The Supreme Court has ruled that a sudden, uncontrollable emotional outburst brought on by years of abuse may be considered a mitigating circumstance in parricide cases. In a decision promulgated on May 7, 2025, the high court’s First Division upheld the conviction of Leopoldo Singcol for the killing of his father but lowered the penalty due to the presence of “passion or obfuscation” which is listed as mitigating circumstance under Article 13 of the Revised Penal Code. The case stemmed from an incident in which Leopoldo was confronted by his father, Andres Singcol, who was armed with a bolo. The argument escalated when Andres attempted to attack him but stumbled. Leopoldo grabbed the weapon and stabbed his father fatally in the chest. After the stabbing, Leopoldo reportedly held his father, asked for forgiveness.
Source: Why the Supreme Court lightened penalties for man who killed abusive father | Philstar.com