.
Cerillodidnottestifyastowhatcausedhisdeath.

Dra.Cerillowasnotcrossexaminedbydefensecounsel.

11.TheInformation,datedNovember14,1996,filedagainstMarivicGenosachargedherwiththecrimeof
PARRICIDE committed with intent to kill, with treachery and evidence premeditation, x x x wilfully,
unlawfullyandfeloniouslyattack,assault,hitandwoundxxxherlegitimatehusband,withtheuseofahard
deadlyweaponxxxwhichcausedhisdeath.

12.Trialtookplaceon7and14April1997,14May1997,21July1997,17,22and23September1997,12
November1997,15and16December1997,22May1998,and5and6August1998.

13.On23September1998,oronlyfifty(50)daysfromthedayofthelasttrialdate,theHon.FortunitoL.
Madrona, Presiding Judge, RTCBranch 35, Ormoc City, rendered a JUDGMENT finding Marivic guilty
beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of parricide, and further found treachery as an aggravating
circumstance,thussentencinghertotheultimatepenaltyofDEATH.

14. The case was elevated to this Honorable Court upon automatic review and, under date of 24 January
2000,Marivicstriallawyer,Atty.GilMarvelP.Tabucanon,filedaMotiontoWithdrawascounsel,attaching
thereto,asaprecautionarymeasure,two(2)draftsofAppellantsBriefshehadpreparedforMarivicwhich,
forreasonsofherown,werenotconformedtobyher.

TheHonorableCourtallowedthewithdrawalofAtty.Tabucanonandpermittedtheentryofappearanceof
undersignedcounsel.

15.Withouttheknowledgeofcounsel,MarivicGenosawrotealetterdated20January2000,totheChief
Justice, coursing the same through Atty. Teresita G. Dimaisip, Deputy Clerk of Court of Chief Judicial
RecordsOffice,whereinshesubmittedherBriefwithoutcounselstotheCourt.

ThisletterwasstampreceivedbytheHonorableCourton4February2000.

16. In the meantime, under date of 17 February 2000, and stampreceived by the Honorable Court on 19
February 2000, undersigned counsel filed an URGENT OMNIBUS MOTION praying that the Honorable
Court allow the exhumation of Ben Genosa and the reexamination of the cause of his death allow the
examinationofMarivicGenosabyqualifiedpsychologistsandpsychiatriststodetermineherstateofmindat
the time she killed her husband and finally, to allow a partial reopening of the case a quo to take the
testimonyofsaidpsychologistsandpsychiatrists.

AttachedtotheURGENTOMNIBUSMOTIONwasaletterofDr.RaquelFortun,thentheonlyqualified
forensicpathologistinthecountry,whoopinedthatthedescriptionofthedeathwound(asculledfromthe
postmortemfindings,ExhibitA)ismoreakintoagunshotwoundthanabeatingwithaleadpipe.

17.InaRESOLUTIONdated29September2000,theHonorableCourtpartlygrantedMarivicsURGENT
OMNIBUS MOTION and remanded the case to the trial court for the reception of expert psychological
and/orpsychiatricopiniononthebatteredwomansyndromeplea,withinninety(90)daysfromnotice,and,
thereaftertoforthwithreporttothisCourttheproceedingstaken,togetherwiththecopiesoftheTSNand
relevantdocumentaryevidence,ifany,submitted.

18. On 15 January 2001, Dra. Natividad A. Dayan appeared and testified before the Hon. Fortunito L.
Madrona,RTCBranch35,OrmocCity.

ImmediatelybeforeDra.Dayanwassworn,theCourtaquoaskedifshehadinterviewedMarivicGenosa.
Dra.DayaninformedtheCourtthatinterviewsweredoneatthePenalInstitutionin1999,butthattheclinical
interviewsandpsychologicalassessmentweredoneatherclinic.

Dra. Dayan testified that she has been a clinical psychologist for twenty (20) years with her own private
clinicandconnectedpresentlytotheDeLaSalleUniversityasaprofessor.Beforethis,shewastheHeadof
thePsychologyDepartmentoftheAssumptionCollegeamemberofthefacultyofPsychologyattheAteneo
deManilaUniversityandSt.JosephsCollegeandwasthecounselingpsychologistoftheNationalDefense
College.ShehasanABinPsychologyfromtheUniversityofthePhilippines,aMasterofArtsinClinical
[Counseling], Psychology from the Ateneo, and a PhD from the U.P. She was the past president of the
Psychological Association of the Philippines and is a member of the American Psychological Association.
SheisthesecretaryoftheInternationalCouncilofPsychologistsfromabout68countriesamemberofthe
Forensic Psychology Association and a member of theASEAN [Counseling] Association. She is actively
involved with the Philippine Judicial Academy, recently lecturing on the sociodemographic and
psychologicalprofileoffamiliesinvolvedindomesticviolenceandnullitycases.ShewaswiththeDavide
Commission doing research about Military Psychology. She has written a book entitled Energy Global
Psychology (together with Drs. AllanTan and Allan Bernardo). The Genosa case is the first time she has
testifiedasanexpertonbatteredwomenasthisisthefirstcaseofthatnature.

Dra.Dayantestifiedthatfortheresearchsheconducted,onthesociodemographicandpsychologicalprofile
offamiliesinvolvedindomesticviolence,andnullitycases,shelookedatabout500casesoveraperiodof
ten (10) years and discovered that there are lots of variables that cause all of this marital conflicts, from
domesticviolencetoinfidelity,topsychiatricdisorder.

Dra. Dayan described domestic violence to comprise of a lot of incidents of psychological abuse, verbal
abuse,andemotionalabusetophysicalabuseandalsosexualabuse.

xxxxxxxxx

Dra.Dayantestifiedthatinherstudies,thebatteredwomanusuallyhasaverylowopinionofherself.She
hasaselfdefeatingandselfsacrificingcharacteristics.xxxtheyusuallythinkverylowlyofthemselvesand
so when the violence would happen, they usually think that they provoke it, that they were the one who
precipitatedtheviolence,theyprovoketheirspousetobephysically,verballyandevensexuallyabusiveto
them. Dra. Dayan said that usually a battered x x x comes from a dysfunctional family or from broken
homes.

Dra.Dayansaidthatthebatterer,justlikethebatteredwoman,alsohasaverylowopinionofhimself.But
then emerges to have superiority complex and it comes out as being very arrogant, very hostile, very
aggressiveandveryangry.Theyalsohad(sic)averylowtoleranceforfrustrations.Alotoftimestheyare
involved in vices like gambling, drinking and drugs. And they become violent. The batterer also usually
comesfromadysfunctionalfamilywhichoverpampersthemandmakesthemfeelentitledtodoanything.
Also,theyseeoftenhowtheirparentsabusedeachothersothereisalotofmodelingofaggressioninthe
family.

Dra. Dayan testified that there are a lot of reasons why a battered woman does not leave her husband:
poverty, selfblame and guilt that she provoked the violence, the cycle itself which makes her hope her
husband will change, the belief in her obligations to keep the family intact at all costs for the sake of the
children.

xxxxxxxxx

Dra.Dayansaidthatabusedwivesreactdifferentlytotheviolence:someleavethehouse,orlockthemselves
inanotherroom,orsometimestrytofightbacktriggeringphysicalviolenceonbothofthem.Shesaidthatin
anormalmaritalrelationship,abusesalsohappen,butthesearenotconsistent,notchronic,arenothappening
dayin[and]dayout.Inanabnormalmaritalrelationship,theabuseoccursdayinanddayout,islonglasting
andevenwouldcausehospitalizationonthevictimandevendeathonthevictim.

xxxxxxxxx

Dra.Dayansaidthatasaresultofthebatteryofpsychologicaltestssheadministered,itwasheropinionthat
Marivicfitstheprofileofabatteredwomanbecauseinspiteofherfeelingofselfconfidencewhichwecan
see at times there are really feeling (sic) of loss, such feelings of humiliation which she sees herself as
damagedandasabrokenperson.Andatthesametimeshestillhastheimprintofalltheabusesthatshehad
experiencedinthepast.

xxxxxxxxx

Dra.DayansaidMarivicthoughtofherselfasalovingwifeanddidnotevenconsiderfilingfornullityor
legalseparationinspiteoftheabuses.ItwasatthetimeofthetragedythatMarivicthenthoughtofherselfas
avictim.

xxxxxxxxx
 19. On 9 February 2001, Dr. Alfredo Pajarillo, a physician, who has since passed away, appeared and
testifiedbeforeRTCBranch35,OrmocCity.

Dr. Pajarillo was a Diplomate of the Philippine Board of Psychiatry a Fellow of the Philippine Board of
PsychiatryandaFellowofthePhilippinePsychiatryAssociation.Hewasinthepracticeofpsychiatryfor
thirtyeight (38) years. Prior to being in private practice, he was connected with the Veterans Memorial
MedicalCentrewherehegainedhistrainingonpsychiatryandneurology.Afterthat,hewascalledtoactive
duty in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, assigned to the V. Luna Medical Center for twenty six (26)
years. Prior to his retirement from government service, he obtained the rank of Brigadier General. He
obtained his medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas. He was also a member of the World
AssociationofMilitarySurgeonstheQuezonCityMedicalSocietytheCagayanMedicalSocietyandthe
PhilippineAssociationofMilitarySurgeons.

HeauthoredTheComparativeAnalysisofNervousBreakdowninthePhilippineMilitaryAcademyfromthe
Period 1954 1978 which was presented twice in international congresses. He also authored The Mental
Health of the Armed Forces of the Philippines 2000, which was likewise published internationally and
locally.HehadamedicaltextbookpublishedontheuseofPrasepamonaParkeDavisgrantwasthefirstto
useEnanthate(siquiline),onanE.R.SquibbgrantandhepublishedtheuseofthedrugZopiclomin1985
86.

Dr. Pajarillo explained that psychiatry deals with the functional disorder of the mind and neurology deals
withtheailmentofthebrainandspinalcordenlarged.Psychology,ontheotherhand,isabachelordegree
andadoctoratedegreewhileonehastofinishmedicinetobecomeaspecialistinpsychiatry.

Evenonlyinhis7thyearasaresidentinV.LunaMedicalCentre,Dr.Pajarillohadalreadyencounteredasuit
involving violent family relations, and testified in a case in 1964. In the Armed Forces of the Philippines,
violent family disputes abound, and he has seen probably ten to twenty thousand cases. In those days, the
primordial intention of therapy was reconciliation. As a result of his experience with domestic violence
cases,hebecameaconsultantoftheBatteredWomanOfficeinQuezonCityunderAtty.NenitaDeproza.

Assuchconsultant,hehadseenaroundforty(40)casesofseveredomesticviolence,wherethereisphysical
abuse:suchasslapping,pushing,verbalabuse,batteringandboxingawomaneventoanunconsciousstate
suchthatthewomanissometimesconfined.TheafflictionofPostTraumaticStressDisorderdependsonthe
vulnerability of the victim. Dr. Pajarillo said that if the victim is not very healthy, perhaps one episode of
violencemayinducethedisorderifthepsychologicalstaminaandphysiologicconstitutionalstaminaofthe
victimisstronger,itwilltakemorerepetitivetraumatoprecipitatetheposttraumaticstressdisorderandthis
xxxisverydangerous.

In psychiatry, the posttraumatic stress disorder is incorporated under the anxiety neurosis or neurologic
anxcietism.Itisproducedbyoverwhelmingbrutality,trauma.

xxxxxxxxx

Dr.Pajarilloexplainedthatwithneuroticanxiety,thevictimrelivesthebeatingortraumaasifitwerereal,
althoughsheisnotactuallybeingbeatenatthattime.Shethinksofnothingbutthesuffering.

xxxxxxxxx

Awomanwhosuffersbatteryhasatendencytobecomeneurotic,heremotionaltoneisunstable,andsheis
irritableandrestless.Shetendstobecomehardheadedandpersistent.Shehashighersensitivityandherself
worldisdamaged.

Dr. Pajarillo said that an abnormal family background relates to an individuals illness, such as the
deprivationofthecontinuouscareandloveoftheparents.Astothebatterer,henormallyinternalizeswhatis
around him within the environment. And it becomes his own personality. He is very competitive he is
aiminghighallthetimeheissomachoheshowshisstrongfaadebutinittherearedoubtsinhimselfand
pronetoactwithoutthinking.

xxxxxxxxx
Dr. Pajarillo emphasized that even though without the presence of the precipator (sic) or the one who
administered the battering, that reexperiencing of the trauma occurred (sic) because the individual cannot
controlit.Itwilljustcomeupinhermindorinhismind.

xxxxxxxxx

Dr. Pajarillo said that a woman suffering post traumatic stress disorder try to defend themselves, and
primarily with knives. Usually pointed weapons or any weapon that is available in the immediate
surroundingorinahospitalxxxbecausethataboundinthehousehold.Hesaidavictimresortstoweapons
whenshehasreachedthelowestrockbottomofherlifeandthereisnootherrecourseleftonherbuttoact
decisively.

xxxxxxxxx

Dr.PajarillotestifiedthathemetMarivicGenosainhisofficeinaninterviewheconductedfortwo(2)hours
and seventeen (17) minutes. He used the psychological evaluation and social case studies as a help in
forminghisdiagnosis.HecameoutwithaPsychiatricReport,dated22January2001.

xxxxxxxxx

On crossexamination by the private prosecutor, Dr. Pajarillo said that at the time she killed her husband
Mariviccmentalconditionwasthatshewasreexperiencingthetrauma.Hesaidthatwearetryingtoexplain
scientificallythatthereexperiencingofthetraumaisnotcontrolledbyMarivic.Itwilljustcomeinflashes
andprobablyatthatpointintimethatthingshappenedwhenthereexperiencingofthetraumaflashedinher
mind.AtthetimeheinterviewedMarivicshewasmoresubdued,shewasnotsuperalertanymorexxxshe
ismentallystress(sic)becauseofthepredicamentsheisinvolved.

xxxxxxxxx

20.Norebuttalevidenceortestimonywaspresentedbyeithertheprivateorthepublicprosecutor.Thus,in
accordwiththeResolutionofthisHonorableCourt,therecordsofthepartiallyreopenedtrialaquowere
[9]
elevated.

RulingoftheTrialCourt

Finding the proffered theory of selfdefense untenable, the RTC gave credence to the
prosecutionevidencethatappellanthadkilledthedeceasedwhilehewasinbedsleeping.Further,
thetrialcourtappreciatedthegenericaggravatingcircumstanceoftreachery,becauseBenGenosa
wassupposedlydefenselesswhenhewaskilledlyinginbedasleepwhenMarivicsmashedhim
withapipeatthebackofhishead.
The capital penalty having been imposed, the case was elevated to this Court for automatic
review.

SuperveningCircumstances

OnFebruary19,2000,appellantfiledanUrgentOmnibusMotionprayingthatthisCourtallow
(1) the exhumation of Ben Genosa and the reexamination of the cause of his death (2) the
examinationofappellantbyqualifiedpsychologistsandpsychiatriststodetermineherstateofmind
at the time she had killed her spouse and (3) the inclusion of the said experts reports in the
recordsofthecaseforpurposesoftheautomaticreviewor,inthealternative,apartialreopeningof
thecaseforthelowercourttoadmittheexpertstestimonies.
On September 29, 2000, this Court issued a Resolution granting in part appellants Motion,
remanding the case to the trial court for the reception of expert psychological and/or psychiatric
opiniononthebatteredwomansyndromepleaandrequiringthelowercourttoreportthereafterto
thisCourttheproceedingstakenaswellastosubmitcopiesoftheTSNandadditionalevidence,if
any.
Acting on the Courts Resolution, the trial judge authorized the examination of Marivic by two
[10] [11]
clinical psychologists, Drs. Natividad Dayan and Alfredo Pajarillo, supposedly experts on
domesticviolence.Theirtestimonies,alongwiththeirdocumentaryevidence,werethenpresented
toandadmittedbythelowercourtbeforefinallybeingsubmittedtothisCourttoformpartofthe
[12]
recordsofthecase.

TheIssues

AppellantassignsthefollowingallegederrorsofthetrialcourtforthisCourtsconsideration:

1. The trial court gravely erred in promulgating an obviously hasty decision without reflecting on the
evidenceadducedastoselfdefense.

2.ThetrialcourtgravelyerredinfindingasafactthatBenandMarivicGenosawerelegallymarriedand
thatshewasthereforeliableforparricide.

3.Thetrialcourtgravelyerredfindingthecauseofdeathtobebybeatingwithapipe.

4.Thetrialcourtgravelyerredinignoringanddisregardingevidenceadducedfromimpartialandunbiased
witnessesthatBenGenosawasadrunk,agambler,awomanizerandwifebeaterandfurthergravelyerredin
concludingthatBenGenosawasabatteredhusband.

5.ThetrialcourtgravelyerredinnotrequiringtestimonyfromthechildrenofMarivicGenosa.

6.ThetrialcourtgravelyerredinconcludingthatMarivicsflighttoManilaandhersubsequentapologies
wereindiciaofguilt,insteadofaclearattempttosavethelifeofherunbornchild.

7.Thetrialcourtgravelyerredinconcludingthattherewasanaggravatingcircumstanceoftreachery.

8. The trial court gravely erred in refusing to reevaluate the traditional elements in determining the
existenceofselfdefenseanddefenseoffoetusinthiscase,therebyerroneouslyconvictingMarivicGenosa
[13]
ofthecrimeofparricideandcondemninghertotheultimatepenaltyofdeath.

In the main, the following are the essential legal issues: (1) whether appellant acted in self
defenseandindefenseofherfetusand(2)whethertreacheryattendedthekillingofBenGenosa.

TheCourtsRuling

Theappealispartlymeritorious.

CollateralFactualIssues

The first six assigned errors raised by appellant are factual in nature, if not collateral to the
resolutionoftheprincipalissues.AsconsistentlyheldbythisCourt,thefindingsofthetrialcourton
thecredibilityofwitnessesandtheirtestimoniesareentitledtoahighdegreeofrespectandwillnot
be disturbed on appeal in the absence of any showing that the trial judge gravely abused his
discretion or overlooked, misunderstood or misapplied material facts or circumstances of weight
[14]
andsubstancethatcouldaffecttheoutcomeofthecase.
 Inappellantsfirstsixassigneditems,wefindnograveabuseofdiscretion,reversibleerroror
misappreciation of material facts that would reverse or modify the trial courts disposition of the
case.Inanyevent,wewillnowbrieflydisposeoftheseallegederrorsofthetrialcourt.
First, we do not agree that the lower court promulgated an obviously hasty decision without
reflectingontheevidenceadducedastoselfdefense.Wenotethatinhis17pageDecision,Judge
Fortunito L. Madrona summarized the testimonies of both the prosecution and the defense
witnesses and on the basis of those and of the documentary evidence on record made his
evaluation, findings and conclusions. He wrote a 3page discourse assessing the testimony and
theselfdefensetheoryoftheaccused.Whileshe,oreventhisCourt,maynotagreewiththetrial
judgesconclusions,wecannotperemptorilyconclude,absentsubstantialevidence,thathefailed
toreflectontheevidencepresented.
Neitherdowefind the appealed Decision to have been made in anobviouslyhastymanner.
TheInformationhadbeenfiledwiththelowercourtonNovember14,1996.Thereafter,trialbegan
andatleast13hearingswereheldforoverayear.Ittookthetrialjudgeabouttwomonthsfromthe
conclusionoftrialtopromulgatehisjudgment.Thatheconductedthetrialandresolvedthecase
withdispatchshouldnotbetakenagainsthim,muchlessusedtocondemnhimforbeingunduly
hasty.Ifatall,thedispatchwithwhichhehandledthecaseshouldbelauded.Inanycase,wefind
[15]
hisactionsinsubstantialcompliancewithhisconstitutionalobligation.
Second, the lower court did not err in finding as a fact that Ben Genosa and appellant had
been legally married, despite the nonpresentation of their marriage contract. In People v.
[16]
Malabago, thisCourtheld:

Thekeyelementinparricideistherelationshipoftheoffenderwiththevictim.Inthecaseofparricideofa
spouse,thebestproofoftherelationshipbetweentheaccusedandthedeceasedisthemarriagecertificate.In
theabsenceofamarriagecertificate,however,oralevidenceofthefactofmarriagemaybeconsideredby
thetrialcourtifsuchproofisnotobjectedto.

Twooftheprosecutionwitnessesnamely,themotherandthebrotherofappellantsdeceased
[17]
spouse attested in court that Ben had been married to Marivic. The defense raised no
objectiontothesetestimonies.Moreover,duringherdirectexamination,appellantherselfmadea
[18]
judicial admission of her marriage to Ben. Axiomatic is the rule that a judicial admission is
conclusive upon the party making it, except only when there is a showing that (1) the admission
[19]
was made through a palpable mistake, or (2) no admission was in fact made. Other than
merelyattackingthenonpresentationofthemarriagecontract,thedefenseofferednoproofthat
theadmissionmadebyappellantincourtastothefactofhermarriagetothedeceasedwasmade
throughapalpablemistake.
Third, under the circumstances of this case, the specific or direct cause of Bens death
whether by a gunshot or by beating with a pipe has no legal consequence. As the Court
elucidatedinitsSeptember29,2000Resolution,[c]onsideringthattheappellanthasadmittedthe
factofkillingherhusbandandtheactsofhittinghisnapewithametalpipeandofshootinghimat
the back of his head, the Court believes that exhumation is unnecessary, if not immaterial, to
determine which of said acts actually caused the victims death. Determining which of these
admittedactscausedthedeathisnotdispositiveoftheguiltordefenseofappellant.
Fourth, we cannot fault the trial court for not fully appreciating evidence that Ben was a drunk,
gambler,womanizerandwifebeater.Untilthiscasecametousforautomaticreview,appellanthadnot
raised the novel defense of battered woman syndrome, for which such evidence may have been
relevant. Her theory of selfdefense was then the crucial issue before the trial court. As will be
discussedshortly,thelegalrequisitesofselfdefenseunderprevailingjurisprudenceostensiblyappear
inconsistent with the surrounding facts that led to the death of the victim. Hence, his personal
character,especiallyhispastbehavior,didnotconstitutevitalevidenceatthetime.
Fifth, the trial court surely committed no error in not requiring testimony from appellants
children.Ascorrectlyelucidatedbythesolicitorgeneral,allcriminalactionsareprosecutedunder
the direction and control of the public prosecutor, in whom lies the discretion to determine which
[20]
witnessesandevidencearenecessarytopresent. Astheformerfurtherpointsout,neitherthe
trialcourtnortheprosecutionpreventedappellantfrompresentingherchildrenaswitnesses.Thus,
shecannotnowfaultthelowercourtfornotrequiringthemtotestify.
Finally,merelycollateralorcorroborativeisthematterofwhethertheflightofMarivictoManila
andhersubsequentapologiestoherbrotherinlawareindiciaofherguiltorareattemptstosave
the life of her unborn child. Any reversible error as to the trial courts appreciation of these
circumstanceshaslittlebearingonthefinalresolutionofthecase.

FirstLegalIssue:
SelfDefenseandDefenseofaFetus

AppellantadmitskillingBenGenosabut,toavoidcriminalliability,invokesselfdefenseand/or
defenseofherunbornchild.Whentheaccusedadmitskillingthevictim,itisincumbentuponherto
[21]
proveanyclaimedjustifyingcircumstancebyclearandconvincingevidence. Wellsettledisthe
rulethatincriminalcases,selfdefense(andsimilarly,defenseofastrangerorthirdperson)shifts
[22]
theburdenofprooffromtheprosecutiontothedefense.

TheBatteredWomanSyndrome

In claiming selfdefense, appellant raises the novel theory of the battered woman syndrome.
WhilenewinPhilippinejurisprudence,theconcepthasbeenrecognizedinforeignjurisdictionsas
[23]
aformofselfdefenseor,attheleast,incompleteselfdefense. Byappreciatingevidencethata
victimordefendantisafflictedwiththesyndrome,foreigncourtsconveytheirunderstandingofthe
justifiablyfearfulstateofmindofapersonwhohasbeencyclicallyabusedandcontrolledovera
[24]
periodoftime.
Abatteredwomanhasbeendefinedasawomanwhoisrepeatedlysubjectedtoanyforceful
physicalorpsychologicalbehaviorbyamaninordertocoercehertodosomethinghewantsherto
dowithoutconcernforherrights.Batteredwomenincludewivesorwomeninanyformofintimate
relationshipwithmen.Furthermore,inordertobeclassifiedasabatteredwoman,thecouplemust
go through the battering cycle at least twice. Any woman may find herself in an abusive
relationshipwithamanonce.Ifitoccursasecondtime,andsheremainsinthesituation,sheis
[25]
definedasabatteredwoman.
Batteredwomenexhibitcommonpersonalitytraits,suchaslowselfesteem,traditionalbeliefs
about the home, the family and the female sex role emotional dependence upon the dominant
male the tendency to accept responsibility for the batterers actions and false hopes that the
[26]
relationshipwillimprove.
More graphically, the battered woman syndrome is characterized by the socalled cycle of
[27]
violence, which has three phases: (1) the tensionbuilding phase (2) the acute battering
[28]
incidentand(3)thetranquil,loving(or,atleast,nonviolent)phase.
During the tensionbuilding phase, minor battering occurs it could be verbal or slight
physicalabuseoranotherformofhostilebehavior.Thewomanusuallytriestopacifythebatterer
through a show of kind, nurturing behavior or by simply staying out of his way. What actually
happensisthatsheallowsherselftobeabusedinwaysthat,toher,arecomparativelyminor.All
shewantsistopreventtheescalationoftheviolenceexhibitedbythebatterer.Thiswish,however,
provestobedoubleedged,becauseherplacatoryandpassivebehaviorlegitimizeshisbeliefthat
hehastherighttoabuseherinthefirstplace.
However, the techniques adopted by the woman in her effort to placate him are not usually
successful,andtheverbaland/orphysicalabuseworsens.Eachpartnersensestheimminentloss
ofcontrolandthegrowingtensionanddespair.Exhaustedfromthepersistentstress,thebattered
womansoonwithdrawsemotionally.Butthemoreshebecomesemotionallyunavailable,themore
the batterer becomes angry, oppressive and abusive. Often, at some unpredictable point, the
[29]
violencespiralsoutofcontrolandleadstoanacutebatteringincident.
The acute battering incident is said to be characterized by brutality, destructiveness and,
sometimes,death.Thebatteredwomandeemsthisincidentasunpredictable,yetalsoinevitable.
Duringthisphase,shehasnocontrolonlythebatterermayputanendtotheviolence.Itsnature
can be as unpredictable as the time of its explosion, and so are his reasons for ending it. The
batteredwomanusuallyrealizesthatshecannotreasonwithhim,andthatresistancewouldonly
exacerbatehercondition.
At this stage, she has a sense of detachment from the attack and the terrible pain, although
shemaylaterclearlyremembereverydetail.Herapparentpassivityinthefaceofacuteviolence
mayberationalizedthus:thebattererisalmostalwaysmuchstrongerphysically,andsheknows
from her past painful experience that it is futile to fight back. Acute battering incidents are often
verysavageandoutofcontrol,suchthatinnocentbystandersorintervenorsarelikelytogethurt.
[30]

Thefinalphaseofthecycleofviolencebeginswhentheacutebatteringincidentends.During
this tranquil period, the couple experience profound relief. On the one hand, the batterer may
show a tender and nurturing behavior towards his partner. He knows that he has been viciously
cruelandtriestomakeupforit,beggingforherforgivenessandpromisingnevertobeatheragain.
On the other hand, the battered woman also tries to convince herself that the battery will never
happenagainthatherpartnerwillchangeforthebetterandthatthisgood,gentleandcaringman
istherealpersonwhomsheloves.
Abatteredwomanusuallybelievesthatsheisthesoleanchoroftheemotionalstabilityofthe
batterer. Sensing his isolation and despair, she feels responsible for his wellbeing. The truth,
though, is that the chances of his reforming, or seeking or receiving professional help, are very
slim, especially if she remains with him. Generally, only after she leaves him does he seek
professionalhelpasawayofgettingherback.Yet,itisinthisphaseofremorsefulreconciliation
thatsheismostthoroughlytormentedpsychologically.
Theillusionofabsoluteinterdependencyiswellentrenchedinabatteredwomanspsyche.In
this phase, she and her batterer are indeed emotionally dependent on each other she for his
nurturantbehavior,heforherforgiveness.Underneaththismiserablecycleoftension,violenceand
forgiveness,eachpartnermaybelievethatitisbettertodiethantobeseparated.Neitheronemay
[31]
reallyfeelindependent,capableoffunctioningwithouttheother.

HistoryofAbuse
inthePresentCase

To show the history of violence inflicted upon appellant, the defense presented several
witnesses.Sheherselfdescribedherheartrendingexperienceasfollows:
ATTY.TABUCANON
QHowdidyoudescribeyourmarriagewithBenGenosa?
AInthefirstyear,Ilivedwithhimhappilybutinthesubsequentyearhewascrueltomeanda
behaviorofhabitualdrinker.
QYousaidthatinthesubsequentyearofyourmarriage,yourhusbandwasabusivetoyouandcruel.
Inwhatwaywasthisabusiveandcrueltymanifestedtoyou?
AHealwaysprovokemeineverything,healwaysslapmeandsometimeshepinnedmedownon
thebedandsometimesbeatme.
 QHowmanytimesdidthishappen?
ASeveraltimesalready.
QWhatdidyoudowhenthesethingshappentoyou?
AIwentawaytomymotherandIrantomyfatherandweseparateeachother.
QWhatwastheactionofBenGenosatowardsyouleavinghome?
AHeisfollowingme,afterthathesoughtafterme.
QWhatwillhappenwhenhefollowyou?
AHesaidhechanged,heaskedforforgivenessandIwasconvincedandafterthatIgotohimand
hesaidsorry.
QDuringthosetimesthatyouweretherecipientofsuchcrueltyandabusivebehaviorbyyour
husband,wereyouabletoseeadoctor?
AYes,sir.
QWhoarethesedoctors?
AThecompanyphysician,Dr.DinoCaing,Dr.LuceroandDra.Cerillo.

xxxxxxxxx

QYousaidthatyousawadoctorinrelationtoyourinjuries?
AYes,sir.
QWhoinflictedtheseinjuries?
AOfcoursemyhusband.
QYoumeanBenGenosa?
AYes,sir.

xxxxxxxxx

[Court]/tothewitness
QHowfrequentwastheallegedcrueltythatyousaid?
AEverytimehegotdrunk.
QNo,fromthetimethatyousaidthecrueltyortheinflictionofinjuryinflictedonyouroccurred,after
yourmarriage,fromthattimeon,howfrequentwastheoccurrence?
AEverytimehegotdrunk.
QIsitdaily,weekly,monthlyorhowmanytimesinamonthorinaweek?
AThreetimesaweek.
QDoyoumeanthreetimesaweekhewouldbeatyou?
[32]
ANotnecessarilythathewouldbeatmebutsometimeshewilljustquarrelme.
[33]
ReferringtohisOutPatientChart onMarivicGenosaatthePhilphosHospital,Dr.DinoD.
Caingbolsteredherforegoingtestimonyonchronicbatteryinthismanner:
QSo,doyouhaveasummaryofthosesix(6)incidentswhicharefoundinthechartofyourclinic?
AYes,sir.
QWhopreparedthelistofsix(6)incidents,Doctor?
AIdid.
QWillyoupleasereadthephysicalfindingstogetherwiththedatesfortherecord.
A1.May12,1990physicalfindingsareasfollows:Hematoma(R)lowereyelidandrednessofeye.
 Attendingphysician:Dr.Lucero
2.March10,1992ContusionHematoma(L)lowerarbitalarea,painandcontusion(R)breast.
Attendingphysician:Dr.Canora
3.March26,1993Abrasion,Furuncle(L)Axilla

4.August1,1994Pain,mastitis(L)breast,2totrauma.Attendingphysician:Dr.Caing
5.April17,1995Trauma,tenderness(R)Shoulder.Attendingphysician:Dr.Canoraand
6.June5,1995SwellingAbrasion(L)leg,multiplecontusionPregnancy.Attendingphysician:
Dr.Canora.
QAmongthefindings,thereweretwo(2)incidentswhereinyouweretheattendingphysician,isthat
correct?
AYes,sir.
QDidyouactuallyphysicalexaminetheaccused?
AYes,sir.
QNow,goingtoyourfindingno.3whereyouweretheonewhoattendedthepatient.Whatdoyou
meanbyabrasionfuruncleleftaxilla?
AAbrasionisaskinwoundusuallywhenitcomesincontactwithsomethingroughsubstanceifforce
isapplied.
QWhatismeantbyfuruncleaxilla?
AItissecondaryofthelightinfectionovertheabrasion.
QWhatismeantbypainmastitissecondarytotrauma?
ASo,inthis4thepisodeofphysicalinjuriesthereisaninflammationofleftbreast.So,[pain]meaning
thereistenderness.Whenyourbreastistraumatized,thereistendernesspain.
QSo,theseareobjectivephysicalinjuries.Doctor?

xxxxxxxxx

QWereyouabletotalkwiththepatient?
AYes,sir.
QWhatdidshetellyou?
AAsadoctorpatientrelationship,weneedtoknowthecauseoftheseinjuries.Andshetoldmethat
itwasdonetoherbyherhusband.
QYoumean,BenGenosa?
AYes,sir.

xxxxxxxxx

ATTY.TABUCANON:
QBythewayDoctor,wereyouabletophysicalexaminetheaccusedsometimeinthemonthof
November,1995whenthisincidenthappened?
AAsperrecord,yes.
QWhatwasthedate?
AItwasonNovember6,1995.
QSo,didyouactuallyseetheaccusedphysically?
AYes,sir.
QOnNovember6,1995,willyoupleasetellthisHonorableCourt,wasthepatientpregnant?
AYes,sir.
 QBeingadoctor,canyoumoreengageatwhatstageofpregnancywasshe?
AEight(8)monthspregnant.
QSoinotherwords,itwasanadvancestageofpregnancy?
AYes,sir.
QWhatwasyourNovember6,1995examination,wasitanexaminationaboutherpregnancyorfor
someotherfindings?
ANo,shewasadmittedforhypertensionheadachewhichcomplicatesherpregnancy.
QWhenyousaidadmitted,meaningshewasconfined?
AYes,sir.
QForhowmanydays?
AOneday.
QWhere?
AAtPHILPHOSHospital.

xxxxxxxxx

QLetsgobacktotheclinicalhistoryofMarivicGenosa.Yousaidthatyouwereabletoexamineher
personallyonNovember6,1995andshewas8monthspregnant.
Whatisthisallabout?
ABecauseshehasthisproblemoftensionheadachesecondarytohypertensionandIthinkIhavea
recordhere,alsothesameperiodfrom1989to1995,shehadaconsultationfortwentythree
(23)times.
QForwhat?
ATensionheadache.
QCanwesaythatspeciallyduringthelatterconsultation,thatthepatienthadhypertension?
AThepatientdefinitelyhadhypertension.Itwasrefractorytoourtreatment.Shedoesnotresponse
whenthemedicationwasgiventoher,becausetensionheadacheismoreorlessstressrelated
andemotionalinnature.
QWhatdidyoudeduceoftensionheadachewhenyousaidisemotionalinnature?
AFromwhatIdeducedaspartofourphysicalexaminationofthepatientisthefamilyhistoryinlineof
givingtherootcauseofwhatiscausingthisdisease.So,fromthemomentyouasktothepatient
allcomesfromthedomesticproblem.
QYoumeanprobleminherhousehold?
AProbably.
QCanfamilytroublecauseelevationofbloodpressure,Doctor?
AYes,ifitisemotionallyrelatedandstressfulitcancauseincreasesinhypertensionwhichis
unfortunatelydoesnotresponsetothemedication.
QInNovember6,1995,thedateoftheincident,didyoutakethebloodpressureoftheaccused?
AOnNovember6,1995consultation,thebloodpressurewas180/120.
QIsthisconsideredhypertension?
AYes,sir,severe.
QConsideringthatshewas8monthspregnant,youmeanthisisdangerouslevelofbloodpressure?
[34]
AItwasdangeroustothechildortothefetus.
Anotherdefensewitness,TeodoroSarabia,aformerneighboroftheGenosasinIsabel,Leyte,
testifiedthathehadseenthecouplequarrelingseveraltimesandthatonsomeoccasionsMarivic
 [35]
wouldruntohimwithbruises,confidingthattheinjurieswereinflicteduponherbyBen.
[36]
EcelAranoalsotestified thatforanumberoftimesshehadbeenaskedbyMarivictosleep
attheGenosahouse,becausethelatterfearedthatBenwouldcomehomedrunkandhurther.On
oneoccasionthatEceldidsleepover,shewasawakenedabouttenoclockatnight,becausethe
couplewereverynoisyandIheardsomethingwasbrokenlikeavase.ThenMariviccamerunning
intoEcelsroomandlockedthedoor.Benshowedupbythewindowgrillatopachair,scaringthem
withaknife.
OntheafternoonofNovember15,1995,MarivicagainaskedherhelpthistimetofindBen
buttheywereunableto.TheyreturnedtotheGenosahome,wheretheyfoundhimalreadydrunk.
Againafraidthathemighthurther,Marivicaskedhertosleepattheirhouse.Seeinghisstateof
drunkenness,Ecelhesitatedandwhensheheardthecouplestartarguing,shedecidedtoleave.
OnthatsamenightthatculminatedinthedeathofBenGenosa,atleastthreeotherwitnesses
[37]
saworheardthecouplequarreling. Marivicrelatesindetailthefollowingbackdropofthefateful
nightwhenlifewassnuffedoutofhim,showingintheprocessavividpictureofhiscrueltytowards
her:
ATTY.TABUCANON:
QPleasetellthisCourt,canyourecalltheincidentinNovember15,1995intheevening?
AWholemorningandintheafternoon,Iwasintheofficeworkingthenafterofficehours,Iboarded
theservicebusandwenttoBilwang.WhenIreachedBilwang,Iimmediatelyaskedmyson,
wherewashisfather,thenmysecondchildsaid,hewasnothomeyet.Iwasworriedbecause
thatwaspayday,Iwasanticipatingthathewasgambling.Sowhilewaitingforhim,myeldest
sonarrivedfromschool,Iprepareddinnerformychildren.
QThisiseveningofNovember15,1995?
AYes,sir.
QWhattimedidBenGenosaarrive?
AWhenhearrived,Iwasnotthere,IwasinIsabellookingforhim.
QSowhenhearrivedyouwereinIsabellookingforhim?
AYes,sir.
QDidyoucomebacktoyourhouse?
AYes,sir.
QBytheway,wherewasyourconjugalresidencesituatedthistime?
ABilwang.
QIsthisyourhouseoryouarerenting?
ARenting.
QWhattimewereyouabletocomebackinyourresidenceatBilwang?
AIwentbackaroundalmost8:00oclock.
QWhathappenedwhenyouarrivedinyourresidence?
AWhenIarrivedhomewithmycousinEcelwhomIrequestedtosleepwithmeatthattimebecause
IhadfearsthathewasagaindrunkandIwasworriedthathewouldagainbeatmesoI
requestedmycousintosleepwithme,butsheresistedbecauseshehadfearsthatthesame
thingwillhappenagainlastyear.
QWhowasthiscousinofyourswhoyourequestedtosleepwithyou?
AEcelArao,theonewhotestified.
QDidEcelsleepwithyouinyourhouseonthatevening?
ANo,becausesheexpressedfears,shesaidherfatherwouldnotallowherbecauseofBen.
QDuringthisperiodNovember15,1995,wereyoupregnant?
AYes,8months.
QHowadvancewasyourpregnancy?
AEight(8)months.
QWasthebabysubsequentlyborn?
AYes,sir.
QWhatsthenameofthebabyyouwerecarryingatthattime?
AMarieBianca.
QWhattimewereyouabletomeetpersonallyyourhusband?
AYes,sir.
QWhattime?
AWhenIarrivedhome,hewastherealreadyinhisusualbehavior.
QWillyoutellthisCourtwhatwashisdisposition?
AHewasdrunkagain,hewasyellinginhisusualunrulybehavior.
QWhatwasheyellingallabout?
AHisusualattitudewhenhegotdrunk.
QYousaidthatwhenyouarrived,hewasdrunkandyellingatyou?Whatelsedidhedoifany?
AHeisnaggingatmeforfollowinghimandhedaredmetoquarrelhim.
QWhatwasthecauseofhisnaggingorquarrelingatyouifyouknow?
AHewasangryatmebecauseIwasfollowingxxxhim,lookingforhim.Iwasjustworriedhemight
beoverlydrunkandhewouldbeatmeagain.
QYousaidthathewasyellingatyou,whatelse,didhedotoyouifany?
AHewasnaggingatmeatthattimeandIjustignorehimbecauseIwanttoavoidtroubleforfear
thathewillbeatmeagain.PerhapshewasdisappointedbecauseIjustignorehimofhis
provocationandheswitchoffthelightandIsaidtohim,whydidyouswitchoffthelightwhenthe
childrenwerethere.AtthattimeIwasalsoattendingtomychildrenwhoweredoingtheir
assignments.Hewasangrywithmefornotansweringhischallenge,sohewenttothekitchen
and[got]aboloandcuttheantennawiretostopmefromwatchingtelevision.
QWhatdidhedowiththebolo?
AHecuttheantennawiretokeepmefromwatchingT.V.
QWhatelsehappenedafterhecutthewire?
AHeswitchoffthelightandthechildrenwereshoutingbecausetheywerescaredandhewas
alreadyholdingthebolo.
QHowdoyoudescribedthisbolo?
A11/2feet.
QWhatwasthebolousedforusually?
AForchoppingmeat.
QYousaidthechildrenwerescared,whatelsehappenedasBenwascarryingthatbolo?
AHewasabouttoattackmesoIruntotheroom.
QWhatdoyoumeanthathewasabouttoattackyou?
AWhenIattempttorunheheldmyhandsandhewhirledmeandIfelltothebedside.
QSowhenhewhirledyou,whathappenedtoyou?
AIscreamedforhelpandthenheleft.
QYousaidearlierthathewhirledyouandyoufellonthebedside?
AYes,sir.
QYouscreamedforhelpandheleft,doyouknowwherehewasgoing?
AOutsideperhapstodrinkmore.
QWhenheleftwhatdidyoudointhatparticulartime?
AIpackedallhisclothes.
QWhatwasyourreasoninpackinghisclothes?
AIwantedhimtoleaveus.
QDuringthistime,wherewereyourchildren,whatweretheirreactions?
AAfteracoupleofhours,hewentbackagainandhegotangrywithmeforpackinghisclothes,then
hedraggedmeagainofthebedroomholdingmyneck.
QYousaidthatwhenBencamebacktoyourhouse,hedraggedyou?Howdidhedragyou?
COURTINTERPRETER:
ThewitnessdemonstratedtotheCourtbyusingherrighthandflexedforciblyinherfrontneck)
AAndhedraggedmetowardsthedoorbackward.
ATTY.TABUCANON:
QWheredidhebringyou?
AOutsidethebedroomandhewantedtogetsomethingandthenhekeptonshoutingatmethatyou
mightaswellbekilledsotherewillbenobodytonagme.
QSoyousaidthathedraggedyoutowardsthedrawer?
AYes,sir.
QWhatisthereinthedrawer?
AIwasawarethatitwasagun.
COURTINTERPRETER:
(Atthisjuncturethewitnessstartedcrying).
ATTY.TABUCANON:
QWereyouactuallybroughttothedrawer?
AYes,sir.
QWhathappenedwhenyouwerebroughttothatdrawer?
AHedraggedmetowardsthedrawerandhewasabouttoopenthedrawerbuthecouldnotopenit
becausehedidnothavethekeythenhepulledhiswalletwhichcontainedabladeabout3
incheslongandIwasawarethathewasgoingtokillmeandIsmashedhisarmandthenthe
walletandthebladefell.TheoneheusedtoopenthedrawerIsaw,itwasapipeaboutthat
long,andwhenhewasabouttopickupthewalletandtheblade,IsmashedhimthenIranto
theotherroom,andonthatverymomenteverythingonmymindwastopityonmyself,thenthe
feelingIhadonthatverymomentwasthesamewhenIwasadmittedinPHILPHOSClinic,I
wasabouttovomit.
COURTINTERPRETER:
(Thewitnessatthisjunctureiscryingintensely).

xxxxxxxxx

ATTY.TABUCANON:
QTalkingofdrawer,isthisdraweroutsideyourroom?
AOutside.
QInwhatpartofthehouse?
 ADining.
QWherewerethechildrenduringthattime?
AMychildrenwerealreadyasleep.
QYoumeantheywereinsidetheroom?
AYes,sir.
QYousaidthathedroppedtheblade,fortherecordwillyoupleasedescribethisbladeabout3
incheslong,howdoesitlooklike?
AThree(3)incheslongand1/2inchwide.
QIsitaflexibleblade?
AItsacutter.
QHowdoyoudescribetheblade,isitsharpbothedges?
AYes,becauseheonceusedittome.
QHowdidhedoit?
AHewantedtocutmythroat.
QWiththesameblade?
[38]
AYes,sir,thatwastheobjectusedwhenheintimidateme.
In addition, Dra. Natividad Dayan was called by the RTC to testify as an expert witness to
assistitinunderstandingthepsycheofabatteredperson.ShehadmetwithMarivicGenosafor
five sessions totaling about seventeen hours. Based on their talks, the former briefly related the
lattersordealtothecourtaquoasfollows:
Q:Whatcanyousay,thatyoufoundMarivicasabatteredwife?Couldyouinlaymanstermdescribe
tothisCourtwhatherlifewaslikeassaidtoyou?
A:WhatIrememberhappenedthenwasitwasmorethantenyears,thatshewassuffering
emotionalanguish.Therewerealotofinstancesofabuses,toemotionalabuse,toverbalabuse
andtophysicalabuse.Thehusbandhadaverymeagerincome,shewastheonewhowas
practicallythebreadearnerofthefamily.Thehusbandwasinvolvedinalotofvices,goingout
withbarkadas,drinking,evenwomanizingbeinginvolvedincockfightandgoinghomeveryangry
andwhichwilltriggeralotofphysicalabuse.Shealsohadtheexperiencealotoftauntingfrom
thehusbandforthereasonthatthehusbandevenaccusedherofinfidelity,thehusbandwas
sayingthatthechildshewascarryingwasnothisown.Soshewasveryangry,shewasatthe
sametimeverydepressedbecauseshewasalsoaware,almostlikelivinginpurgatoryoreven
[39]
hellwhenitwashappeningdayinanddayout.
In crossexamining Dra. Dayan, the public prosecutor not merely elicited, but wittingly or
unwittinglyputforward,additionalsupportingevidenceasshownbelow:
QInyourfirstencounterwiththeappellantinthiscasein1999,whereyoutalkedtoheraboutthree
hours,whatwasthemostrelevantinformationdidyougather?
AThemostrelevantinformationwasthetragedythathappened.Themostimportantinformation
wereescalatingabusesthatshehadexperiencedduringhermaritallife.
QBeforeyoumetherin1999forthreehours,wepresumethatyoualreadyknewofthefactsofthe
caseoratleastyouhavesubstantialknowledgeofthefactsofthecase?
AIbelieveIhadanideaofthecase,butIdonotknowwhetherIcanconsiderthemassubstantial.

xxxxxxxxx

QDidyougatheraninformationfromMarivicthatonthesideofherhusbandtheywerefondof
batteringtheirwives?
AIalsoheardthatfromher?
 QYouheardthatfromher?
AYes,sir.
QDidyouaskforacompleteexamplewhoaretherelativesofherhusbandthatwerefondof
batteringtheirwives?
AWhatIrememberthattherewerebrothersofherhusbandwhoarealsobatteringtheirwives.
QDidshenotinformyouthattherewasaninstancethatshestayedinahotelinOrmocwhereher
husbandfollowedherandbattered[her]severaltimesinthatroom?
AShetoldmeaboutthat.
QDidsheinformyouinwhathotelinOrmoc?
ASir,IcouldnotrememberbutIwastoldthatshewasbatteredinthatroom.
QSeveraltimesinthatroom?
AYes,sir.WhatIrememberwasthatthereisnoproblemaboutbeingbattered,itreallyhappened.
QBeinganexpertwitness,ourjurisprudenceisnotcompleteonsayingthismatter.Ithinkthatisthe
firsttimethatwehavethisinthePhilippines,whatisyouropinion?
ASir,myopinionis,sheisreallyabatteredwifeandinthiskindhappened,itwasreallyaself
defense.IalsobelievethattherehadbeenprovocationandIalsobelievethatshebecamea
disorderedperson.Shehadtosufferanxietyreactionbecauseofallthebatteringthathappened
andsoshebecameanabnormalpersonwhohadlostshesnotduringthetimeandthatiswhyit
happenedbecauseofallthephysicalbattering,emotionalbattering,allthepsychologicalabuses
thatshehadexperiencedfromherhusband.
QIdobelievethatsheisabatteredwife.Wassheextremelybattered?
[40]
ASir,itisanextremeformofbattering.Yes.
Parenthetically,thecredibilityofappellantwasdemonstratedasfollows:
QAndyoualsosaidthatyouadministered[the]objectivepersonalitytest,whatxxx[isthis]all
about?
ATheobjectivepersonalitytestistheMillonClinicalMultiaxialInventory.Thepurposeofthattestisto
findoutaboutthelyingprone[ne]ssoftheperson.
QWhatdoyoumeanbythat?
AMeaning,amIdealingwithaclientwhoistellingmethetruth,orisshesomeonewhocan
exaggerateorxxx[will]tellalie[?]
QAndwhatdidyoudiscoveronthebasisofthisobjectivepersonalitytest?
AShewasapersonwhopassedthehonestytest.MeaningsheisapersonthatIcantrust.Thatthe
[41]
datathatImgatheringfromherarethetruth.
The other expert witness presented by the defense, Dr. Alfredo Pajarillo, testified on his
[42]
PsychiatricReport, whichwasbasedonhisinterviewandexaminationofMarivicGenosa.The
ReportsaidthatduringthefirstthreeyearsofhermarriagetoBen,everythinglookedgoodthe
atmospherewasfine,normalandhappyuntilBenstartedtobeattractedtoothergirlsandwas
alsoenticedin[to]gambling[,]especiallycockfighting.xxx.AtthesametimeBenwasoftenjoining
hisbarkadaindrinkingsprees.
The drinking sprees of Ben greatly changed the attitude he showed toward his family,
particularlytohiswife.TheReportcontinued:Atfirst,itwasverbalandemotionalabusesbutas
timepassed,hebecamephysicallyabusive.Marivicclaimedthattheviciousnessofherhusband
was progressive every time he got drunk. It was a painful ordeal Marivic had to anticipate
whenevershesuspectedthatherhusbandwentforadrinking[spree].Theyhadbeenmarriedfor
twelveyears[]andpracticallymorethaneightyears,shewasbatteredandmaltreatedrelentlessly
andmercilesslybyherhusbandwheneverhewasdrunk.
Marivicsoughtthehelpofhermotherinlaw,buthereffortswereinvain.Furtherquotingfrom
the Report, [s]he also sought the advice and help of close relatives and wellmeaning friends in
spiteofherfeelingashamedofwhatwashappeningtoher.Butincessantbatteringbecamemore
[43]
andmorefrequentandmoresevere.xxx.
From the totality of evidence presented, there is indeed no doubt in the Courts mind that
AppellantMarivicGenosawasaseverelyabusedperson.

EffectofBatteryonAppellant

Because of the recurring cycles of violence experienced by the abused woman, her state of
mindmetamorphoses.Indeterminingherstateofmind,wecannotrelymerelyonthejudgmentof
anordinary,reasonablepersonwhoisevaluatingtheeventsimmediatelysurroundingtheincident.
ACanadiancourthasaptlypointedoutthatexpertevidenceonthepsychologicaleffectofbattering
onwivesandcommonlawpartnersarebothrelevantandnecessary.Howcanthementalstateof
theappellantbeappreciatedwithoutit?Theaveragememberofthepublicmayask:Whywoulda
womanputupwiththiskindoftreatment?Whyshouldshecontinuetolivewithsuchaman?How
couldsheloveapartnerwhobeathertothepointofrequiringhospitalization?Wewouldexpect
thewomantopackherbagsandgo.Whereisherselfrespect?Whydoesshenotcutlooseand
make a new life for herself? Such is the reaction of the average person confronted with the so
[44]
calledbatteredwifesyndrome.
Tounderstandthesyndromeproperly,however,onesviewpointshouldnotbedrawnfromthat
ofanordinary,reasonableperson.Whatgoesoninthemindofapersonwhohasbeensubjected
to repeated, severe beatings may not be consistent with nay, comprehensible to those who
have not been through a similar experience. Expert opinion is essential to clarify and refute
[45]
commonmythsandmisconceptionsaboutbatteredwomen.
The theory of BWS formulated by Lenore Walker, as well as her research on domestic
violence, has had a significant impact in the United States and the United Kingdom on the
treatmentandprosecutionofcases,inwhichabatteredwomanischargedwiththekillingofher
violentpartner.Thepsychologistexplainsthatthecyclicalnatureoftheviolenceinflicteduponthe
batteredwomanimmobilizesthelattersabilitytoactdecisivelyinherowninterests,makingherfeel
[46]
trappedintherelationshipwithnomeansofescape. Inheryearsofresearch,Dr.Walkerfound
thattheabuseoftenescalatesatthepointofseparationandbatteredwomenareingreaterdanger
[47]
ofdyingthen.
Corroboratingtheseresearchfindings,Dra.Dayansaidthatthebatteredwomanusuallyhasa
very low opinion of herself. She has x x x selfdefeating and selfsacrificing characteristics. x x x
[W]hen the violence would happen, they usually think that they provoke[d] it, that they were the
one[s] who precipitated the violence[ that] they provoke[d] their spouse to be physically, verbally
[48]
andevensexuallyabusivetothem.
According to Dra. Dayan, there are a lot of reasons why a battered woman does not readily
leave an abusive partner poverty, selfblame and guilt arising from the latters belief that she
provokedtheviolence,thatshehasanobligationtokeepthefamilyintactatallcostforthesakeof
[49]
theirchildren,andthatsheistheonlyhopeforherspousetochange.
The testimony of another expert witness, Dr. Pajarillo, is also helpful. He had previously
testifiedinsuitsinvolvingviolentfamilyrelations,havingevaluatedprobablytentotwentythousand
violentfamilydisputeswithintheArmedForcesofthePhilippines,whereinsuchcasesabounded.
Asaresultofhisexperiencewithdomesticviolencecases,hebecameaconsultantoftheBattered
Woman Office in Quezon City. As such, he got involved in about forty (40) cases of severe
domesticviolence,inwhichthephysicalabuseonthewomanwouldsometimesevenleadtoher
 [50]
lossofconsciousness.
Dr.Pajarilloexplainedthatoverwhelmingbrutality,traumacouldresultinposttraumaticstress
[51]
disorder, a form of anxiety neurosis or neurologic anxietism. After being repeatedly and
severelyabused,batteredpersonsmaybelievethattheyareessentiallyhelpless,lackingpowerto
change their situation. x x x [A]cute battering incidents can have the effect of stimulating the
developmentofcopingresponsestothetraumaattheexpenseofthevictimsabilitytomusteran
activeresponsetotrytoescapefurthertrauma.Furthermore,xxxthevictimceasestobelievethat
[52]
anythingshecandowillhaveapredictablepositiveeffect.
[53]
Astudy conducted by Martin Seligman, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania,
foundthatevenifapersonhascontroloverasituation,butbelievesthatshedoesnot,shewillbe
morelikelytorespondtothatsituationwithcopingresponsesratherthantryingtoescape.Hesaid
thatitwasthecognitiveaspecttheindividualsthoughtsthatprovedallimportant.Hereferred
tothisphenomenonaslearnedhelplessness.[T]hetruthorfactsofasituationturnouttobeless
important than the individuals set of beliefs or perceptions concerning the situation. Battered
women dont attempt to leave the battering situation, even when it may seem to outsiders that
escapeispossible,becausetheycannotpredicttheirownsafetytheybelievethatnothingtheyor
[54]
anyoneelsedoeswillaltertheirterriblecircumstances.
Thus, just as the battered woman believes that she is somehow responsible for the violent
behavior of her partner, she also believes that he is capable of killing her, and that there is no
[55]
escape. Batteredwomenfeelunsafe,sufferfrompervasiveanxiety,andusuallyfailtoleavethe
[56]
relationship. Unless a shelter is available, she stays with her husband, not only because she
typicallylacksameansofselfsupport,butalsobecauseshefearsthatifsheleavesshewouldbe
[57]
foundandhurtevenmore.
Intheinstantcase,wemeticulouslyscouredtherecordsforspecificevidenceestablishingthat
appellant,duetotherepeatedabuseshehadsufferedfromherspouseoveralongperiodoftime,
becameafflictedwiththebatteredwomansyndrome.We,however,failedtofindsufficientevidence
that would support such a conclusion. More specifically, we failed to find ample evidence that
wouldconfirmthepresenceoftheessentialcharacteristicsofBWS.
The defense fell short of proving all three phases of the cycle of violence supposedly
characterizing the relationship of Ben and Marivic Genosa. No doubt there were acute battering
incidents.InrelatingtothecourtaquohowthefatalincidentthatledtothedeathofBenstarted,
Marivic perfectly described the tensionbuilding phase of the cycle. She was able to explain in
adequate detail the typical characteristics of this stage. However, that single incident does not
prove the existence of the syndrome. In other words, she failed to prove that in at least another
batteringepisodeinthepast,shehadgonethroughasimilarpattern.
How did the tension between the partners usually arise or build up prior to acute battering?
HowdidMarivicnormallyrespondtoBensrelativelyminorabuses?Whatmeansdidsheemployto
trytopreventthesituationfromdevelopingintothenext(moreviolent)stage?
Neitherdidappellantproffersufficientevidenceinregardtothethirdphaseofthecycle.She
[58]
simplymentionedthatshewouldusuallyrunawaytohermothersorfathershouse thatBen
wouldseekherout,askforherforgivenessandpromisetochangeandthatbelievinghiswords,
shewouldreturntotheircommonabode.
Didsheeverfeelthatsheprovokedtheviolentincidentsbetweenherandherspouse?Didshe
believe that she was the only hope for Ben to reform? And that she was the sole support of his
emotional stability and wellbeing? Conversely, how dependent was she on him? Did she feel
helpless and trapped in their relationship? Did both of them regard death as preferable to
separation?
 Insum,thedefensefailedtoelicitfromappellantherselfherfactualexperiencesandthoughts
thatwouldclearlyandfullydemonstratetheessentialcharacteristicsofthesyndrome.
TheCourtappreciatestheratiocinationsgivenbytheexpertwitnessesforthedefense.Indeed,
theywereabletoexplainfully,albeitmerelytheoreticallyandscientifically,howthepersonalityof
the battered woman usually evolved or deteriorated as a result of repeated and severe beatings
inflicted upon her by her partner or spouse. They corroborated each others testimonies, which
were culled from their numerous studies of hundreds of actual cases. However, they failed to
presentincourtthefactualexperiencesandthoughtsthatappellanthadrelatedtothemifatall
basedonwhichtheyconcludedthatshehadBWS.
We emphasize that in criminal cases, all the elements of a modifying circumstance must be
proven in order to be appreciated. To repeat, the records lack supporting evidence that would
establishalltheessentialsofthebatteredwomansyndromeasmanifestedspecificallyinthecase
oftheGenosas.

BWSasSelfDefense

In any event, the existence of the syndrome in a relationship does not in itself establish the
legalrightofthewomantokillherabusivepartner.Evidencemuststillbeconsideredinthecontext
[59]
ofselfdefense.
Fromtheexpertopinionsdiscussedearlier,theCourtreckonsfurtherthatcrucialtotheBWS
[60]
defenseisthestateofmindofthebatteredwomanatthetimeoftheoffense shemusthave
actually feared imminent harm from her batterer and honestly believed in the need to kill him in
ordertosaveherlife.
Settledinourjurisprudence,however,istherulethattheonewhoresortstoselfdefensemust
facearealthreatononeslifeandtheperilsoughttobeavoidedmustbeimminentandactual,not
[61]
merelyimaginary. Thus,theRevisedPenalCodeprovidesthefollowingrequisitesandeffectof
[62]
selfdefense:

Art.11.Justifyingcircumstances.Thefollowingdonotincuranycriminalliability:

1.Anyonewhoactsindefenseofhispersonorrights,providedthatthefollowingcircumstancesconcur

First.Unlawfulaggression
Second.Reasonablenecessityofthemeansemployedtopreventorrepelit
Third.Lackofsufficientprovocationonthepartofthepersondefendinghimself.

[63]
Unlawfulaggressionisthemostessentialelementofselfdefense. Itpresupposesactual,
suddenandunexpectedattackoranimminentdangerthereofonthelifeorsafetyofaperson.
[64]
In the present case, however, according to the testimony of Marivic herself, there was a
sufficienttimeintervalbetweentheunlawfulaggressionofBenandherfatalattackuponhim.She
had already been able to withdraw from his violent behavior and escape to their childrens
bedroom.Duringthattime,heapparentlyceasedhisattackandwenttobed.Therealityoreven
theimminenceofthedangerheposedhadendedaltogether.Hewasnolongerinapositionthat
presentedanactualthreatonherlifeorsafety.
Had Ben still been awaiting Marivic when she came out of their childrens bedroom and
basedonpastviolentincidents,therewasagreatprobabilitythathewouldstillhavepursuedher
and inflicted graver harm then, the imminence of the real threat upon her life would not have
ceasedyet.WherethebrutalizedpersonisalreadysufferingfromBWS,furtherevidenceofactual
physicalassaultatthetimeofthekillingisnotrequired.Incidentsofdomesticbatteryusuallyhave
apredictablepattern.Torequirethebatteredpersontoawaitanobvious,deadlyattackbeforeshe
 [65]
candefendherlifewouldamounttosentencinghertomurderbyinstallment. Still,impending
danger(basedontheconductofthevictiminpreviousbatteringepisodes)priortothedefendants
use of deadly force must be shown. Threatening behavior or communication can satisfy the
[66]
required imminence of danger. Considering such circumstances and the existence of BWS,
selfdefensemaybeappreciated.
[67]
Wereiteratetheprinciplethataggression,ifnotcontinuous,doesnotwarrantselfdefense.
Intheabsenceofsuchaggression,therecanbenoselfdefensecompleteorincompleteon
[68]
the part of the victim. Thus, Marivics killing of Ben was not completely justified under the
circumstances.

MitigatingCircumstancesPresent

In any event, all is not lost for appellant. While she did not raise any other modifying
circumstances that would alter her penalty, we deem it proper to evaluate and appreciate in her
favorcircumstancesthatmitigatehercriminalliability.Itisahornbookdoctrinethatanappealina
criminalcaseopensitwhollyforreviewonanyissue,includingthatwhichhasnotbeenraisedby
[69]
theparties.
From several psychological tests she had administered to Marivic, Dra. Dayan, in her
PsychologicalEvaluationReportdatedNovember29,2000,opinedasfollows:

ThisisaclassiccaseofaBatteredWomanSyndrome.TherepeatedbatteringMarivicexperiencedwithher
husbandconstitutesaformof[cumulative]provocationwhichbrokedownherpsychologicalresistanceand
naturalselfcontrol.Itisveryclearthatshedevelopedheightenedsensitivitytosightofimpendingdanger
her husband posed continuously. Marivic truly experienced at the hands of her abuser husband a state of
[70]
psychologicalparalysiswhichcanonlybeendedbyanactofviolenceonherpart.

Dr.PajarillocorroboratesthefindingsofDra.Dayan.Heexplainedthattheeffectofrepetitious
pain taking, repetitious battering, [and] repetitious maltreatment as well as the severity and the
[71]
prolongedadministrationofthebatteringisposttraumaticstressdisorder. Expoundingthereon,
hesaid:
QWhatcausesthetrauma,Mr.Witness?
AWhatcausesthetraumaisprobablytherepetitiousbattering.Second,theseverityofthebattering.
Third,theprolongedadministrationofbatteringortheprolongedcommissionofthebatteringand
thepsychologicalandconstitutionalstaminaofthevictimandanotheroneisthepublicandsocial
supportavailabletothevictim.Ifnobodyisinterceding,themoreshewillgotothatdisorder....

xxxxxxxxx

QYoureferredawhileagotoseverity.Whatarethequalificationsintermsofseverityofthe
postraumaticstressdisorder,Dr.Pajarillo?
ATheseverityisthemostseverecontinuouslytotrig[g]erthispost[t]raumaticstressdisorderisinjury
tothehead,bangingoftheheadlikethat.Itisusuallytheveryveryseverestimulusthat
precipitatethispost[t]raumaticstressdisorder.Othersaresuffocatingthevictimlikeholdinga
pillowontheface,strangulatingtheindividual,suffocatingtheindividual,andboxingthe
individual.Inthissituationtherefore,thevictimisheightenedtopainfulstimulus,likeforexample
sheispregnant,sheisverysusceptiblebecausethewomanwillnotonlyprotectherself,sheis
alsotoprotectthefetus.Sotheanxietyisheightenedtotheend[sic]degree.
QButintermsofthegravityofthedisorder,Mr.Witness,howdoyouclassify?
AWeclassifythedisorderas[acute],orchronicordelayedor[a]typical.
 QCanyoupleasedescribethispre[]classificationyoucalleddelayedor[atypical]?
ATheacuteistheonethatusuallyrequireonlyonebatteringandtheindividualwillmanifestnowa
severeemotionalinstability,higherirritabilityremorse,restlessness,andfearandprobablyin
most[acute]casesthefirstthingwillbehappenedtotheindividualwillbethinkingofsuicide.
QAndinchroniccases,Mr.Witness?
AThechroniccasesisthisrepetitiousbattering,repetitiousmaltreatment,anyprolonged,itislonger
thansix(6)months.The[acute]isonlythefirstdaytosix(6)months.Afterthissix(6)months
youbecomechronic.Itisstatedinthebookspecificallythataftersix(6)monthsischronic.The
[a]typicaloneistherepetitiousbatteringbuttheindividualwhoisabnormalandthenbecome
normal.Thisishowyougetneurosisfromneuroticpersonalityofthesecasesofpost[t]raumatic
[72]
stressdisorder.
Answeringthequestionspropoundedbythetrialjudge,theexpertwitnessclarifiedfurther:
QButjustthesame[,]neurosisespeciallyonbatteredwomansyndromexxxaffectsxxxhisorher
mentalcapacity?
AYes,yourHonor.
QAsyouweresaying[,]itxxxobfuscatedherrationality?
[73]
AOfcourseobfuscated.
Insum,thecyclicalnatureandtheseverityoftheviolenceinflicteduponappellantresultedin
cumulative provocation which broke down her psychological resistance and natural selfcontrol,
psychologicalparalysis,anddifficultyinconcentratingorimpairmentofmemory.
Basedontheexplanationsoftheexpertwitnesses,suchmanifestationswereanalogoustoan
illnessthatdiminishedtheexercisebyappellantofherwillpowerwithout,however,deprivingherof
consciousness of her acts. There was, thus, a resulting diminution of her freedom of action,
[74] [75]
intelligenceorintent.Pursuanttoparagraphs9 and10 ofArticle13oftheRevisedPenal
[76]
Code,thiscircumstanceshouldbetakeninherfavorandconsideredasamitigatingfactor.
In addition, we also find in favor of appellant the extenuating circumstance of having acted
uponanimpulsesopowerfulastohavenaturallyproducedpassionandobfuscation.Ithasbeen
heldthatthisstateofmindispresentwhenacrimeiscommittedasaresultofanuncontrollable
burstofpassionprovokedbypriorunjustorimproperactsorbyalegitimatestimulussopowerful
[77]
astoovercomereason. Toappreciatethiscircumstance,thefollowingrequisitesshouldconcur:
(1)thereisanact,bothunlawfulandsufficienttoproducesuchaconditionofmindand(2)thisact
isnotfarremovedfromthecommissionofthecrimebyaconsiderablelengthoftime,duringwhich
[78]
theaccusedmightrecoverhernormalequanimity.
Here,anacutebatteringincident,whereinBenGenosawastheunlawfulaggressor,preceded
his being killed by Marivic. He had further threatened to kill her while dragging her by the neck
towardsacabinetinwhichhehadkeptagun.Itshouldalsoberecalledthatshewaseightmonths
[79]
pregnantatthetime.Theattemptonherlifewaslikewiseonthatofherfetus. Hisabusiveand
violent acts, an aggression which was directed at the lives of both Marivic and her unborn child,
naturallyproducedpassionandobfuscationovercomingherreason.Eventhoughshewasableto
retreattoaseparateroom,heremotionalandmentalstatecontinued.Accordingtoher,shefelther
bloodpressureriseshewasfilledwithfeelingsofselfpityandoffearthatsheandherbabywere
abouttodie.Inafitofindignation,shepriedopenthecabinetdrawerwhereBenkeptagun,then
shetooktheweaponandusedittoshoothim.
The confluence of these events brings us to the conclusion that there was no considerable
period of time within which Marivic could have recovered her normal equanimity. Helpful is Dr.
[80]
Pajarillos testimony that with neurotic anxiety a psychological effect on a victim of
overwhelming brutality [or] trauma the victim relives the beating or trauma as if it were real,
althoughsheisnotactuallybeingbeatenatthetime.Shecannotcontrolreexperiencingthewhole
thing, the most vicious and the trauma that she suffered. She thinks of nothing but the suffering.
Suchrelivingwhichisbeyondthecontrolofapersonundersimilarcircumstances,musthavebeen
what Marivic experienced during the brief time interval and prevented her from recovering her
normalequanimity.Accordingly,sheshouldfurtherbecreditedwiththemitigatingcircumstanceof
passionandobfuscation.
Itshouldbeclarifiedthatthesetwocircumstancespsychologicalparalysisaswellaspassion
andobfuscationdidnotarisefromthesamesetoffacts.
Ontheonehand,thefirstcircumstancearosefromthecyclicalnatureandtheseverityofthe
batteryinflictedbythebattererspouseuponappellant.Thatis,therepeatedbeatingsoveraperiod
oftimeresultedinherpsychologicalparalysis,whichwasanalogoustoanillnessdiminishingthe
exerciseofherwillpowerwithoutdeprivingherofconsciousnessofheracts.
The second circumstance, on the other hand, resulted from the violent aggression he had
inflictedonherpriortothekilling.Thattheincidentoccurredwhenshewaseightmonthspregnant
withtheirchildwasdeemedbyherasanattemptnotonlyonherlife,butlikewiseonthatoftheir
unbornchild.Suchperceptionnaturallyproducedpassionandobfuscationonherpart.

SecondLegalIssue:
Treachery

Thereistreacherywhenonecommitsanyofthecrimesagainstpersonsbyemployingmeans,
methodsorformsintheexecutionthereofwithoutrisktooneselfarisingfromthedefensethatthe
[81]
offended party might make. In order to qualify an act as treacherous, the circumstances
invoked must be proven as indubitably as the killing itself they cannot be deduced from mere
[82]
inferences,orconjectures,whichhavenoplaceintheappreciationofevidence. Becauseofthe
[83]
gravityoftheresultingoffense,treacherymustbeprovedasconclusivelyasthekillingitself.
Ruling that treachery was present in the instant case, the trial court imposed the penalty of
deathuponappellant.Itinferredthisqualifyingcircumstancesmerelyfromthefactthatthelifeless
bodyofBenhadbeenfoundlyinginbedwithanopen,depressed,circularfracturelocatedatthe
back of his head. As to exactly how and when he had been fatally attacked, however, the
prosecutionfailedtoestablishindubitably.Onlythefollowingtestimonyofappellantleadsustothe
eventssurroundinghisdeath:
QYousaidthatwhenBencamebacktoyourhouse,hedraggedyou?Howdidhedragyou?
COURT:
ThewitnessdemonstratedtotheCourtbyusingherrighthandflexedforciblyinherfrontneck)
AAndhedraggedmetowardsthedoorbackward.
ATTY.TABUCANON:
QWheredidhebringyou?
AOutsidethebedroomandhewantedtogetsomethingandthenhekeptonshoutingatmethatyou
mightaswellbekilledsotherewillbenobodytonagme
QSoyousaidthathedraggedyoutowardsthedrawer?
AYes,sir.
QWhatisthereinthedrawer?
AIwasawarethatitwasagun.
COURTINTERPRETER
(Atthisjuncturethewitnessstartedcrying)
ATTY.TABUCANON:
QWereyouactuallybroughttothedrawer?
AYes,sir.
QWhathappenedwhenyouwerebroughttothatdrawer?
AHedraggedmetowardsthedrawerandhewasabouttoopenthedrawerbuthecouldnotopenit
becausehedidnothavethekeythenhepulledhiswalletwhichcontainedabladeabout3
incheslongandIwasawarethathewasgoingtokillmeandIsmashedhisarmandthenthe
walletandthebladefell.TheoneheusedtoopenthedrawerIsaw,itwasapipeaboutthat
long,andwhenhewasabouttopickupthewalletandtheblade,IsmashedhimthenIranto
theotherroom,andonthatverymomenteverythingonmymindwastopityonmyself,thenthe
feelingIhadonthatverymomentwasthesamewhenIwasadmittedinPHILPHOSClinic,I
wasabouttovomit.
COURTINTERPRETER
(Thewitnessatthisjunctureiscryingintensely).

xxxxxxxxx

QYousaidthathedroppedtheblade,fortherecordwillyoupleasedescribethisbladeabout3
incheslong,howdoesitlooklike?
AThree(3)incheslongandinchwide.
QItisaflexibleblade?
AItsacutter.
QHowdoyoudescribetheblade,isitsharpbothedges?
AYes,becauseheonceusedittome.
QHowdidhedoit?
AHewantedtocutmythroat.
QWiththesameblade?
AYes,sir,thatwastheobjectusedwhenheintimidateme.

xxxxxxxxx

ATTY.TABUCANON:
QYousaidthatthisbladefellfromhisgrip,isitcorrect?
AYes,becauseIsmashedhim.
QWhathappened?
ABentriedtopickupthewalletandtheblade,IpickupthepipeandIsmashedhimandIrantothe
otherroom.
QWhatelsehappened?
AWhenIwasintheotherroom,IfeltthesamethinglikewhathappenedbeforewhenIwas
admittedinPHILPHOSClinic,Iwasabouttovomit.Iknowmybloodpressurewasraised.Iwas
frightenedIwasabouttodiebecauseofmybloodpressure.
COURTINTERPRETER:
(Upontheanswerofthewitnessgettingthepipeandsmashedhim,thewitnessatthesametime
pointedatthebackofherneckorthenape).
ATTY.TABUCANON:
QYousaidyouwenttotheroom,whatelsehappened?
AConsideringallthephysicalsufferingsthatIvebeenthroughwithhim,ItookpityonmyselfandIfelt
Iwasabouttodiealsobecauseofmybloodpressureandthebaby,soIgotthatgunandIshot
him.
COURT
 /toAtty.Tabucanon
QYoushothim?
[84]
AYes,Idistortedthedrawer.
Theabovetestimonyisinsufficienttoestablishthepresenceoftreachery.Thereisnoshowing
ofthevictimspositionrelativetoappellantsatthetimeoftheshooting.Besides,equallyaxiomatic
is the rule that when a killing is preceded by an argument or a quarrel, treachery cannot be
appreciated as a qualifying circumstance, because the deceased may be said to have been
[85]
forewarnedandtohaveanticipatedaggressionfromtheassailant.
Moreover, in order to appreciate alevosia, the method of assault adopted by the aggressor
musthavebeenconsciouslyanddeliberatelychosenforthespecificpurposeofaccomplishingthe
[86]
unlawfulactwithoutriskfromanydefensethatmightbeputupbythepartyattacked. Thereis
noshowing,though,thatthepresentappellantintentionallychoseaspecificmeansofsuccessfully
attacking her husband without any risk to herself from any retaliatory act that he might make. To
thecontrary,itappearsthatthethoughtofusingthegunoccurredtoheronlyataboutthesame
momentwhenshedecidedtokillherbattererspouse.Intheabsenceofanyconvincingproofthat
sheconsciouslyanddeliberatelyemployedthemethodbywhichshecommittedthecrimeinorder
[87]
toensureitsexecution,thisCourtresolvesthedoubtinherfavor.

ProperPenalty

The penalty for parricide imposed by Article 246 of the Revised Penal Code is reclusion
perpetua to death. Since two mitigating circumstances and no aggravating circumstance have
beenfoundtohaveattendedthecommissionoftheoffense,thepenaltyshallbeloweredbyone
[88] [89]
(1)degree,pursuanttoArticle64ofparagraph5 ofthesameCode. Thepenaltyofreclusion
temporalinitsmediumperiodisimposable,consideringthattwomitigatingcircumstancesaretobe
takenintoaccountinreducingthepenaltybyonedegree,andnoothermodifyingcircumstances
[90]
wereshowntohaveattendedthecommissionoftheoffense. UndertheIndeterminateSentence
Law,theminimumofthepenaltyshallbewithintherangeofthatwhichisnextlowerindegree
prision mayor and the maximum shall be within the range of the medium period of reclusion
temporal.
Consideringallthecircumstancesoftheinstantcase,wedeemitjustandpropertoimposethe
penalty of prision mayor in its minimum period, or six (6) years and one (1) day in prison as
minimum to reclusion temporal in its medium period, or 14 years 8 months and 1 day as
maximum. Noting that appellant has already served the minimum period, she may now apply for
[91]
andbereleasedfromdetentiononparole.

Epilogue

Being a novel concept in our jurisprudence, the battered woman syndrome was neither easy
norsimpletoanalyzeandrecognizevisvisthegivensetoffactsinthepresentcase.TheCourt
agonizedonhowtoapplythetheoryasamoderndayreality.Ittookgreateffortbeyondthenormal
mannerinwhichdecisionsaremadeonthebasisofexistinglawandjurisprudenceapplicableto
theprovenfacts.Togiveajustandproperresolutionofthecase,itendeavoredtotakeagoodlook
atstudiesconductedhereandabroadinordertounderstandtheintricaciesofthesyndromeand
the distinct personality of the chronically abused person. Certainly, the Court has learned much.
Anddefinitely,thesolicitorgeneralandappellantscounsel,Atty.KatrinaLegarda,havehelpeditin
suchlearningprocess.
 While our hearts empathize with recurrently battered persons, we can only work within the
limits of law, jurisprudence and given facts. We cannot make or invent them. Neither can we
amendtheRevisedPenalCode.OnlyCongress,initswisdom,maydoso.
TheCourt,however,isnotdiscountingthepossibilityofselfdefensearisingfromthebattered
woman syndrome. We now sum up our main points. First, each of the phases of the cycle of
violence must be proven to have characterized at least two battering episodes between the
appellantandherintimatepartner.Second,thefinalacutebatteringepisodeprecedingthekillingof
thebatterermusthaveproducedinthebatteredpersonsmindanactualfearofanimminentharm
fromherbattererandanhonestbeliefthatsheneededtouseforceinordertosaveherlife.Third,
atthetimeofthekilling,thebatterermusthaveposedprobablenotnecessarilyimmediateand
actual grave harm to the accused, based on the history of violence perpetrated by the former
against the latter. Taken altogether, these circumstances could satisfy the requisites of self
defense.Undertheexistingfactsofthepresentcase,however,notalloftheseelementswereduly
established.
WHEREFORE,theconvictionofAppellantMarivicGenosaforparricideisherebyAFFIRMED.
However,therebeingtwo(2)mitigatingcircumstancesandnoaggravatingcircumstanceattending
hercommissionoftheoffense,herpenaltyisREDUCEDtosix(6)yearsandone(1)dayofprision
mayorasminimumto14years,8monthsand1dayofreclusiontemporalasmaximum.
Inasmuchasappellanthasbeendetainedformorethantheminimumpenaltyherebyimposedupon
her,thedirectoroftheBureauofCorrectionsmayimmediatelyRELEASEherfromcustodyupondue
determinationthatsheiseligibleforparole,unlesssheisbeingheldforsomeotherlawfulcause.
Costsdeoficio.
SOORDERED.
Puno,Carpio,Corona,CarpioMorales,Callejo,Sr.,AzcunaandTinga,JJ.,concur.
Davide, Jr., C.J., SandovalGutierrez, and AustriaMartinez, JJ., join Justice Santiago in her
dissent.
VitugandQuisumbingJJ.,intheresult.
YnaresSantiagoJ.,seedissentingopinion.

[1]
PennedbyJudgeFortunitoL.Madrona.
[2]
AssailedDecision,p.17rollo,p.43.
[3]
SignedbyProvincialProsecutorIRosarioD.Beleta.
[4]
Rollo,p.9.
[5]
Atty.JoventinoIsidro.TheaccusedwasalsorepresentedlaterbyAtty.GilMarvelP.Tabucanon.
[6]
Records,p.65.
[7]
Appellees Brief, pp. 513 rollo, pp. 435443. Signed by Solicitor General Alfredo L. Benipayo, Assistant Solicitor
GeneralKarlB.Miranda,andSolicitorMa.AnaC.Rivera.
[8]
SpelledasBasobasinsomepartsoftherecord.
[9]
AppellantsBrief,pp.1071rollo,pp.284345signedbyAtty.KatrinaLegarda.Citationsomitted.
[10]
Qualifyingherexpertise,Dra.Dayanstatedthatshehadbeenapractisingclinicalpsychologistforovertwenty(20)
years. Currently, she is a professor at the De La Salle University. Prior thereto, she was the head of the
Psychology Department of the Assumption College a member of the faculty of Psychology of the Ateneo de
Manila University and St. Josephs College and the counseling psychologist of the National Defense College.
SheobtainedherbachelorsdegreeinpsychologyfromtheUniversityofthePhilippines(UP),herMasterofArts
in Clinical Counseling from Ateneo, and her Ph.D. also from UP. She is the secretary of the International
Council of Psychologists, comprised of members from about 68 countries and was the past president of the
Psychological Association of the Philippines. She is a member of the Forensic Psychology Association, the
 American Psychological Association, and the ASEAN Counseling Association. She authored the book entitled
EnergyGlobalPsychology (together with Drs. Allen Tan and Allan Bernardo). Dra. Dayan also lectures at the
PhilippineJudicialAcademy,recentlyonthesociodemographicandpsychologicalprofilesoffamiliesinvolvedin
domestic violence cases. On the subject, she had conducted, for over a period of ten years, research on the
profilesofabout500familiesinvolvedindomesticviolence.
[11]
Dr. Pajarillo obtained his medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas and has been in the practice of
psychiatry for thirtyeight years. He honed his practice in psychiatry and neurology during his stint with the
Veterans Memorial Medical Centre. Thereafter, he was called to active duty in the Armed Forces of the
Philippines and was assigned at the V. Luna Medical Center for twentysix years. He was a diplomate of the
PhilippineBoardofPsychiatryandafellowofthePhilippineBoardofPsychiatryandthePhilippinePsychiatry
Association. He was also a member of the World Association of Military Surgeons the Quezon City Medical
Society the Cagayan Medical Society and the Philippine Association of Military Surgeons. He authored The
Comparative Analysis of Nervous Breakdown in the Philippine Military Academy from the Period 19541978,
which was presented twice in international congresses. He also authored The Mental Health of the Armed
ForcesofthePhilippines2000,whichwaslikewisepublishedinternationallyandlocally.OnaParkeDavisgrant,
he published a medical textbook on the use of Prasepam on an ER Squibb grant, he was the first to use
Enanthate (siquiline) and he published the use of the drug Zopiclom in 198586. Prior to his retirement from
governmentservice,heobtainedtherankofBrigadierGeneral.(TSN,February9,2001,pp.69ExhibitsFF9
Appellant(BioDataofDr.Pajarillo).
[12]
This case was deemed submitted for resolution on April 4, 2003, upon receipt by this Court of appellees Brief.
AppellantsBriefwasfiledonDecember2,2002.
[13]
AppellantsBrief,rollo,pp.346347.Originalinuppercase.
[14]
Cacav.CourtofAppealsandPeople,341Phil.114,July7,1997Peoplev.Paragua,326Phil.923,May24,1996
Peoplev.Tanoy,387Phil.750,May12,2000Peoplev.Magaro,353Phil.862,July2,1998.
[15]
15ofArt.VIIIoftheConstitutionprovides:
Sec. 15. (1) All cases or matters filed after the effectivity of this Constitution must be decided or
resolvedwithinxxxthreemonthsforallotherlowercourts.
(2) A case or matter shall be deemed submitted for decision or resolution upon the filing of the last
pleading,brief,ormemorandumrequiredbytheRulesofCourtorbythecourtitself.
[16]
333Phil.20,December2,1996,perPuno,J.
[17]
TSN,September23,1997,pp.1112&14TSN,November12,1997,pp.29&33.
[18]
TSN,August6,1998,pp.78.
[19]
Peoplev.Sarabia,376Phil.32,October29,1999.
[20]
AppelleesBrief,p.26,citingPeoplev.DelosReyes,229SCRA439,January21,1994. Seealso5ofRule110of
theNewRulesofCriminalProcedureandPeoplev.Vergara,221SCRA560,April28,1993.
[21]
Peoplev.Rabanal,349SCRA655,January19,2001People v. Cario, 351 Phil. 644, March 31, 1998 People v.
Baniel,341Phil.471,July15,1997.
[22]
Peoplev.Peralta,350SCRA198,January24,2001.
[23]
SeeIbnTamasv.US,477A.2d626,1979DCApp.LEXIS457McLuckiev.Abbott,337F.3d11932003USApp.
LEXIS15240DePetrisv.Kuykendall,239F.3d10572001USApp.LEXIS1062Statev.Kelley,478A.2d364
(1984) McMaugh v. State, 612 A.2d 725 (RI 1992) State v. Frost, 577 A.2d 1282 (NJ Super. Ct. App. Div.
1990)Statev.Gallegos,719P.2d1268(NMCt.App.1986)R.v.Lavallee(1990)1SCRReillyv.TheQueen,
(1984)2SCR396.
[24]
Symposium on Domestic Violence. Article: Providing Legal Protection for Battered Women: An Analysis of State
StatutesandCaseLaw,LEXSEE21HofstraL.Rev.801(Summer1993),1161.
[25]
McMaughv.State,612A.2d725,731,quotingL.Walker,TheBatteredWoman,atXV(1979).
[26]
Peoplev.Torres,128Misc2d,129,488NYS2d358McMaughv.State,612A.2d725.
[27]
Walker, Lenore, The Battered Woman Syndrome (1984), pp. 9596. Dr. Walker, a clinical psychologist, is an
acknowledged expert on BWS in the United States. She is a pioneer researcher in the field. In this book, she
reportstheresultsofherstudyinvolving400batteredwomen.Herresearchwasdesignedtotestempiricallythe
theories expounded in her earlier book, The Battered Woman (1979). In 1989, she also wrote Terrifying Love:
WhyBatteredWomenKillandHowSocietyResponds.
[28]
Walker,TerrifyingLove:WhyBatteredWomenKillandHowSocietyResponds(HarperPerennial,1989),p.42.
[29]
Ibid.SeealsoR.v.Lavallee,supraIbnTamasv.US,supra.
[30]
Ibid.
[31]
Ibid.
[32]
TSN,August6,1998,pp.1219.
[33]
Exhibits1&1Arecords,p.44.
[34]
TSN,August5,1998,pp.1423,2731.
[35]
TSN,December16,1997,pp.1517&2021.
[36]
TSN,May22,1998,pp.220.
[37]
TSN(ArturoBasobas),July21,1997,pp.13,15&21TSN(JoseBarrientos),December15,1997,pp.1720TSN
(JunnieBarrientos),December15,1997,pp.3537TSN(EcelArano),May22,1998,pp.10&20.
[38]
TSN,August6,1998,pp.1932.
[39]
TSN,January15,2001,pp.3738.
[40]
Id.,pp.5153.
[41]
Id.,p.36.
[42]
ExhibitsGG3Appellant.
[43]
Ibid.
[44]
InR.v.Lavallee,supra.
[45]
Ibid.
[46]
Fiona E. Raitt and M. Suzanne Zeedyk, The Implicit Relation of Psychology and Law: Women and Syndrome
Evidence,pp.6667(Exh.D).
[47]
Walker,TerrifyingLove,p.47.
[48]
TSN,January15,2001,p.18.
[49]
Id.,p.20.
[50]
TSN,February9,2001,pp.1113.
[51]
Id.,p.14.
[52]
Walker,TerrifyingLove,p.48.
[53]
Id.,pp.4950.
[54]
Ibid.
[55]
Dr.LenoreWalkerstestimonybeforethecourtinIbnTamas,supra.
[56]
PsychologistNancyKaserBoydtestifyingasanexpertonthebatteredwomansyndromeinDepetris,supra.
[57]
Dr.LenoreWalkerstestimonybeforethecourtinIbnTamas,supra.
[58]
Herbiologicalparentslivedseparately.
[59]
Statev.Kelly,655P.2d1202,1203(1982).
[60]
Thecasewouldriseorfallonwhether...[appellant]actedinactualfearofimminentharmfromherhusbandwhen
sheshot[orinjured]him....Depetrisv.Kuykendall,supra.SeealsoPeoplev.Torres,128Misc2d129,488
NYS.2d358.
[61]
Peoplev.PO3Langres,375Phil.240,258,October13,1999.
[62]
See also People v. Plazo, 350 SCRA 433, January 29, 2001 People v. Cario, 351 Phil. 644, March 31, 1998
Peoplev.Timblor,348Phil.847,January27,1998.
[63]
Peoplev.Saul,372SCRA636,December19,2001.
[64]
Peoplev.Galapin,355Phil.212,July31,1998Peoplev.Panes,343Phil.878,August29,1997.
[65]
Statev.Gallegos,104NM247,719P.2d1268,citingEber,TheBatteredWifesDilemma:ToKillorToBeKilled,32
HastingLJ895,928(1981).
[66]
Id.,citingStatev.Walker,40Wash.App.658,700P.2d1168(1985).
[67]
Peoplev.Saul,supra.
[68]
Peoplev.Bato,348SCRA253,December15,2000.
[69]
Peoplev.Maquiling,368Phil.169,June21,1999Peoplev.Discalsota,GRNo.136892,April11,2002.
[70]
ExhibitsBetseq.Appellant,p.10.
[71]
TSN,February9,2001,p.19.
[72]
Id.,pp.1517.
[73]
Id.,p.54.
[74]
Art.13.MitigatingCircumstances.Thefollowingaremitigatingcircumstances:
xxxxxxxxx
9.Suchillnessoftheoffenderaswoulddiminishtheexerciseofthewillpoweroftheoffenderwithout
howeverdeprivinghimoftheconsciousnessofhisacts.
[75]
10.And,finally,anyothercircumstancesofasimilarnatureandanalogoustothoseabovementioned.
[76]
See People v. Javier, 370 Phil. 596, July 28, 1999 People v. Amit, 82 Phil. 820, February 15, 1949 People v.
Francisco,78Phil.694,July16,1947Peoplev.Balneg,79Phil.805,January9,1948.
[77]
Peoplev.Lobino,375Phil.1065,October28,1999Peoplev.Valles,334Phil.763,January28,1997.
[78]
IReyes,TheRevisedPenalCode,p.272(1998).
[79]
AccordingtoDr.LenoreWalker,battererscommonlyescalatetheirabusivenesswhentheirwivesarepregnant.
[80]
Id.,pp.1718.
[81]
Peoplev.Cabande,381Phil.889,February8,2000.
[82]
Peoplev.Llanes,381Phil.733,February4,2000.
[83]
Peoplev.Albao,383Phil.873,March2,2000Peoplev.Aguilar,354Phil.360,July10,1998.
[84]
TSN,August6,1998,pp.2632.
[85]
Peoplev.Buluran,382Phil.364,February15,2000Peoplev.Ereo,383Phil.30,February22,2000.
[86]
Peoplev.Caete,44Phil.478,February5,1923Peoplev.Narvaez,206Phil.314,April20,1983.
[87]
Peoplev.Aguilar,supra.
[88]
Art.64.Rulesfortheapplicationofpenaltieswhichcontainthreeperiods.
xxxxxxxxx
5.Whentherearetwoormoremitigatingcircumstancesandnoaggravatingcircumstancesarepresent,
thecourtshallimposethepenaltynextlowertothatprescribedbylaw,intheperiodthatitmaydeemapplicable,
accordingtothenumberandnatureofsuchcircumstances.
xxxxxxxxx
[89]
Peoplev.Narvaez,206Phil.314,April20,1983Guevarrav.CourtofAppeals,187SCRA484,July16,1990.
[90]
Basanv.People,61SCRA275,November29,1974.
[91]
5,IndeterminateSentenceLaw(Act4103,asamended).