Dear PAO,Last month, my father filed a complaint before barangay (village) authorities because of physical injuries he sustained in a fight with a neighbor. My father is considering to refile his complaint but our neighbor said it cannot be done because there is already double jeopardy. In the situation that you have presented, we believe that there is no double jeopardy yet considering that the elements thereof are wanting. It is true that your father has filed a complaint against your neighbor but such was only filed before the barangay. As mentioned and contrary to what your neighbor claims, there is no double jeopardy yet.

Source: Manila Times September 15, 2016 14:15 UTC