People V Doquena

Facts:
Juan Ragojos and Epifanio Rarang were playing volleyball in their school yard.
Valentin Doquena, the accused, intercepted the ball and threw it to Ragojos, who was
hit in the stomach. Miffed Ragojos chased Doquena and slapped him on the nape and
punched him in the face. Ragojos then went back to play the game. However, Doquena
got a knife and confronted Ragojos. Ragojos denied Doquenas request for a fight and
resumed playing. The accused stabbed the victim in the chest thereby killing the latter.
Being a minor, he contended that he should be exempt from criminal liability.

Issue: Whether or not the accused acted with discernment

Ruling:
Yes, the accused acted with discernment. The accused was conscious in the
nature and consequences of his acts. The discernment that constitutes exception which
exempts criminal liability of a minor are those under 15 years but over nine, who
commits an act prohibited by law, is his mental capacity. It is the ability to understand
the difference between right and wrong. The facts and circumstance surrounding the
case, the appearance, the attitude and behavior of the minor, not only before the
commission of the crime but after and even during trial shall be considered.