CHARACTER EVIDENCE OF THE OFFENDED PARTY IN CRIMINAL CASES:

     Sub-paragraph (3) of Section 51 of the said Rule refers to the character of the offended party. Character evidence, whether good or bad, of the offended party may be proved "if it tends to establish in any reasonable degree the probability or improbability of the offense charged." Such evidence is most commonly offered to support a claim of self-defense in an assault or homicide case or a claim of consent in a rape case. (People of the Philippines vs. Noel Lee, G.R. No. 139070, May 29, 2002, Puno, J.)