Criminal Law Notes

GARCIANOTES-CRIMINALLAWREVIEW[2018] 1
Limitations to the Power of Congress to enact Penal Laws:

1. PenallawmustbeGeneralinapplicationotherwiseitwould
beviolativeoftheEqualProtectionClause;
2. Mustnotpartakethenatureofanexpostfactolaw–ex post
facto law makes criminal an act done before the
CRIMINAL LAWREVIEW passageofthelawandwhichwasinnocentwhendone,and
punishes such anact;
3. NotaBillofAttainder–Abillofattainderisalegislativeact
whichinflictspunishmentwithoutjudicialtrial;
4. Cannotimposecruelorexcessivepenaltiesorpunishments
-e.g.congresscannotamendarticle308-309death,by
sayingthathenceforththatanywhocommittheftwillbe
givendeath.Thisisunusualpunishmentsoitisprohibited.
Characteristics of Penal Laws

The following are the characteristics of penal laws;
1. Generality-Personstowhomcriminallawshallapply;
CRIMINALLAW–branchofdivisionoflawwhichdefinescrimes, 2. Territoriality-Placewherepenallawshallbeapplied;
treatsoftheirnatureandprovidesfortheirpunishment. 3. Prospectivity-Timewhenitshallapply
CRIME–actcommittedoromittedinviolationofthelaw. 2 GENERALITY
 Penallawsshallbeappliedtoallpersonsonbeingwithinthe
injuries arecommitted; Philippine territory whether they are Filipino Citizens or
1. Injurycommittedagainstaperson; foreignersregardlessofanyoftheirpersonalcircumstances;
2. Injurycommittedagainstthestate;  ApplicabletoallsolongaswithinthePhilippines;
 Applies to non-citizens since while they are within the
Injury committed against a person Philippines,theyaregivenprotectioninthesamewaythatthe
Personal injury against the private offended party. Civil indemnity is governmentprotectsitsowncitizen;
awarded to the offended party on the heirs.  Article14oftheCivilCode–penallawsshallbebindingonall
thosewholiveorsojourninthePhilippineswhethercitizenor
Injury committed against the state - Punishment is imprisonment. not;
Social injury against the state for the disturbance of peace.
Exceptions to the GENERALITY characteristic:
Note:foreverycrimecommitted,itismoreofanoffenseagainstthe 1. GenerallyAcceptedPrinciplesofInternationalLaw;
stateratherthanagainsttheprivateoffendedparty. 2. Laws of PreferentialApplication;
Example: Generally Accepted Principles of PIL;

AhitB.Bsustainedafatalwoundbuthesurvived.Thereafter,Bfiled Headsofstate,chiefofstateandotherdiplomaticheadssuchas
frustrated homicide. The fiscal found probable cause. In the ambassadorsandpublicministersenjoysblanketimmunityfromthe
informationfiledbythefiscal,thetitleisPeopleofthePhilippinesvs criminaljurisdictionofthecountrywheretheyareassigned.Since
A. Thetrialcontinuedandthejudgefoundtheaccusedguiltybeyond theyareimmune,theycannotbearrested,prosecutedorpunished.
reasonabledoubt.Thefirstpenaltyofthejudgeisimprisonmentdue (Diplomatic Immunity fromSuit);
tosocialinjury.Asidefromthis,Bwillpayacivilindemnity.
Laws of PreferentialApplication;
Definition of Terms Lawswhichexemptcertainindividualsfromcriminalprosecution
There are three kinds of Crime; suchasmembersofCongressareimmunefromlibel,slanderand
1. Felony–ActsoromissionspunishedbytheRevisedPenal defamationforeveryspeechmadeintheHouseofCongressduringa
Code(RPC); regular or specialsession.
2. Offense–punishedbyaspeciallaw;
3. Acts/Infractions–punishedbyordinances,locallegislation; Example;
X,theheadofstateJapan,wenttothePhilippinesforaworkingvisit.
*Note that all three are under the umbrella term of Crime. XwassummonedtoMalacañang.However,thedriverofXwasnot
feelingwellsoinstead,XdrovehimselftoMalacañang.Xdrovethe
Q: Who has the power to enact Penal Laws? vehicleinarecklessmanner.Asaresult,hehitandkilledaninnocent
A:AsageneralRuletheLegislativeDepartmenthasthepowerto pedestrian.
enactLaws.However,incaseofemergency,presidentmayissuea
PenalIssuanceOrderprovidedthatthereisalawgrantingittothe Q: May X be prosecuted?
president. A: No. As a head of state, X enjoys blanket immunity from
prosecution.
Q: Is the power of Congress absolute?
A: No, there are limitations. *Consuls–notamongthosewhoenjoythediplomaticimmunityfrom suit
Generally,consulsaresubjecttopenallawsofthecountrywherethey 2.1 Basis of criminal liability is man’s social environment;

areassignedunlessthereisatreatyoranagreementbetweenthe  “Allmenareborngood,theyonlybecomeevilduetothe
homecountryoftheconsulandthecountrywhereheisdesignated influence of thecommunity.”
statingthattheconsulisimmunefromthecriminaljurisdictionofthe  Crimesareasocialphenomenon;
hostcountry.
2.2. Purposeofpenaltyisforpurposesofrehabilitation;
Example;  Offender is a socially sick individual who need to be
AisanemployeeinADB,aforeignereconomist.AFilipinofiledanoral correctednottobepunished;
defamationagainsttheforeignereconomist.TheDFAissuedaletter
and protocol to the court which states that ADB and PH has an 2.3. Determinationofpenaltyisdoneonthecasetocasebasis
agreementthattheADBeconomistisimmunefromsuit.TheSCheld
that it was erroneous that there was a decision immediately to 2.4. Emphasis of the law is on the offender and not to the
dismiss the case without adducing any evidence, without informing offense;
thefiscal.SCruledthatdiplomaticimmunityisonlyappliedinthe  ...onthecriminalnotonthecrime;
exerciseofone’sfunction,butinthisdefamationcase,itimmunity  greatregardtothehumanelementofthecrime;
willnotlie.Evidencefirstmustbegatheredtodetermineiftheact  takesintoconsiderationwhytheoffendercommittedthe
wasdoneintheexerciseofone’sfunctions.(Liangv.People,G.R.No. crime;
125865.January28,2000)
CLASSICAL PHILOSOPHY POSITIVIST PHILOSOPHY
TERRITORIALITY Basis of criminal activity is Basis of criminal liability is
Penal laws shall be applicable only within the Philippine jurisdiction human free will; man’s social environment;
including its atmosphere, internal waters, etc; Purpose of penalty is Purpose of penalty is for
Retribution; purposes of rehabilitation;
General Rule Determination of penalty is Determination of penalty is
CrimescommittedoutsidethePhilippinejurisdictioncannotbeunder done mechanically; doneonthecasetocasebasis;
Philippinecourts. Emphasis is on the crime and Emphasis of the law is on the
not on the criminal; offender and not to the
Exception; offense;
Art.2oftheRevisedPenalCodeprovidessituationswheretheextra-
territorialjurisdictionoftheRevisedPenalCodemaybeapplied. 4. MIXED/ECCLECTICPHILOSOPHY
 Crimeswhichareheinous/obnoxiousinnature-classical
PROSPECTIVITY  Crimeswhicharesocial/economic–positivist
Penal laws Penal laws shall only be applied from the time of
effectivity. It be given retroactive application unless; * The Revised Penal Code adheres to Classical philosophy;
1. Ifpenallawsarefavorabletotheaccusedprovidedthatthe  MerelycopiedfromSpanish...Frenchespousedclassical;
isnotahabitualcriminal;and
2. Ifthepenallawsallowretroactivity; AlthoughRPCismoldedwithclassicalphilosophy,theamendments
aregearedtowardthepositivistphilosophy;
Philosophies under the Criminal Law System
1. Classical/ JuristicPhilosophy; Example;
2. Positivist/ RealisticPhilosophy;  IndeterminateSentenceLaw–onceservedtheminimumofhis
3. Mixed/Eclectic; penalty,eligibleforparole(rehabilitation);
 Probation Law – 6 years and below, probation report to
CLASSICAL/JURISTIC PHILOSOPHY probationofficer;
3.1 Basis of criminal activity is human free will;  RA9346–abolisheddeathpenalty;
 Man is a moral creature which understands right from
wrong; THEORIES/RULESCONCERNINGCRIMINALLAW;
 Whenhecommitsawrong,hevoluntarilydoesthesame, The following are the theories concerned with Criminal Law;
therefore,heshallbereadyfortheconsequencesofhisacts 1. Utilitarian. Protectivetheory;
2. Doctrine of ProReo;
1.2 Purpose of penalty is Retribution; 3. LenityRule;
 Evolvesfromthemaxim“aneyeforaneye.”therefore,for 4. EquipoiseRule;
everycrimecommitted,thereisacorrespondingpenalty
basedontheinjuryinflictedonthevictim; Utilitarian/ Protective Theory;
Purposeofpunishmentistoprotectthesocietyfromactual/potential
1.3. Determinationofpenaltyisdonemechanically; wrongdoing;
 Done mechanically since the punishment isproportionate
totheseveritysustainedbythevictim; Even in violation of special penal laws, wherein intent does not
matter,courtsshouldseetoitthatpunishmentshallonlybeimposed to
1.4. Emphasisisonthecrimeandnotonthecriminal; actual/potentialwrongdoers;
 …ontheoffenseandnotontheoffender Magno v. CA (G.R. No. 96132)
POSITIVIST/REALISTICPHILOSOPHY
PotentialwrongdoerwasnotMagnoratheritwasMrs.Teng.She There are no common law crimes in the Philippines since the
should not have deposited the check upon withdrawing the Philippinesisacivillawcountry.Penallawsareenacted.Theydonot
machineries.Shewastheonewhoactedinbadfaith. evolve throughtime;
Q: Should Magno should be convicted of violation of B.P. 22? --xXx--

A:NO.IfMagnowillbetheonetobepunished,thenitwillbringabout
opportunism.Magnowasacquittedonthegroundofgoodfaith. Article1.TimewhenActtakeseffect.—ThisCodeshalltakeeffect
onthefirstdayofJanuary,nineteenhundredandthirty-two.
Doctrine of Pro Reo
Penal laws should always be construed liberally in favor of the RPCtookeffectonJanuary1,1932passedintolawonDecember8,
accused and strictly against the state. 1930.
Lenity Rule --xXx--

Wheneverapenallaworaprovisionofpenallawissusceptibleof2
interpretations,theonelenienttotheaccusedwhichwillbringabout Article2.Applicationofitsprovisions.-Exceptasprovidedin the
acquittalandtheotheronestrictlyagainsttheaccusedwhichwill treaties and laws of preferential application, the provisions of
bringaboutconviction,thelenientinterpretationshallprevail. this Code shall be enforced not only within the Philippine
Archipelago, including its atmosphere, its interior waters and
Maxim: In case of doubt, rule always for the accused; maritimezone,butalsooutsideofitsjurisdiction,againstthose
who:
Constitution:Unlessprovenguilty,deemedinnocent.“Guiltmustbe 1. ShouldcommitanoffensewhileonaPhilippineshiporairship;
proven.” 2. Shouldforgeorcounterfeitanycoinorcurrencynoteofthe
PhilippineIslandsorobligationsandsecuritiesissuedbythe
Equipoise Rule GovernmentofthePhilippineIslands;
Whenevertheevidenceoftheprosecutionisequallybalancedwith the 3. Shouldbeliableforactsconnectedwiththeintroductioninto
evidence of the defense, the scales of justice shall be titled theseislandsoftheobligationsandsecuritiesmentionedinthe
towards theaccused; presidingnumber;
4. While being public officers or employees, should commit an
Reason: Presumption of innocence; offenseintheexerciseoftheirfunctions;or
5. Shouldcommitanyofthecrimesagainstnationalsecurityand
Prosecutionhastheburdenofprovingconvictionbeyondreasonable thelawofnations,definedinTitleOneofBookTwoofthis
doubt. Conviction based on the strength of the evidence of the Code.
accused.
Art. 2 of the RPC has 2 scopes of application ;
Example; 1. Intraterritorial application – Intraterritorial application provides
Policeofficersreceivedatipfromacrediblesourcethataperson thattheRPCshallenforcedwithinthePhilippinearchipelago,
wearing white shirt and blue shorts will arrive at bus terminal in includingitsatmosphere,itsinteriorwatersandmaritimezone;
Cubaoat10pmcarryingshabu.Actingthereon,thepoliceofficers 2. Extraterritorialapplication;
arrivedatthebusstationandwaited.Whenamanwearingwhite
shirtandblueshortscameoutofthebus,thepoliceimmediately Q:Whatdoesthephrase‘Exceptasprovidedinthetreatiesandlaws
friskedandsearchedtheman.Awhitecrystallinesubstancewas ofpreferentialapplication’mean?
foundinhispossessionwhichwasidentifiedasshabubythecrime A:Thisphrasemeanstreatiesenteredwithothercountries,lawsof
lab.Duringthetrial,thedefensepresentedtwowitnesseswhowere preferentialpalliationtakespreferenceovertheprovisionoftheRPC.
passengersofthesamebuswiththeaccused,andseatedbesidehim.  Therefore,ifthereisanyconflictbetweenanyagreementsentered
Thewitnessessaidthattheydidnotseethepoliceofficerfriskedand intobythePhilippineswithanothercountry,ifitisinconflictwithany
searched the accused. Furthermore, they did not see anydrugs provisionsoftheRPC,thesaidagreementshallprevailoverthe
apprehendedfromtheaccused.Howshouldthejudgerulethecase? provision ofRPC.
TheJudgeshouldruleinfavoroftheaccused.Undertheequipoise *RemembertheLarranagacase,basedontheRPC,apersonwhois
rule,whentheevidenceoftheprosecutionandthedefenseisequally convictedofacrimeshallservehissentenceintheNewBilibidprison,
balanced,justiceshouldbetiltedinfavoroftheaccused. thatisthenationalpenitentiary.However,thePhilippinesentered
intoanagreementwithSpain.Thisagreementwasratifiedbythe
Q:Whatifwhathasperformedwasaperverted/immoralactbut Senate.Asaresultthereof,afterLarranagahasbeenconvictedof
thereisnolawwhichpunishesthesaidact.Canthepersonbe kidnappingandseriousillegaldetentionwithrapeandhomicide,
prosecuted incourt? consideringthathehas2citizenship–bothFilipinoandSpanish.He
A:No,“nullemcrimennullapoenasinelege”thereisnocrimewhen wasbroughttoSpain,andthereheisservinghissentence.Because
thereisnolawwhichpunishesit. basedonthatagreement,Spanishcitizenswhoareservingtheir
sentenceinthePhilippinescanbebroughttoSpainandtheyareto
Q: Are there common law crimes in the Philippines? serve their sentence there. Larranaga took advantage because
A:NO.Commonlawcrimesareprinciples,usagesanduseofaction definitely,thefacilitiesperhapsarebetterthanprisonfacilitieshere.
whichthecommunityconsidersascondemnableevenifthere’sno
law that punishesit;
Example; thatistheIntraterritorialapplicationoftheRPCbecauseitisasthe
Manyheadsofstatearrivedhereforthe2017Ms.Universe.Among crimeiscommittedwithinthePhilippineterritory;
thesewasPres.X,ofXstate.HefoundMsPortugalveryattractiveand
invitedhertoadateinahotel.Afterwards,Pres.Xrapedher. Jurisdictional Rules for Merchant Vessels
There are two jurisdictional rules for merchant vessels;
Q: Can Pres. X be prosecuted for rape? 1. FrenchRule;
A:YES.ImmunityisNOTabsolute,limitedonlytoofficialfunctions.As 2. BritishRule;
rapeisoutsideofthefunctionsoftheheadofstate,Pres.Xmaybe
prosecutedhere. French Rule
TheFrenchRulestatesthatcrimescommittedonboardwhilethe
Example; foreign vessel is on the water of another country is within the
Pres.Xwasdrivinghiscaronhiswaytothepageant,andhehita jurisdictionoftheflagcountry.Thatisthecountrywherethecountry
pedestrian, whodied. isregistered;
Q: May Pres. X be prosecuted? Exception;

A:No.Thistimeheisperformingofficialfunctions,thushecannotbe whenthecrimecommittedaffectsthepublicorder,thepeaceand
prosecuted in Philippinecourts. security of the host country, then the host country will have
jurisdictionoverthesaidcrime.Therefore,theFrenchRulerecognizes
EXTRATERRITORIAL APPLICATION: thejurisdictionofthecountrywherethevesselisregistered.
Thereare5instanceswheretheRevisedPenalCodeshalltakeeffect
outsidethePhilippineTerritory; French Rule = flag country
1st:ThosewhoshouldcommitanoffensewhileonaPhilippineshipor English Rule

airship. TheEnglishRulestatesthatwhenacrimeiscommittedonboarda
foreignmerchantvesselwhileonthewatersofanothercountryitis
Q: When is it a Philippine ship or airship? thehostcountrywhichwillhavejurisdictionoverthesaidcrime;
A:Ifit’sregisteredinthePhilippinesandunderthePhilippinelaws.
Even if totally or wholly owned by a Filipino citizen, if it is not Exception;
registeredinthePhilippinesitcannotbeconsideredasaPhilippine When the crime merely affects the internal management of the
ship/airship.Itisonlyuponregistrationthatthisaircraft/vesselcanfly vessel,thenitistheflagcountrywhichwillhavejurisdiction.Ineffect,
thePhilippineflag.Therefore,itisregistrationwhichistheoperative theEnglishRuleisterritorialinnature.
actwhichmakesitaPhilippineship/airship.
*PhilippinesadheretotheEnglishRulewhichisstrictlyterritorialin
ThisisasituationwhereacrimeiscommittedonboardaPhilippine nature.
vesselwhileitisoutsidePhilippineterritorybutnotintheterritoryof
anothercountry. Example;
AforeignmerchantvesselisonManilaBay.Acrimewascommitted
Q:IfaPhilippinevesselisonwatersofthePhilippines,andacrime onboard,thePhilippineswillhavejurisdictionoverthesaidcrimeand
wascommittedonboard.Whatcountrywillhavejurisdiction? criminalbecausewefollowtheEnglishRule.
A: Obviously, the Philippines.
2nd:Thosewhoshouldforgeorcounterfeitanycoinorcurrencynote
Q:WhatifthatPhilippineVesselisonthehighseasorinternational ofthePhilippineIslandsorobligationsandsecuritiesissuedbythe
watersandacrimewascommittedonboardthesaidPhilippine GovernmentofthePhilippineIslands.
Vessel.Whatcountrywillhavejurisdictionoverthesaidcrime?
A:StillthePhilippines.Becauseoftheextraterritorialapplicationof 3rd: Those who should be liable for acts connected with the
theRPC.Itisthesituationreferredtoasthe1stcircumstanceunder introduction into these islands of the obligations and securities
paragraph2ofArt.2.ItisthesituationwherethePhilippineshipis mentioned in the presiding number.
outside the Philippine territory but not in the territory of another
country. Example;
So X was in Japan. He counterfeited Philippine coins. He then
Q:WhatifthePhilippineVesselisonthewatersonMalaysiaanda introducedthesecoinsintothePhilippineIslands.Althoughthecrime
crimewascommittedonboard.Whatcountrywillhavejurisdiction? hasbeencommittedinJapan,hecanbeheldliablebeforePhilippine
A: Malaysian courts will have the jurisdiction because of the courts. This is necessary in order to maintain and preserve the
territorialitycharacteristicofcriminallaw. financial circulation and financial stability of the Philippines.
Otherwise,noothercountrywouldbeinterestedinprosecutinghim
Exceptions; except the Philippines because it is only the Philippines will be
IfthevesselisaPhilippinewarvesselorwarshiporitisaPhilippine affectedbythesaidcounterfeitingofcoins.
warplane. A Philippine warship or war aircraft is considered an
extensionofthePhilippinesovereignty. 4th:Thosewhowhilebeingpublicofficersoremployeesshouldcommit
Wherever they may be, when a crime is committed on board a anoffenseintheexerciseoftheirfunctions.
Philippinewarvesselorwarplane,thePhilippineswillalwayshave
jurisdictionandthereasonisthe1stparagraphofArt.2oftheRPC–
Thisreferstopublicofficersoremployeeswhoareworkinginanother thePhilippineterritory.Therefore,Sshouldfilethecasebeforethe
country,whiletheyareworking,theycommittedacrime.Thecrime Philippinecourtsbecauseitisasifthecrimewascommittedwithin
committedbythispublicofficersoremployeesmustbeinconnection thePhilippinearchipelago.ThereasonforthisistheIntraterritorial
withtheexerciseoftheirfunctions. applicationoftheRPC.Butiftherapewascommittedatanyother
placeoutsidethePhilippineEmbassy,thenPCshouldbeprosecuted
Ifthecrimetheycommittedisnotconnectedwiththeexerciseoftheir beforethecourtsofJapanbecauserapeisinnowayconnectedwith
functions,thentheyshouldbeprosecutedinthecourtsofthecountry theexerciseofhisfunctionsandaconsuldoesnotenjoydiplomatic
wheretheyareassigned; immunity.
Example; 5th:Thosewhoshouldcommitanyofthecrimesagainstnational
OFWwholosthispassport,hewenttothePhilippineEmbassyin securityandthelawofnations,definedinTitleOneofBookTwoof
Japanapplyingforanewpassport.Hehasbeengoingtherebackand thisCode.
forththatithasnotitwasnotyetapprovedoritwasnotyetreleased.
Onhiswayout,hesawtheapprovingauthority(AA).HetalkedtoAA Crimes against National Security includes the following;
requestingandbegginghimthatitbeimmediatelyapprovedand 1. Treason;
released.Hewasinvitedtoacoffeeshop,whilehavingcoffee,AA 2. Conspiracy/proposaltocommittreason;
asked $500 from him and promised on that same afternoon,his 3. Misprision oftreason;
passportwouldbereleased.SothepoorOFWgavethe$500. 4. Espionage;
5. enticingtowarorgivingmotivesforreprisals;
Q:WheremaythisAAbeprosecuted?BeforePhilippinecourtsor
beforethecourtsofJapan? If any of this crime is committed, even if it is done outside the
A:AAmaybeprosecutedbeforethePhilippinecourts.Hedidnot Philippinearchipelagotheoffendercanbeprosecutedbeforethe
commitineffectacrimeinapprovingthesaidpassportbecauseithis Philippinecourts.
obligation to approve the said passport. However, he would not
perform his obligation without a bribe. He would not performhis Crime committed against the Law of Nations include the following;
functionwithoutthemoneygivenbythesaidOFW.Soineffect,he 1. Piracy;
committed bribery in its 2nd form – he performs an act not 2. Qualifiedpiracy;
constitutingacrimeinconnectionwiththeexerciseofhisfunctionin 3. Mutiny;and
considerationofthebribemoney.Sohere,hecommittedbribery,he 4. Qualifiedmutiny
canbeprosecutedbeforePhilippinecourts.Hisactisinconnection
withtheexerciseofhisfunctions. Likewise,ifthecrimecommittedisagainsttheLawofNationsthesaid
offendercanalsobeprosecutedbeforethePhilippinecourts;
WhatifinsteadoftheAA,herecomesaFilipinofilingclerk(FC)inside
thePhilippineEmbassy.TheFCfollowedtheOFW,theFCtoldhim Example;
thathecanfacilitatethereleaseofhispassportifhewillhim$50. A,B,C,D,andEareinAmerica.Theydecidedtooverthrowthe
Desperate,theOFWgavehimthemoney.However,thatafternoon, governmentofthePhilippines.Inpreparationfortheirplan,they
thepassportwasstillnotreleased.Hewantedtofileacaseagainst bought guns, ammos, and grenades. However, before they can
theFC. proceedwiththeirplan,thygotcaught.
Q:Wherecanhefileacase?BeforecourtsofJapanorPhilippines? A: Q: Can A, B, C, D, and E be tried in the Philippines?

It should be filed before the courts of Japan because the act A:NO.Theircrimeisconspiracytocommitrebellionwhichisacrime
performedbyFChasnothingtodowiththeexerciseofhisofficial againstpublicorder,TitleThreeoftheRevisedPenalCode,thusthey
functions.Ineffect,whathehascommittedisestafabecausehe areoutsidethescopeofextra-territorialjurisdictionofthePhilippines
madethisOFWbelievethathehastheauthoritytofacilitatethe underArticle2oftheRPC.
releaseofthesaidpassportbuthedidnothavesuchqualification.He
committed estafa under Art.315 (2)(a). Therefore, he should be Example;
prosecutedbeforethecourtsofJapan. AccusedA,B,C,D,andEwereinAmerica.Atthattime,Americaisat
warwiththePhilippines.Theaccuseddecidedtooverthrowthe
Example; governmentofthePhilippines.However,beforetheycanoverthrow
ThereisthisPhilippineconsul(PC).ThePCtoldhissecretarytowork thegovernment,alltheaccusedwerecaught.
overtime.SoSfollowedPC.Intheevening,PCgavecoffeetoS.
UnknowntoS,therewassomethingmixedinthecoffeetomakeher Q: Can A, B, C, D, and E be tried in the Philippines?
unconscious.Soafterdrinkingthecoffee,shebecameunconscious A:YES.Alltheaccusedcommittedconspiracytocommittreason
andshewasrapedbyPC.SnowwantedtofileacaseagainstPC. whichispenalizedunderTitleOne,BooktwooftheRevisedPenal
Code.Thus,itiswithinthescopeofextra-territorialjurisdictionofthe
Q: Where may she file the case? PhilippinesunderArticle2oftheRPC.
A:Theactofrapecommittedhasnothingtodowiththeexerciseof
PC’s functions. Therefore, it should be filed before the courts of --xXx--
Japan.However,itwascommittedinsidethePhilippineEmbassy.
Article3.Definitions.-Actsandomissionspunishablebylaware
ThePhilippineEmbassywhichisconsideredanextensionofthe felonies(delitos).
Philippinesovereignty,thenitisasifthecrimewascommittedwithin
GARCIANOTES-CRIMINALLAWREVIEW[2018]
Feloniesarecommittednotonlybemeansofdeceit(dolo)but FAULT (CULPA)
alsobymeansoffault(culpa). Fault(culpa)orculpablefelonyexistwhenthewrongfulactresults
Thereisdeceitwhentheactisperformedwithdeliberateintent fromimprudence,negligence,lackofforesightorlackofskill;
andthereisfaultwhenthewrongfulactresultsfromimprudence,
negligence,lackofforesight,orlackofskill. Elements;
1. Criminalnegligence;
Felonies 2. Freedom ofaction;
FeloniesareactsoromissionspunishablebytheRPC.Whenthelaw 3. Intelligence;
says‘bylaw’,itmeanstheRPC.
Under Art. 365, a culpable felony is defined as one wherein the
Acts offender,althoughwithoutmaliceordeliberateintentcausedan
Actsrefertoanybodymovementwhichhasadirectconnectionto injury to another by the means of negligence or imprudence.
thefelonyintendedtobecommitted. Therefore,evenaculpablefelonyisavoluntaryact;
It is an external act, an overt act in connection with the felony
intendedtobecommitted.Internalactsormerecriminalthoughts Voluntariness
willnevergiverisetoacrime; Insofarascriminallawisconcerned,voluntarinessisactuallythe
concurrence of the 3 elements of intentional felony and the
Example; concurrenceofthe3elementsofculpablefelony;
Alustforhisneighbor.Whenevertheneighborwouldpassbygoing
towork,Awouldalwayslookattheneighbor.Andforthewholeday, In other words, in so far as voluntariness of intentional felony is
hewouldthinkoftheneighborwithnothingbutlust.Nomatterhow concerned,itistheconcurrenceofcriminalintent,freedomofaction
criminalhisthoughtsareitwillnevergiverisetoacrimebecauseitis andintelligence;
merelyaninternalunlessheperformsanexternalactoranovertact
relatedtoactsoflasciviousnessorattemptedrapeorrape.Thelaw Therefore,withoutvoluntariness,therecanneitherbeanintentional
requires anact. felonynoraculpablefelony;
Omission Freedom
Omissionisthefailureofapersontoperformanactortodoaduty Thereisfreedomofactionwhentheoffenderperformstheactonhis
whichisrequiredbylaw. ownfreewill,withoutforce,duress,uncontrollablefear.
Example; Sonoteiftheoffenderperformsthecriminalactbuthedidtheact
Ifapersonfound,anypersonalpropertyonthestreetoronanyplace becausetherewasthiscompulsionandirresistiblefearorunderthe
and he failed to deliver the same to the owner or to the local impulseofanuncontrollablefear.Thereisnocriminalliability.They
authorities.UnderArt.308hebecomesliablefortheft.Orifaperson areexemptingcircumstancesunderArt.12oftheRPCbecausethere
wasdrivinghisvehicle,thenhebumpedandhitanotherperson.And isnofreedomofaction,anelementofvoluntariness.Thereisneither
insteadofhelpingthatperson,heincreasedhisspeedandleft.Itisa anintentionalfelonynorculpablefelonybecausethereiswantingof
hit-and-run situation. Such fact that he failed to lend help and freedomofaction,anelementofvoluntariness.
assistancetothatvictimwillaggravatehiscriminalliabilityunderArt.
365.Sohere,forfailingtoperformanactwhichisrequiredbylawto Intelligence
bedone.Hecommitsafelony.Sofeloniesareactsoromissions Intelligenceisthementalcapacityofapersontoknowwrongfrom
punishablebytheRPC. rightandtoappreciatetheconsequencesofone’sact.
Kinds of Felonies Ifthepersonactedwithoutintelligence,thereisnocriminalliability.

2 kindsoffeloniesthataremaybecommittedunderArt.3; Soifthecriminalacthasbeencommittedbyaninsane,animbecile
1. Deceit(dolo); oraminor,thesaidoffenderissaidtobeexemptedfromcriminal
2. Fault; liability.
DECEIT (DOLO) UnderArt.12,theyareexemptingcircumstances,heisfreeofboth

Deceit(Dolo)orintentionalfelonyexistwhentheactisdonewith intentional and culpable felony because he acted without
deliberateintent; intelligence,anelementofvoluntariness.
Elements: INTENT
1. Criminalintentonthepartoftheoffender; Intentistheuseofaparticularmeanstoachievethedesiredresult;
2. Freedom of action in doing the act on the part of the
offender; * Youcannotseeintent.Itisaninternalstateofthemind;
3. Intelligence of theoffender;
Factors to Determine Intent
Anintentionalfelonyisavoluntaryactbecauseitiscommittedby InthecaseofRiverav.People(G.R.No.166326,January25,2006),
means of deliberateintent. Courtdeclaredthatevidencetoproveintenttokillincrimesagainst
personsmayconsistofthefollowing;
1. Themeansusedbythemalefactors;
2. Thenature,location,andnumberofwoundssustainedby Therefore, it must be proven

Theprosecutiondoesnothave
thevictim; by the prosecution beyond
theburdentoproveit;
3. The conduct of the malefactors before, during, or reasonable doubt;
immediatelyafterthekillingofthevictim;and
4. Thecircumstancesunderwhichthecrimewascommitted
andthemotivesoftheaccused; Example;
Intenttokillmustbeproveninfrustrated/attemptedhomicide.Aand
Example; Bwerefighting.AwaslosingandsoAshotB.Bwashitontheleft
Awaswalking.ThenherecomesBwithaleadpipeandhitthehead of arm.Hewasbroughttothehospital.Thereafter,afterB’srelease
A with it. B hit it hard and thereafter ran away. A went to the fromthehospital,hefiledacaseagainstAforattemptedhomicide.
hospital, however, based on the medical certificate no injury Sincethecasefiledisattemptedhomicide.Theprosecutionhasthe
whatsoeverwassustainedbytheheadofA.Sotherewasnoinjury. burdenofprovingintenttokillonthepartofAwhenheshotBand
Nevertheless, A filed a case for attempted homicide against B. hithimontheleftarm.Otherwise,iftheprosecutionfailedtoprove
Therefore,intenttokillisincumbenttobeprovenbytheprosecution intent to kill on the part of A. Then A can only be convicted of
becausethecasefiledisattemptedhomicide. serious/lessserious/slightphysicalinjuriesdependingonthedate
requiredformedicalinterventionorheshouldbeacquittedofthe
Q:WillBbeheldliableforattemptedhomicide?Wasthereintentto kill? crime.Intenttokillmustbeproven.
A:TherewasNOintenttokill.Letusapplyinthiscasethefactorsto
determinewhetherintentispresent; Butwhatifinthecourseoftheirfight,AwaslosingandsoAtookout
hispistolandheshotB.Bwasshotontheheart,afatalwound,a
Q: Was there motive? mortalwoundwassustainedbecauseitwasavitalorganwhichwas
A: NO. In the problem, there was no motive. hit.AimmediatelyboughtBtothehospital.However,uponarrival,
hewaspronounceddead.Therefore,theheirsofBfiledacasefor
Q: What was the nature and number of weapon used? homicide against A. A’s defense, I have no intention to kill B.
A: B used a lead pipe. Accordingtohim,heonlyintendedtothreatenBbecausetheywere
fighting.
Q:Whatisthenature,numberandlocationofwoundinflictedon
thevictim? Q: Will A’s defense stand in court?
A:Thevictimdidnotsustainanywounddespitethefactthatitwas A:NO.A’sdefensethathehasnotintenttokillBwillnotlie.The reason
hitwithaleadpipe. is since the victim died, intent to kill becomes a General
CriminalIntentwhichispresumedbylaw.Prosecutionneednotprove
Q: What was the manner of committing the crime? intenttokillinhomicide,parricide,murder,infanticidebecausethe
A: After hitting A once, B ran away. If he had intended to kill the victimdied.Itisonlyintheattemptedandfrustratedstagesofthe
victim, he would have hit A several times. HPMIwhereinintenttokillisconsideredanelement.
Q:Whatweretheact,deedsandwordsmadebytheoffender Q:WhyisitonlyintheconsummatedstageofHomicide,Patricide,
before,duringorafterthecommissionofthecrime? Murder,Infacnticidethatintenttokillispresumed?
A:Hejustsawthevictim,hitthevictimthereafterranaway.Allof these A:Becausethebestevidencetoproveintenttokillisthatthevictim
would show there was no intent to kill on the part of said died.Soitispresumedbylaw.
offender.
Q: Is there a defense to negate criminal intent?
Therefore, B should not be convicted of attempted homicide. A: YES. The accused may plead mistake of fact
Example; MOTIVE
Theuseofalethalweaponwouldshowintenttokillonthepartof the Motiveisthemovingpowerwhichimpelsapersontodoanactto
offender although death did not arise. Taking the personal achieve the desiredresult
propertyofanotherwithouttheconsentoftheownerwouldshow
intenttogainonthepartoftheoffender. General Rule: Motive is not material in determining the criminal
liabilityoftheoffenderisidentified,admitstothecommissiontothe
Kinds of Intent crime,iftheprosecutionhasdirectevidenceoreyewitnesstothe
There are 2 kinds of intent: commissionofthecrime,ifcrimecommittedisaculpablefelony,
1. GeneralCriminalIntent(GCI); crimecommittedisnotaspecialpenallaw.
2. SpecificCriminalIntent(SCI);
Exceptions;
GENERAL CRIMINAL INTENT SPECIFIC CRIMINAL INTENT Motivebecomesmaterialindeterminingthecriminalliabilityofthe
Specific Criminal Intent is just offender;
General Criminal Intent is
like an element, an ingredient 1. Whentheactoftheoffenderwouldresulttovariantcrimes(to
conclusively presumed by law
of the commission of the knowwhatcrimeshouldbecharged);
by the mere doing of an act;
crime; 2. Whentheidentityoftheoffenderisdoubtful;
3. Whentheprosecutiononlyhascircumstantialevidencetoprove
thecommissionofthecrime;
Example; immediately after the

Citymayor(CM)wasjoggingneartheseashore.HerecomesXwho commission of the crime;
wenttoCMandhim.CMwasnotintheperformanceofhisofficial
dutywhenhewasshot.Therefore,theactofXinkillingandshooting MISTAKE OF FACT
CMmayresulttovariantcrimesdependingonthemotive,depending on MistakeofFactisthemisapprehensionoffactsonthepersonwho
the reason of X of killing. If the reason is a personal caused injury toanother.
grudge/vendetta,murderiscommitted.Butifthereasonisbecause
ofCM’spastperformanceofhisduty,thenthecrimecommittedis Ifapersonactedundermistakeoffact,heisabsolvedofcriminal
direct assault withhomicide. liabilitybecauseheactedwithoutcriminalintent.Thatis,hadthe
factsbeenashebelievedthemtobe,hisactdonewouldhavebeen
Example; lawful andjustifiable.
Therearesomanysuspects,A,B,C,DandE.There’sdoubtastowho
amongthecommittedthecrime.Thenmotivewillbecomematerial Elements of Mistake of Fact
indeterminingthecriminalliabilityoftheoffender. Beforeonemaybeabsolvedofcriminalliabilityforhavingacted
undermistakeoffact,thefollowingareelements:
Example; 1. Thattheactdonewouldhavebeenlawfulandjustifiable
Whowasthelastpersonseentogetherwiththevictimbeforehewas hadthefactsbeenwhattheaccusedbelievedthemtobe-
killed?Whywashewiththevictimatthattime?Whatcouldbethe Haditbeenashebelieved,theactperformedwould’ve
motivebehindthekill?Allofthesemustbetakenintoconsideration amountedtoajustifyingorexemptingcircumstance;
because there was no eyewitness, no direct evidence in the 2. Thattheintentionoftheaccusedindoingtheactmustbe
commission of thecrime. lawful - The must be ignited by a noble or lawful or
justifiableintent
*Motivealone,howeverstrong,willneverbringaboutconviction.But 3. Thatthemistakemustbewithoutfault,negligence,careless
motive and circumstantial evidence, or motive and supporting on the part of the offender - The offender cannot be
evidenceisnecessaryforconviction. negligentinascertainingthetruefactsofthecaseandat
thesametimeinvokemistakeoffact;
People v. Mapalo (G.R. No.172608, February 6, 2007)
SCconvictedhimonlyofilltreatmentofanotherbydeed,aformof Q:Canamistakeoffactbeusedasadefenseagainstculpable
slight physical injury. Ill treatment of another by deed is the felony?
circumstancewhereinapersonwashitortherewasinjurycausedto A:NO.OneoftheelementsofMistakeofFactisthattheintentmust
thepersonbuttherewasnointent. belawful.Sinceintentisnotanelementinculpablefelonies,then
mistakeoffactcannotbeusedasaefense.
Q: How do you prove Motive?
A:Motiveisprovedbythetestimonyofthewitnessesastotheacts US v. Ah Chong (G.R. No. L-5272 March 19, 1910.)
orstatementsmadebytheaccusedbeforeorimmediatelyafterthe AhChongwasacquittedbecauseheactedundermistakeoffact.
commission of thecrime. [M’Garcia:BUTthatwasbecausethecasewasdecidedalongtime
ago.Ifthecaseisdecidednow,Idoubtiftherewillbeanacquittal.
Example; Let’sgobytheelements:2ndand3rdelementsarepresent.
BeforethekillingofA,awitnesssawBthreateningtokillA.Therefore,
Bwouldhavethemotivebecauseofhisactspriortothecommission However,the1stelementiswanting-thattheactdonewouldhave
ofthecrime.OrrightafterthekillingofA,awitnesssawBrunning beenlawfulandjustifiablehadthefactsbeenastheaccusedbelieved
awayfromthesceneofthecrimelaughingsaying“finally,Ihavemy themtobe-thevictimwasonlytryingtoenter.
revenge”thereisthemotive.
Q: Will that act already constitute unlawful aggression?
Soheremotiveisestablishedbytheactsorstatementsmadebythe A: NO. There is no unlawful aggression because there was no
accused prior to or after the commission of the crime but NOT imminentorimmediatedangeronthelifeandpropertyofthesaid
DURINGbecauseinmotive,thereisnodirectevidence.Thewitness offender.1stelementiswanting.]
didnotseehowthecrimewascommitted.
Example;
INTENT MOTIVE ThepoliceofficersA,BandCweredininginarestaurantwhenthey
Itisthemovingpowerwhich noticedagroupofmenwhoaresonoisy.AndsoAlookedatthem
impelsapersontodoaspecific andnoticedthatoneofthem,Xhadaguntuckedonhiswaist.SoA
Use of a particular means to
act to achieve the desired wentonthebackofXandtoldhim“Icanseethatyouhaveagun
achieve a desired result;
result,therefore,itisthe tuckedonyourwaist.Doyouhavealicense?I’mapoliceofficer.”X
reason behind intent; said“Yessir,Ihavealicense.”AndAsaid“Showmeyourlicense.”So
A material element in Immaterial to determine the Xstoodupandhetriedtogethiswalletfromhispocketinorderto
determining the criminal criminal liability of the showhislicenseasrequestedbyA.Ashewaspickinghiswallet,he
liability of the accused; offender; wasturningaroundtolookatA.ThemomenthefacedA,Ashothim.
Established/provenbythe Established by the Xdied.Prosecutedforhomicide,Asaidheactedundermistakeof
overtactoftheoffenderorby acts/statementsmadebythe facts.Hethought,whatXwaspickingwashisgunandthathewould
themeansemployed; accusedpriortoor beshotbyX.Therefore,inself-defenseheshotXfirst.
Q: Will his defense of mistake of facts lie in his favor? Example;

A:NO.The1stelementiswanting.GrantingforargumentthatwhatX Killing another, taking the thing of another;
waspickingwasthegun,itwillnotconstituteunlawfulaggression
becausethegunwasnotyetpointedatA.itwillnotyetbringan MALA IN SE MALA PROHIBITA
immediatedangeronthelifeofA.Also,the3rdelementiswanting.A Inherently evil, wrong per se; Notinherently evil
was negligent, there was fault or carelessness on his part in or wrong;
ascertainingthetruefactsofthecase.Hewasaskingforthelicense Criminalliabilityisbasedonthe Criminalliabilityisbasedonthe
andXsaidhehasone.Definitely,whatwouldbeshowntohimwould intent or morality ofthe mere doing of theprohibited
bethelicensenotthegun. offender; act;
Good faith or lack of criminal Good faith or lack of criminal
Yapyucu v. Sandiganbayan (G.R. No. 120744-46, June 25, 2012) intent is a valid defense; intent is not a valid defense;
YapyucuweremembersofthePolicestationedinPampanga.They Modifying circumstances such Modifying circumstances such
received a tip that NPA were spotted near their vicinity. Thus, asmitigatingandaggravating asmitigatingandaggravating
Yapyucu and his men convened in a nearby road to wait for the areconsideredbythecourtin are NOT considered by the
allegedvehicleoftheNPA.UponseeingaTamarawJeepreportedly theimpositionofpenalty; court in the imposition of
containingNPAsoldiers,Yapyucuandhismenimmediatelyopenshot penalty UNLESSotherwise
thejeep.Asaresult,Licup,oneofthepassengersofthejeep,died, provided by Special Penal Law;
andanotherone,Villanueva,wasinjured.Uponcloserinspectionof the Degree of participation ofthe Degreeofparticipationbythe
jeep, it was later found out that the passengers were not offender(principal,accomplice, offenderisNOTconsidered.All
membersoftheNPA,andthattheywerenotarmed.Aninformation oraccessory)isconsideredin perpetrators of the act are
forhomicidewasfiledagainstYapyuco.Yapyucuontheotherhand, theimpositionofthepenalty; equally punished UNLESS
pleadedmistakeoffacts.Hearguedthathadthepassengersbeen otherwise provided bythe
membersoftheNPA,hewouldhavebeenjustifiedinfiringatthem. Special Penal Law;
Stage (attempted, frustrated, Theonlystageconsideredisthe
Q: Is the contention Yapyucu justified? orconsummated)istakeninto consummated stage. No
A:NO.The1stelementofMistakeoffactisthattheactdonewould consideration in the imposition attempted or frustratedstage
havebeenlawfulhadtheybeenwhattheoffenderbelievedthemto of thepenalty; UNLESS otherwise providedby
be.Inthiscase,evenifthepassengersweremembersoftheNPA,the the Special Penal Law;
accusedwasnotjustifiedinfiringatthemabsentofanyreasonto
believe that their lives were in danger. Also, the 3rd element of **Notallactspunishablebyspecialpenallawsaremalaprohibita!!
Mistakeoffactisthatthemistakemustbewithoutfault,negligence, Therearesomespecialpenallawswhichpunishactsmalainse,e.g.
orcarelessnessoftheoffender.Inthiscase,theaccusedcouldhave plunderisaspecialpenallawyettheSCsaidplunderismaluminse.
beenmoreprudentintheexerciseofhisfunctions.Hecouldhave
criminal intentmatters.
stoppedthejeeptoascertainthepassengers.Likewise,evenifthe
jeepdidnotstop,theycouldhavepursuedthejeepseeingasthey
Garciav.CA(G.R.No.157171March14,2006)
haveanavailablecarandthejeepwasmovinginaslowspeeddueto
Garciawastheheadoftheboardofcanvassers.Thenumberofvotes
thepotholesintheroad.
ofSen.Pimentelwasdecreased.Indecreasingthenumberofvotes,
thesaidvoteswerenotaddedtoanycandidate.Soitdidnotfavor
The Supreme Court convicted the accused of homicide and denied anycandidate.Soaccordingtohim,heactedingoodfaith,nocriminal
their defense of mistake of fact.
intent. But according to the other side, it is a special penal law,
thereforetheyshouldbeheldcriminallyliable.
Q: Can a crime be committed without criminal intent?
A:YES.Thereare2instanceswhereinintentisnotanessential
Q:ShouldGarcia’sdefenseofgoodfaithbeappreciatedinviolation
element of acrime; oftheOmnibusElectionCode(SpecialLaw)?
1. CulpableFelony A:YES.Theactofdecreasingorincreasingacandidate’svotealthough
2. Whenthecrimeisinviolationofspecialpenallaws(Acts punishedbyspecialpenallawisamaluminse.itisinherentlyevilor
Mala prohibita) wrong.
ACTS MALA PROHIBITA
Whataboutinthiscase,itisamaluminse.AndGarciaandcompany
Actsmalaprohibitaareactswhichareonlywrongbecausethereisa said,theyactedingoodfaith,theywerealreadysotired,becauseof
lawthatprohibitsandpenalizesit; thecounting.Sohowcometheywerestillconvicted?
They are not inherently wrong; AccordingtotheSC:Theyshouldexerciseextraordinarydiligencein
thecountingofthevotes.Hence,theyarestillheldcriminallyliable.
Example; Thedefenseofgoodfaithwouldnotlieintheirfavorasboardof
Illegal possession of unlicensed firearms; canvassers.
ACTS MALA IN SE Q:Cananactmalainseabsorbanactmalaprohibita?Andvice
Actsmalainseareactswhichareinherentlyevilorwrongperse,even versa?
ifthere’snotlaw,itisevil;
A:NO. InthecaseofLoneyv.PeopletheSupremeCourtheldthat ProximateCause-Proximatecauseisthecausethatsetsintomotion

intentisamaterialelementinactsmalaprohibita,ontheotherhand allothercausesandwhichunbrokenbyefficientinterveningcause
intentisimmaterialinactsmalaprohibita. producesthefelonywithoutwhichthefelonywouldhavenotbeen
committed.
Lonely v. People (G.R. No. 152644, February 10, 2006)
Lonelyandcompany,theheadofmarcoppercompanywerecharged ForonetobecriminallyliableundertheProximateCausedoctrine,it
4cases–violationofthewatercodeofthePhilippines,violationof the isnecessarythatthefeloniousactandtheresultingfelonymustnot
Philippine mining act, violation of national pollution control bebrokenbyanyefficientinterveningcause.
degree–allthreeareactsmalaprohibitaandoneactmaluminse–
thatisviolationofArt.365recklessimprudenceresultingtodamage to Noefficientorsuperveninginterveningcausemusthavebrokenthe
property. Their contention was that the 3 other information causalconnectionbetweenthefeloniousactoftheoffenderandthe
involvingviolationofspecialpenallawshouldalreadybequashed resultingfelony.
becausetheyareabsorbbyArt.365.Anyway,theincidentresulted
fromthesameactofpolluting. Elements;
InthecaseofGarciav.People(G.R.No.171951,August28,2009),
Q:Shouldrecklessimprudenceresultingtodamagetoproperty TheSupremeCourtenumeratedthefollowingelementsofproximate
underArticle365oftheRevisedPenalCodeabsorbtheviolationof cause:
special penallaws? 1. Theintendedactisafeloniousact;
A:NO.Actsmalainsecannotabsorbactsmalaprohibita.Whatmakes 2. Theresultingactisafelony;
anactmaluminseisthepresenceofintent,deceitordoloorfaultor 3. The resulting act is the direct, natural and logical
culpa.Ontheotherhand,whatmakesanactmalumprohibitumisthe consequenceofthefeloniousactoftheoffender;
factthatit’sinviolationofaspecialpenallaw.Therefore,onecannot
absorbtheother.Sotheyhavetobeprosecutedonall4cases. Therefore,foronetobecriminallyliableundertheProximateCause
Example; doctrine,itisnecessarythattheoffenderisperformingafelonious
XkilledBwiththeuseofmotorvehicle.XhitandbumpedB.Xwas actandsinceheisperformingafeloniousact,hebecomesliablefor
charged with murder. So the information charges an intentional all the resulting crime although different from that which he
felony of murder. Trial on merits ensued, after the prosecution intended.Providedthattheresultingfelonyisthedirect,naturaland
presentedevidence,thedefensepresentedevidence.Thedefense logical consequence of his felonious act. Otherwise stated, his
wasabletoshow,toprovebeyondreasonabledoubtthatthereason feloniousactmustbetheproximatecauseoftheresultingfelony.
forthesaidactofkillingBwasbecauseXlostcontrolofhisbrake.
Therefore,accordingtothem,therewasonlyimprudenceandsoX ForonetobecriminallyliableundertheProximateCausedoctrine,it
should only be held liable for reckless imprudence resulting in isnotnecessarythattheoffendershouldhaveeventouchthebody of
homicide.Thejudgebelievedthedefense.Soinaninformationforan the victim. It suffices that the felonious act performed by the
intentional felony of murder, the said court convicted X only of offenderhasgeneratedinthemindofthevictim,fearforhislife.By
recklessimprudenceresultinginhomicide,aculpablefelony. reasonofthatfearforhislifethevictimperformedacts,maderisk
thatinjuredhimself.Theaccusedwillbecomecriminallyliable.
Q:Isthejudgecorrect?Canthejudgeconvictapersonofaculpable
felonyinaninformationthatchargeshimofintentionalfelony? Example;
A:Yes.Thereasonisthataculpablefelonyisnecessarilyincludedin B and G were boyfriend and girlfriend respectively. During their
anintentionalfelonybecauseaculpablefelonyisoflesseroffense relationship,BpromisedGthathewouldmarryher.Oneday,Btold
thanthatofintentionalfelony. Gthatsheshouldwaitforhimoutsidethechurchat7pmthatnight
sotheycouldgetmarried.However,insteadofshowingup,BsentG
*Amalumprohibitumisnotnecessarilyincludedinmaluminse. alettersayingthathecouldn’tmarryherbecauseBalreadyhasawife
Therefore,onecannotabsorbtheother. andchildren.Gwassoheartbroken.Shecouldn’tlivewiththepainso
sheendedherlifeandcommittedsuicide.
--xXx--
Q: Is B liable for the death of G through the Proximate Cause
Art.4.Criminalliability.—Criminalliabilityshallbe Doctrine?
incurred: A:No.ThefirstelementofProximateCauseisabsent.Underthe
Byanypersoncommittingafelony(delito)althoughthe FamilyCode,breachofpromisetomarryisnotanactionablewrong.
wrongfulactdonebedifferentfromthatwhichheintended. Thus,althoughthedeathofGisconsideredafelony,theintentionof
Byanypersonperforminganactwhichwouldbean Bisnotafeloniousact.
offenseagainstpersonsorproperty,wereitnotfortheinherent
impossibility of its accomplishment or an account of the Example;
employmentofinadequateorineffectualmeans. BandGwereboyfriendandgirlfriendrespectively.BpromisedGthat he
will marry her. However, B changed his mind. G was so
Proximate Cause Doctrine heartbroken,shewenttothetopfloorofthenearestbuilding.Atthe
Proximate Cause Doctrine states that criminal liability shall be top,Gjumpedovertheledgeandcommittedsuicide.Gdied.Onher
incurredbyanypersoncommittingafelony(delito)althoughthe waydown,Glandedoverapedestrian.Thepedestrianwassquashed
wrongfulactdonebedifferentfromthatwhichheintended. byGresultingtothedeathofthepedestrian.
Q:IsGliableforthedeathofthepedestrianbyvirtueofthe Q: Is X criminally liable for the death of the boy?

proximatecause? A:YES.Firstelement,theintendedactisafeloniousact.Hewasnot
A:NO.UndertheRevisedPenalCode,committingsuicideisnot committingafeloniousact.Hewasjustactinghisrightwhenhesaid
considered afelony. he will call the police considering that the boys were taking his
mangoes,theywerecommittingtheft.Therefore,hewasjustacting
EFFICIENT INTERVENING CAUSE (EIC) withinhisright.SinceXwasnotcommittingafeloniousact,hecannot
EfficientInterveningForceisanactiveforcewhichisadistinctact beheldcriminallyliablefortheresultingfelony.
absolutelyforeignfromthefeloniousactoftheoffender.
* Soifyouaregivenaproblem,thefirstthingyoushoulddoisto
InorderthatanactisconsideredanEfficientInterveningCause,itis determineifthepersoniscommittingafeloniousact.Ifnot,aperson
necessary that it is totally foreign from the felonious act that is cannotbeheldliablefortheresultingfelony.Ifheis,thenheisliable for
performed by theoffender; the resultingfelony.
ProximateCauseisnotalwaystheimmediatecause.Attimesitmay be Example;
a remotecause; Inthesamecase,Xtoldtheboys,ifyouwillnotcomedownIhave
heremyshotgun,Iwillshooteachoneofyouandhefiredshotsin
Example; theair.Theboysweresoafraidandhurriedlywentdown,oneofthem
AwasdrivinghiscaralongSLEXfollowedbyB,byC,byD,byE.When jumped,fellandsufferedseriousphysicalinjuriesbecauseofhis
Areachedthetollgate,hestoppedtopaythetoll,soBstoppedas brokenlegs.
wellasCandD.Ehoweverwasverysleepy,hedidnotputtostopso
hehitD,DhitC,ChitB,BhitA.BecauseoftheimpactthecarofA Q: Is X criminally liable for the injuries sustained by the boy?
sustained seriousdamage. A:NO.Becausethistimehewascommittingafeloniousact.Hewas
threateningtoshootthechildren.Itisafeloniousactamountingto
Q:Whatistheproximatecauseofthedamagesustainedbythecar grave threats. Therefore, this time he is criminally liable for the
ofA? resultingfelonyalthoughdifferentfromthatwhichheintended.
A:TheProximateCausewasEbecauseitwasthecarofEwhichsets into
motion all other cars to bump each other. It was not the * ForonetobecriminallyliableundertheProximateCauseDoctrine,
immediatecausebecausetheimmediatecausewasthecarofB itisnecessarythatthereisnoefficientinterveningcausethathas
becauseitisthecarofBwhichhitthecarofA.SoaPCisnotalways brokenthechainbetweenthefeloniousactandtheresultingfelony.
theimmediatecause,attimesitmaybetheremotecause.
Example;
Example; A and B, they are boyfriend and girlfriend respectively. The A
AbuswasgoingtoQuezon,suddenly4menboardedabus,2man promisedtomarryBthatnight.Bwaitedinvain,however,Adidnot
seatedatfrontseatsandtheother2seatedatback.Whiletheywere arrive.InsteadBreceivedatextmessagesayingthatAwouldnotbe
traversing a zigzag portion on the road, the 4men stood up and abletocome,andcouldnotmarryBbecauseAisalreadyamarried
announcedaholdup.Onepassengerwassoafraidoftherobberas manwith5children.SoBbecamesosad.Frustrated,shebegancrying
hehadapreviousexperienceofrobbers.Hewassoafraidthathe terriblyandwentoutofthehouse,walkedonthestreets,notonher
openedawindowandhejumpedoutofawindow,hefellonacliff and ownrightfulself.Shefellonacanalandshedied.
hedied.
Q: Is A the boyfriend, liable for the death of B?
Q: Are the robbers liable for the death of the passenger? A:NO.Itisasettledrulethatbreachofpromisetomarryisnota
A: Yes. The robbers in announcing a holdup are committing a feloniousact.SinceBwasnotcommittingafelony,therefore,he
felonious act. cannotbeliableforthedeathofA.
Theresultingactwasafelony,theresultingfelonywasthedirect, Example;
naturalandlogicalconsequenceofthefeloniousactoftheoffenders. Inthesameproblem,whenthegirllearnedthatthemancouldnot
Wereitnotfortherobbersannouncingaholdup,therewouldbeno marryher.Shewentonthetopmostportionofthebuilding,decided
fearonthemindofthepassenger.Butbecauseoftheannouncement, tocommitsuicidetotakeherownlife.Shejumped.However,asshe
therewasfearonthemindofpassengerandbyreasonofthatfear, wasfalling,shefellonachild.Thegirlsurvivedbutthechildwas
hemaderiskthatcausedhisdeath.Therobbersareliableforrobbery pinned down anddied.
withhomicidebecausetheyareliableforthedeathofthepassenger.
Q: Is A, the boyfriend, liable for the death of the child?
Example; A:NO.Again,breachofpromisetoisnotafelony.SinceAwasnot
Xwashavingasiestaontheterraceoftheirhouseonarockingchair. performingafeloniousact,heisnotliableforanyresultingfelony.
Suddenlyhewasawakenedbythenoiseofthechildren.Hefoundout
thatitwascomingfromthebackyardoftheirhouse,saw4boys Q: is B, the girlfriend, liable for the death of the baby?
harvestinghismangotree.Sohetoldtheboystocomedownthetree, A:NO.CommittingsuicideisnotafelonyeithertheRPCoranyspecial
otherwise,hewillbecallingthepoliceandletthembearrested.The PenallawinPHjurisdiction.Itisnotafeloniousact.However,in
boys hurriedly went down the tree. One boy from the top most performingsaidlawfulact,shedidnotdosowithduecare.Sinceshe
portionofthetreejumpeddownandhishead hitabigstone.He didnotdosowithduecare,shebecomesliableforaCULPABLE
sufferedhemorrhage,thereafterhedied. FELONY.Soherethereisasimplenegligenceonthepartofthesaid
woman,therefore,thesaidwomanmaybeheldliableforsimple preciselyheneededmedicalintervention,heneededtreatmentof
negligenceresultingtohomicideforthedeathofthesaidchild. thedoctorbecausehesustainedastabwoundfromA.Therefore,
thereisaconnectionbetweenthefeloniousactandthemedical
People vs. Villacorta (G.R. No. 186412, August 28, 2009) treatment.ItthereforcannotbeconsideredasanEIC.Thedoctors
January23,2002,therewasastabbingincident.Cruzwasstabbedby negligence would only make him liable administratively but not
Villacortaontheleftsideofhisbodywithasharpenedbamboostick. criminally.
HewasbroughttotheTondoMedicalCenter.Hewasreleasedonthe
very same day as out patient because his wound was not fatal. Example;
February14,2002hewasbroughttoSanLazaroHospital.Hewas AandBwerefriends.Afterfarmingwhiletheywerehavingadrinking
alreadysufferingfromtetanusinfection.AdayafterFebruary15he spree,theyhadapoliticaldiscussion,AwasproPnoyandBwaspro
died.Thecauseofhisdeathwastetanusinfection.Villacortawas GMA.Theiragreementheated,Bstoodupandbrokeabottleofbeer,
prosecutedforthecrimeofhomicideforthedeathofCruz.Thelower stabbedA.Awaswounded.Theypartedways.Awasonhiswayhome
court convictedhim. whensuddenlyitrained.AfteritrainedtherewaslightningandAwas
hitbylightning.Adied.TheheirsofAfiledacaseofhomicideagainst
Q: Is the accused liable for homicide? B.
A:NO.SupremeCourt:CitingUrbanocase,hecannotbeconvictedof
thecrimeofhomicide.Basedontheexperttestimonyofthedoctor, Q: Is B criminally liable for the death of A?
theincubationperiodofthetetanusvirusiswithin14days.Inthe A:NO.Undertheproximatecausedoctrine,Bisnotcriminallyliable
case,ittookthevictim22daysbeforehedied.Thereforethestab forthedeathofAbecausetherewasanEICthatisthelightning.The
woundwaswithouttetanusvirus.Cruzmayhaveperformedacts lightningwasanactiveforcewhichisadistinctactorfactabsolutely
which brought about the tetanus virus. The stabbing was only a foreignfromthefeloniousactoftheoffenderwhichwasthestabbing
remotecauseandthetetanusinfectionwastheproximateinfection ofthevictim.ThereforehecannotbeheldliableforthedeathofA
whichbroughtaboutthedeathofthevictim. butonlyphysicalinjuriessustainedbythevictim.
SoVillacortawasonlyconvictedofslightphysicalinjuriesbecause 3 SITUATIONSWHEREINAPERSONBECOMESCRIMINALLYLIABLE
theywerenotabletoproveintenttokill.First,noevidenceofmotif. FOR THE RESULTING FELONY ALTHOUGH DIFFERENT FROM THAT
Secondnatureandnumberofweaponused.Asharpenedbamboo WHICH HEINTENDED:
stick, not even a little weapon made of metal. Third, the nature, 1. AbberatioIctus(Mistakeintheblow)
numberandlocationofwound.Itwasonlyontheleftsideofthe 2. ErrorinPersonae(Mistakeintheidentity);
body.Fourth,mannerofcommittingthecrime.Afteronestabbing, 3. Praeterintentionem;
therewasnomore.Sofromhomicide,hewasonlyconvictedofslight
physicalinjurypunishedbythelowestpenaltyarrestomenor,1- ABERRATIO ICTUS
30daysorfineofnotmorethanP200. AberratioIctusisasituationwhereintheoffenderdirectedablowat
hisintendedvictimbutbecauseofpooraim,theblowlandedon
Urbano vs. IAC (G.R. NO. 72964, September 7, 2011) anothervictim.
JavierwashackedbyUrbanoonhisrightpalm.Javiersufferedan
incisedwoundandbroughttothehospital.Therewassettlement. Example;
Thereafterhewasreleased.However,after22dayshewasbrought XandYhadafistfight.Xlost.However,XvowedtoYthathewillhave
tothehospital,hewasalreadysufferingfromtetanuspoisoning.The hisrevenge.Oneday,XsawYridinginatricycle.Inthatinstance,X
next day hedied. pulledouthisgunandwithintenttokill,shotY.However,duetopoor
aim,Xhitthetricycledriverinstead.Thetricycledriverdied.
Q: Is the accused liable for homicide?
A:NO.SC:samereasoningbytheSC.TheactcommittedbyJavier Q: What crime may X be convicted in so far as Y is concerned?
afterhewasreleasedfromthehospital,thefishing,goingtothefarm A:InsofarasYisconcerned,Xisliableforattemptedmurderbecause
was considered as the proximate cause that brought about the heintendedtokillY.Healreadyperformedanovertactwhenhefired
tetanusvirusonhisincisedwound.Thereforehewasnotconvicted thegunwithintenttokillagainstB.Therewastreacherybecausethe
ofthecrimeofhomicidebutonlyphysicalinjuries. victimwastotallydefenseless.However,becauseofpooraim,itwas
thetricycledriverwhodied.
Example;
AandBwerefighting.AstabbedB.Bsustainedalessseriousphysical Q:WhatcrimemayXbeconvictedinsofarasthetricycledriveris
injuries.Bwasbroughttothehospital,itwasnotaseriouswound, concer?
however,becauseofthenegligenceorcarelesstreatmentofthe Insofarasthetricycledriverisconcerned,Xisliableformurder.In
doctor,thisnotseriouswoundbecameaveryseriouswoundwhich thecaseofPeoplev.Flora(G.R.No.125909,June23,2000),the
later on caused the death of B. The relatives of B filed a caseof SupremeCourtheldthattreacheryisappreciatedinAberratioIctus.
homicide againstA. TheFloradoctrinewaslikewiseadoptedbythecourtinPeoplev.
Adrian(G.R.No.205228,July15,2015).
Q:IsAliableofhomicideforthedeathofB?Orwouldyouconsider
thecarelesstreatmentofthedoctorasanEIC? Q: Therefore, of what crime will you charge and convict X?
A:AisliableforthedeathofB.Thenegligenceorcarelesstreatment A:Therearetwocrimescommitted.AgainstYattemptedmurder,
ofthedoctorcannotbeconsideredasanEIC.Thenegligenttreatment againstthetricycledriverismurder.Butsincethis2crimeswere
ofthedoctorwasanactiveforcebutitisnotadistinctactorfact broughtaboutbyasingleact,itwillgiverisetoacomplexcrimeunder
absolutelyforeignfromthefeloniousactoftheoffender.Because Art.48.UnderArt.48whenasingleactconstitutestwoormoregrave
orlessgravefelonies,wehavecompoundcrimeoracomplexcrime. ERROR IN PERSONAE

Thus,thecrimecommittedbyXisMurderwithattemptedmurder ErrorinPersonaeisasituationwhereinthevictimactuallyreceived
becauseitresultsfromthesingleactofthecrime. the bullet but he was mistaken to be the intended victim. The
intendedvictimwasnotatthesceneofthecrime.
Q:Inthesamecaseasmentionedabove,thetricycledriversurvived
butsustainedamortalwound.WhatcrimemaybechargedtoX? Effects
A:AstoY,Xisliableforattemptedmurder.Astothetricycledriver, Theeffectoferrorinpersonaedependsonthevariancebetweenthe
XisliableforseriousPhysicalinjuriesonlybecausethereisnointent intendedcrimeandtheactualcrimecommitted;
tokill on his part.
Mitigating-Ifthereisvariancebetweenthepenaltyoftheintended
Q:Whatifwhenthetricycledriverwashitbythebullet,heonly crime and the penalty of the actual crime committed, the lesser
sustainedaslightphysicalinjurywhichisalightfelony,areyou penaltybetweenthetwoshallapply;
going tocomplex?
A:NO.ThistimeyoucannotcomplexbecauseunderArt.48,youcan Ifthereisnovariancebetweenthepenaltyoftheintendedcrimeand
onlycomplexgraveandlessgravefelonies.Youcannotcomplexa light the crime actually committed, then it will not affect the criminal
felony. Therefore, there would be 2 cases filed separately. liability of theoffender;
AttemptedmurderinsofarasBisconcerned.Slightphysicalinjuryin
sofarasCisconcerned.So2informations,2casesmustbefiledin Example;
thecourt. AandBwerefighting.ApunchedBsohard,hefellontheground,his
facefacingtheground.Aleftthesceneofthecrime.Atthatprecise
People v. Flora (G.R. No. 125909, June 23, 2000). momentwhenAleft,herecomesthefatherofBwhosawhispoor
HermogenesFloraandhisbrotherEdwinFlorawereinaparty.Inthat sonboxedbyAsohecametotherescueofhissonandwentnear
party,theysawIreneoGallarte,theuncleoftheirenemyVillanueva. As him.Toretaliate,Btookouthisbalisongandstabbedthepersonnext to
a revenge against Villanueva, the brothers shot Gallarte,but him thinking that it was still his opponent A but in truth it was
becauseofpooraim,theyhitFlorEspinasandkilledEmeritaRoma. alreadyhisfather.Let'ssaythefatherdied.
However,thebrotherssucceededinkillingGallarte.
Q: What was the intended crime committed by B?
Q:WhatistheliabilityofthebrotherstothedeceasedGallarteand A:BintendedtocommithomicidebecauseheintendedtokillA,the
Roma? person who boxedhim.
A:AstoGallarteandRoma,theSupremeCourtheldthatthebrothers
wereguiltyofmurderbecausethekillingwasqualifiedbytreachery. Q: What crime did B actually commit?
Treacheryispresentwhenthedeceasedwasnotgivenachanceto A: B actually committedparricide because he killed his own father.
defend themselves. Since neither Gallarte and Roma were given a
chancetodefendthemselves,bothaccusedwereguiltyofmurder. Q: Of what crime will you prosecute B?
A:BshouldbeprosecutedforParricidebecausethatisthecrimehe
Q: What is the liability of the brothers to the Espinas? actually committed.
A:AstoFlorEspinas,thebrotherswereguiltyofattemptedmurder.
Let's say that he is now charged of parricide. Trial on themerits
People v. Adriano (G.R. 205228, July 15, 2015) proceeded.TheJudgefoundhimguiltybeyondreasonabledoubtof
PoliceOfficersGarabilesandSantoswereonpatrollingthestreetsof parricide.
PampangawhentheysawaToyotaCorollaovertookthem.The
CorollareachedalongsideaSUV.TheCorollacutthelaneoftheSUV Q: What penalty as a Judge would you impose on him?
leadingthelattertoswerveandfallintoacanal.4menalightedthe A:Thejudgeshouldimposethepenaltyforhomicide.Thepenaltyfor
CorollaandthereafterpepperedtheSUVwithgunshotsresultingto parricideunderArt.246isreclusionperpetuatodeathwhereasthe
thedeathofthedriver.Astraybullethitabystanderidentifiedas penaltyforhomicideunderArt.249isreclusiontemporal.Although
Bulanan.FurtherinvestigationshowedthattheaccusedCabiedeswas hecommittedparricide.Youhavetoimposeuponhimthepenalty
oneofthosemenwhoparticipatedinthekillingofthedriverofthe whichislesserandthatisreclusiontemporalbutinitsmaximum
SUV. period.
Q:WhatistheliabilityoftheaccusedtothedriveroftheSUV? UnderArt.49,incaseofErrorinPersonaeorMistakeintheIdentity,
A:AstothedriveroftheSUV,theaccusedisguiltyofmurderbecause whenthereisavariancebetweentheintendedcrimeandtheactual
thekillingwascoupledbytreachery.TheaccusedambushedtheSUV crimecommitted,youhavetocomparethe2.Whicheverhasalesser
givingthedrivernochancetodefendhimself. penalty,thatpenaltyhastobeimposed.
Q: What is the liability of the accused to Bulanan? Inthecasetheintendedfelonyishomicidebuttheactualfelonyis

A:AstoBulanan,theaccusedislikewiseguiltyofmurder.TheCourt parricide. Compare the penalty of the 2, although B should be
heldthattreacheryisappreciatedinaberrationictusapplyingthe convictedofthecrimeofparricide,thepenaltywillbethatofthe
Floradoctrine. crimewithalesserpenalty.Thatisreclusiontemporalforhomicide.
Example;
Inthesameproblem,insteadofthefathercomingtotherescueofB,
itwasthefriendofBwhocametohisrescue.SowhenAleft,the
friendofBarrivedandwastheonestabbedbyBanddied.Therefore, A:YES.becausenoonecouldhaveforeseenthatthemereactof
Bkilledhisownbestfriend.Thecrimecommittedishomicide. elbowingtheW,deathwouldresult.Therewasanotabledisparity
betweenthemeansemployed,theactofelbowingtheW,andthe
Q: What was B’s intended crime? resultingfelonywhichisdeathorparricide.Therefore,heshouldbe
A: B intended to commit homicide. giventhebenefitofmitigatingcircumstance.
Q: What crime did B actually commit? Garcia vs. People (G.R. No. 171951)
A:Bactuallycommittedhomicidebecausehekilledhisownbest AccusedGarciawashavingakaraokewithhisfriendslateatnight
friend. whendeceasedChyrequestedtheaccusedtoquietdown.Thereafter,
accusedvowedtokillChyoneday.Ononeinstance,theaccusedsaw
Q: What crime would you charge him of? thedeceasedinasari-saristore.Suddenly,theaccusedhitthevictim
A:BshouldbechargedofHomicidebecausethatwashisactualcrime. inthenapewithabottleofbeerandthereaftermauledhim.The
deceasedwasabletoescapeandcalledhiswifetocallforpolice.
Q:Aftertrialonthemeritswhatpenaltywillyouimpose? Whenhiswifereturned,theChywasalreadylyinginthefloorlifeless.
A:ThepenaltytobeimposedagainstBisthepenaltyforhomicide AutopsyreportconcludesthatChydiedfromaheartattackbrought
becausethereisnovariancebetweentheintendedfelonyandthe aboutbyemotionalstress.Theaccusedwaschargedwiththecrime
felonyactuallycommitted.Inthiscase,ErrorinPersonaewillnot ofhomicide.
mitigatetheliabilityoftheoffender.Art.49willnotapply.
Q: Should the accused be convicted for the crime of homicide?
PRATER INTENTIONEM A:YES.Hisactofmaulinghimwastheproximatecauseofhisheart
Praeterintentionemoccurswhentheconsequencewentbeyondthe attack.However,hewasgiventhebenefitofPraeterintentionem.
intentionorwhentheinjuriousresultisgreaterthanthatintended. Whowouldhaveanticipatedthatthemereactofmaulingorboxing
him,deathwouldresult.Therefore,therewasPraeterintentionem.
PraeterIntetionemisasituationwhereintheoffenderdirectedthe
blowathisactualvictim,thevictimreceivedtheblow.However,the People vs. Noel Sales (G.R. No. 177218).
injuriousresultisfargreaterthanwhatisintendedbythevictim. TheaccusedNoelSalesbeathissonsbecausetheywentoutofthe
housefortwodayswithoutpermission.Theaccusedtiedoneofhis
Effect sonstoacoconuttreeandthereafterhithimwithathickpieceof
PraeterInterionemitisalwaysamitigatingcircumstancebecauseof wood.Thereafter,thesonexperiencedadifficultyinbreathing,and
Art.13oftheRevisedPenalCode; hiseyesweremovingupanddown.Thesoncollapsed,anddied.
Autopsyreportsuggestthatthesondied.Accordingtotheaccused,
Theoffenderhasnointentiontocommitsograveawrongasthat hecannotbeheldliableforparricide.Heclaimedthathehas no
committed. intentiontokillthechild,heonlyintendedtodisciplinehischildren.
However,sincethevictimdied,deathisconsideredageneralcriminal
Elements; intentwhichispresumedbylaw.Therefore,heshouldbeheldliable
1. ThattheoffendercommittedaFelony; ofparricide.
2. Theremustbeanotableornotoriousdisparitybetweenthe
means employed by the offender and the result of the Q: Does the Proximate Cause Doctrine Apply?
felony; A:Yes.Thefatherinbeatingthesonwithathickpieceofwoodwhile
thechildwastiedonacoconuttreewasalreadyafeloniousact.
For Praeter intentionem to be considered as a mitigating Thereforethefathershouldbeliablefortheresultingfelonyalthough
circumstance,theprimeelementorrequisiteisthattheremustbea differentfromthatwhichheintended.
notabledisparitybetweenthemeansemployedbytheoffenderand the
resultingfelony. Q:ShouldthefatherbegiventhebenefitofPraeterintentionem?
A:No.AccordingtotheSC,therewasnonotabledisparitybetween
* Outofthemeansemployedbytheoffender,noonecouldhave theactofthefatherhittingthesaidsonwithathickpieceofwood
anticipatedorforeseenthatinjuriousresult. whilebeingtiedonacoconuttreeandtheresultingfelonywhichis
death.Consideringtheageofthechild,suchactofthefatherwould
Example; produce and indeed produce the death of the child. Therefore it
H arrived home and asked W what was their dinner and the W cannotbsaidthatthereisnointentiontocommitsograveawrong as
answeredthatshehasnotyetcookedbecauseshewaswatching thatcommitted.
teleserye.SincetheHwassotired,hegotmadandelbowedtheW.
TheWfellonfloorandherheadhittheedgeofthetableandsoshe IMPOSSIBLE CRIME DOCTRINE
sufferedhemorrhage.Thereafter,shedied.Hsaidhehadnointention ImpossibleCrimeiscommittedbyanypersonperforminganactwhich
ofkillinghisW,heonlyelbowedher.However,sincedeathisthe wouldbeanoffenseagainstpersonsorproperty,wereitnotforthe
result,itisageneralcriminalintentwhichispresumedbylaw. inherentimpossibilityofitsaccomplishmentoranaccountofthe
employmentofinadequateorineffectualmeans.
Q: What crime should H be prosecuted?
A: H should be prosecuted for the crime of Parricide Itisnotreallyacrimeinthelegalsenseofthewordbecauseacrime
requiresasubstantivechangeintheoutsideworld.Heretheactdis
Q: Should H be given the benefit of Praeter intentionem? notripenintoacrime.Itwasnotaccomplishedintoacrimebecause of
its inherentimpossibility.
The offender is being punished because of his criminality and KINDS OF INHERENTLY IMPOSSIBILITY
dangerousness.Soalthoughobjectively,nocrimeiscommitted,still According to jurisprudence, there are two kinds of inherent
theoffendershallbepunishedthatiswhyheisconvictedonlyof impossibility;
ImpossibleCrime. 1. LegalImpossibility;
2. PhysicalImpossibility;
The penalty of IC is only arresto mayor or a fine of P200-P500
depending on the criminality or dangerousness of the offender. Legal Impossibility
There is legal impossibility when all the intended acts even if
Elements; committed would not have amounted to a crime.
ForapersontobeliableofImpossibleCrime,thefollowingrequisites
mustconcur; Example;
1. That the act done would have been an offenseagainst XsawhisenemyYlyingonabench.HewenttoYandstabbedY10
persons or property; timesnotknowingthatYhadalreadylongbeendeadfor2hoursdue
2. Thattheactwasdonewithevilintent; to a heart attack. Even if X performed all the acts amounting to
3. Thattheactwasnotaccomplishedbecauseofitsinherent murder,stillmurderwouldnotarisewhichisacrimeagainstpersons
impossibility or the employment of inadequate or becausethevictimisalreadydeceased.Heisnolongerapersonin
ineffectualmeans; theeyesofcriminallaw.ThereforethereisImpossibleCimeandwhat
4. Thattheactdoneshouldnotconstituteanyotherviolation wehaveislegalimpossibility.
oftheRevisedPenalCode;
Physical Impossibility
CRIMES AGAINST PERSON OR PROPERTY Physical or Factual Impossibility exist when an extraneous
UndertheRevisedPenalCode,crimesagainstpersonincludesthe circumstanceunknowntotheoffenderpreventedtheconsignationof
following; thecrime.Here,therearecircumstancesunknowntotheoffender,
1. Parricide; the inadequate control of the offender which prevented the
2. Murder; consignation of thecrime.
3. Homicide;
4. Abortion; Example;
5. Infanticide; Apersonplacedhishandsinsidethepocketofthepoloofanother,
6. Duel; intended to get the wallet of the said person but the pocket was
7. Physicalinjuries; empty.ItisanIC.ExtraneousCircumstancesunknowntotheoffender
8. Rape; preventedtheconsignationofthecrime.Unknowntohimthewallet
wasnotinsidehispocket.SitisanICbecauseitwouldhaveamounted
UndertheRevisedPenalCode,crimesagainstpropertyinclude; totheft,acrimeagainstproperty.
1. Robbery;
2. Brigandage; MUST NOT CONSTITUTE ANY OTHER VIOLATION OF THE REVISED
3. Theft; PENAL CODE
4. Usurpationoroccupationofrealproperty; Itisnecessarythattheactdonemustnotbeaviolationofanycrime
5. Estafaorswindling; undertheRPCotherwisethatpersonwouldbeheldliableofthat
6. Maliciousmischief; crimeandnotofanImpossiblecrime.
7. Arson.
Intod vs. CA (G.R. No. 103119 October 21, 1992)
*Only crimes against persons and property would an IC Intod,accompaniedbyothermen,wantedtokillPalampangan.Thus,
theaccusedpepperedPalampangan’sroomwithbullets.However,
Example; theintendedvictimwasnotthere.Onlytheson-in-lawandchildren
H and W were lawfully married. During the subsistence of their were present but they were not hit. Intod and his companywere
marriage,HcaughtWhavingsexualintercoursewithanotherman.As chargedwiththecrimeofattemptedmurderuptotheCA.
aresult,HfiledacomplaintofadulteryagainstW.Asadefense,W
arguedthatshecannotbeheldliableforadulterybecauseshewas Q: Should Intod be convicted for attempted murder?
bornamanandmerelychangedhersexualorgan. A: NO. The Supreme Court held that an impossible crime was
committed.Itwasunknowntotheoffendersthattheintendedvictim
Q:IsWliableforanimpossiblecrimeofadultery? wasnotatthesceneofthecrime.Itcouldhaveamountedtoacrime
A:NO.Forapersontobeheldliableforimpossiblecrime,theact againstpersonswhichismurder.Butitwasinherentlyimpossible
committedwouldhavebeenacrimeagainstpersonorpropertywere becausethevictimwasnotthere.
itnotfortheinherentimpossibilityofthecrimeortheinadequate
andineffectivemeansemployed.Inthiscase,adulteryisacrime ThisdecisionoftheSCwerecriticizedbecauseunderthe4thelement,
againstchastity.Thus,thefirstrequisiteofanimpossiblecrimeis theactmustnotconstituteanyotherviolationoftheRPC.Whenthis
absent. accusedpepperedthehouseofPalampanganwithbullets,theydid
pepperedthehousewithbullets.Sotheysaid,theyshouldbeliable
INTENT withmaliciousmischiefbecausedamagewasdonetothehouseand
Itisnecessarythattheoffenderindoingtheactmustbeincitedbyan notIC.SCretaineditsdecisionthatitisanICandthiscaseofIntodvs.
evilintent. CAwascitedinthecaseofJacintovs.People.
GARCIA NOTES- CRIMINAL LAW REVIEW[2018] 1
Jacinto vs. People (G.R. No. 162540. July 13, 2009) ofsomecauseoraccidentotherthanthisownspontaneous
Acheckwhichwassupposedtoberemittedwasnotremittedbythe desistance.
offendertoMegafoam.Insteadthecheckwasdepositedtoherown
account.Sincethecheckwasnotremitted,Megafoamfiledacaseof 2 Phases in the Commission of the crime
qualifiedtheftagainsttheemployee.Shewasconvictedbeforethe There are always 2 phases in the commission of the crime;
lowercourtuptotheCA. 1. Subjectivephase;
2. Objectivephase;
Q:Shouldtheaccusedbeconvictedoftheftifthecheckshestolewas
dishonoredduetolackoffunds? Subjective Phase
A:NO.TheSupremeCourtheldthatthecrimecommittedwasan The subjective phase is the portion in the commission of theact
ImpossibleCrimecitingthecaseofIntodvs.CA.Theactamountedto whereintheoffendercommencesthecommissionofthecrimeafter
qualifiedtheft.However,unknowntothesaidoffenderthecheckwas thetimethathestillhascontroloverhisacts.
notfunded.Therefore,shewasnotabletogetthefacevalueofthe
saidcheck.Hence,physicalcircumstancesunknowntotheoffender Hemayormaynotproceedinthecommissionofthecrime.Hestill
prevented the consummation of the crime. We have physical or hascontroloverhisacts
factualimpossibility.
Objective Phase
Q:Whataboutthefactthatthecheckwastakenandwasnot Fromthemomenttheoffenderlosescontroloverhisacts,itisalready
remitted toMegafoam? intheobjectivephaseofthecommissionofthecrime.
A:AccordingtotheSupremeCourt,thefthasbeendefinedunderArt.
308 as the taking of a property with intent to gain the personal Stages in the Development of the Crime
propertyofanother.Thereforeitisnecessarythatthepropertytaken The following are the stages in the development of a crime;
musthavevaluebecausethetakingmustbewithintenttogain.The 1. InternalActs;
mere taking of a check without value would not amount to theft 2. ExternalAct;
becausethecheckwithoutvalueisaworthlesscheck.Hence,theSC
saidthatthecrimecommittedisonlyanIC. Internal Acts
Internalactsarenotpunishable.Merecriminalthoughtswillnever
--xXx-- giverisetocriminalliability.Theremustbeanexternalact.
Art.5.Dutyofthecourtinconnectionwithactswhich External Act

shouldberepressedbutwhicharenotcoveredbythelaw,andin ExternalActareactswhichincludespreparatoryactsandactsof
casesofexcessivepenalties.—Wheneveracourthasknowledgeof execution.Asarule,preparatoryActsarenotyetpunishablebecause
anyactwhichitmaydeempropertorepressandwhichisnot theyarenotyetconnectedtoaparticularfelony.
punishablebylaw,itshallrendertheproperdecision,andshall
reporttotheChiefExecutive,throughtheDepartmentofJustice, Example;
thereasonswhichinducethecourttobelievethatsaidactshould Conspiracytocommitacrime,proposaltocommitacrime->merely
bemadethesubjectoflegislation. preparatoryacts.Hence,asaruletheyarenotpunishable
Inthesameway,thecourtshallsubmittotheChief
Executive, through the Department of Justice, such statement as ACTS OF EXECUTION
maybedeemedproper,withoutsuspendingtheexecutionofthe ActsofExecutionistheactualactofcommittingthecrime.Wehave
sentence,whenastrictenforcementoftheprovisionsofthisCode 3stages;
wouldresultintheimpositionofaclearlyexcessivepenalty,taking 1. Attempted;
intoconsiderationthedegreeofmaliceandtheinjurycausedbythe 2. Frustrated;and
offense. 3. Consummated;
There are no common law crimes in the Philippines. ATTEMPTED STAGE

Thereisanattemptwhentheoffendercommencesthecommission
--xXx-- ofafelonydirectlyoroveracts,anddoesnotperformalltheactsof
executionwhichshouldproducethefelonybyreasonofsomecause
Art.6.Consummated,frustrated,andattemptedfelonies. oraccidentotherthanthisownspontaneousdesistance.
—Consummatedfeloniesaswellasthosewhicharefrustratedand
attempted, arepunishable. Theoffenderisstillinthesubjectivephase,theoffenderhasstill
Afelonyisconsummatedwhenalltheelementsnecessary controloverhisacts,hemayproceedinthecommissionofthecrime
for its execution and accomplishment are present; and it is or he maydesist.
frustratedwhentheoffenderperformsalltheactsofexecution
which would produce the felony as a consequence but which, Themomenthedesistonhisownspontaneousdesistancethenhe
nevertheless,donotproduceitbyreasonofcausesindependentof willnolongerbeheldcriminallyliable.
the will of theperpetrator.
Thereisanattemptwhentheoffendercommencesthe Elements;
commissionofafelonydirectlyoroveracts,anddoesnotperform The following are the elements of attempted felony;
alltheactsofexecutionwhichshouldproducethefelonybyreason 1. Theoffendercommencesthecommissionofthefelony
directly by overtact;
2. Thathedoesnotperformallactsofexecutionthatwould Baleros vs. People (G.R. No. 138033, February 22, 2006)
have produced thefelony; Thewomanwasawakenedbyamanpressingaclothsoakedwith
3. That his act was not stopped by his own spontaneous chemicalonherface.Themanwasontopofher,shestruggled,she
desistance; wasabletokicktheman,themanjumpedoutofthewindow.She
4. Thathewasnotabletoperformallactsofexecutionby calledontheguardandtheneveryonecameuptoher.Thecasefiled
reason of some cause or accident other than his own againstthemanwasattemptedrape.Themanwasconvictedupto
spontaneousdesistance; theCAofattemptedrape.
Overt Act Q: Was there attempted rape?

OvertActreferstoanyexternalactwhichifallowedtocontinuewill A:NO.TheSupremeCourtheldthattheovertactofpressingacloth
naturallyandlogicallyripenintoacrime. soakedwithchemicalonthefaceofawomanisnotanovertact
directly connected to rape. The obvious intent was to make the
Whatthelawrequiresisthattheovertactmustbedirectlyconnected womanunconsciousbutoncethewomanismadeunconscious,the
totheintendedfelony.Theoffendercommencesthecommissionof manmayrape,maytouchtheprivatepartsofthewoman,orhemay
thecrimedirectlybyovertact. injurethewoman,ormayrobthepropertyofthewoman.Therefore
hecannotbeheldliableforattemptedrape.
Directly By Overt Acts
DirectlybyOvertActsmeansthattheOvertActsperformedbythe Whentheovertactofapersonisambiguousinsofarastheintended
offendermustbedirectlyconnectedtotheintendedfelony. felony is committed, what we have is an attempt to commit an
indeterminateoffensewhichisajuridicalstandpointinsofarasthe
Theattemptedfelonythatispunishedbylawisonewhichisdirectly RPC isconcerned
connectedtotheovertactperformedbytheoffenderalthoughhehas
admitted thecrime. Indeterminate Offense
Inindeterminateoffense,theovertactofapersoninrelationtothe
Example; intendedfelonyisambiguous.Itisnecessarythattheovertactmust
Xwonthelottery.Xputthelotterymoneyinasafeinhishouse.Y benecessarilyconnectedtothefelony.Onlythenhewillbepunished
wantedtostealthelotterymoneyinX’shouse.Onthatnight,Ywent ofthesaidattemptedfelony.
tothehouseofX.Inordertoenterthehouse,Yremovedthejalousies
ofthewindowofX’shouse.WhenYwasabouttoenterthehouseof Riveravs.People(G.R.No.166326,January25,2006)
X,abarangaytanodsawY.Thereafter,Ywasapprehendedbythe Thevictimwasmauled,hitwithhollowblocks,Riverabrotherswere
barangaytanodbeforehecouldenterX’shouse.Ywaschargedwith abletopinhimdownontheground.Suddenlytherewasthesirenof
attemptedrobbery. thepolice,sotheRiverabrothersfled.Themedicalcertificateshowed
thatthevictimonlysufferedsuperficialinjuries,onlyslightphysical
Q: Should X be convicted of attempted robbery? injuries,yettheywerechargedofattemptedmurder.
A:NO.TheactofYinremovingthejalousiewindowofXisnotdirectly
connectedtotheactofrobbery.Theactofremovingthejalousiesof Q: What is the criminal liability of the Rivera brother, if any?
the window will not necessarily ripen in to the crime of robbery A:TheRiveraBrothersareliableforattemptedmurder.Thefirst
becauseonceinside,Ymayrape,maykill,mayrob,etc. elementwaspresent,theyboxedthevictim,theymauledhim,their
intentionwastokillhim.Second,theywerenotabletoperformall
Q: What is the liability of X, if any? actsofexecutionbecauseofthearrivalofthepolice.Therefore,the
A:Xisliableonlyforattemptedtrespasstodwelling.Removingthe non-consummationofthecrimewasbecauseofacauseoraccident
jalousieofthewindowisanovertactdirectlyconnectedtotrespass to otherthantheaccused'sownspontaneousdesistance.
dwelling. It will necessarily ripen into the crime of trespass to
dwelling.However,becausethebarangaytanodapprehendedY Q: Why attempted murder? Why not slight physical injuries?
beforehecouldenterthehouseofX,hedidnotperformalltheacts of A: Because there was intent to kill.
execution by reason or some accident other than his own
spontaneousdesistance. Determining Intent to Kill
Thefollowingarethefactorstodeterminewhetherornotthereis
Poeple vs. Lamahag (G.R. No. L-43530, August 3, 1935) intent tokill;
Apersonintendingtorobastoremadeanopeningonthewallofthe 1. Evidence ofmotive;
storesufficientforhisbodytoenter.Hisintentionwastorob.Before 2. Thenatureandnumberofweaponsusedbytheoffender;
hecouldenterhewasalreadyapprehended. 3. Thenature,numberandlocationofthewoundsinflictedon
thevictim;
Q: Can he be liable of attempted robbery? 4. Mannerofcommittingthecrime;
A:NO.BecausehisOAofmakinganopeningonthewallofthestore 5. Actsandstatementsmadebytheoffenderbefore,during
isnotanovertactdirectlyconnectedtorobbery.Itisonlyanovert andafterthecommissionofthecrime;
actdirectlyconnectedtotrespassing.Hence,hecanonlybeheld
liable for attemptedtrespassing. Example;
XandYwerefighting.Inthecourseofthefight,Xpulledoutagun.
Althoughhisintentionwastocommitrobbery,onceinsidehemay Uponseeingthis,YranawayfromX.Withintenttokill,Xaimedthe
rob,hemayrape,hemaykill,hemayinjuretheownerofthestore. guntowardsYandpulledthetrigger.Atthelastminute,Yevadedthe
Therefore,itisnotanactdirectlyconnectedtorobbery. bullet.
Q: Is X liable for any crime? Example;

A:YES.Thecrimecommittedwasattemptedhomicideormurderas the XandYareenemies.Inoneinstance,XsawYwalkinginthestreets.
case may be. Even if the victim was not hit, since the act of XtookouthisgunfromhishousewiththepurposeofkillingY.X
discharging the firearm was with intent to kill the victim, it was aimedthegunatY.Atthatverymoment,Y’ssonrantowardsY.Upon
alreadyintheattemptedstage.Suchactoffiringthefirearmwas seeingtheson,XdidnotshootY.
alreadyanOAdirectlyconnectedtotheactofhomicideormurderas
thecasemaybe. Q: What crime did X commit, if any?
A: Nothing. Although X commenced the commission of killing Y
Example; throughovertacts,Xdidnotperformalltheactsofexecutionwhich
Inthesameproblem,XaimedtheguntowardsYandpulledthe shouldproducethefelony.UponseeingthesonofYrantowardshim,
trigger. Y was hit in the right shoulder. Y safely got away. Upon hevoluntaryandspontaneouslydesisted.
medicalexamination,thedoctorsaidthatY’swoundwillhealwithin
5days. Attempted Felony v. Impossible Crime
ATTEMPTED FELONY IMPOSSIBLE CRIME
Q: What crime was committed by X against Y? In attempted felony, the crime Inimpossiblecrime,thefelony
A:Xisliableforattemptedhomicideormurderasthecasemaybe. may be accomplished; cannot be accomplishment;
Thewoundsustainedwasnotfatalornotmortal.Itrequiresanother It is inherently impossible, or
It is not accomplished by
actforthecrimetobeconsummated.Noonewoulddiebyanon- the means employed is
spontaneous desistance;
mortal or non-fatalwound. inadequate or ineffective;
Example; Example;
AshotBwithintenttokill.Bwashitonavitalorgan.Sohesustained a XandYareenemies.Inoneinstance,XsawYoutsidehishouse.
fatal, mortal wound. However, he survived due to immediate Angered,Xtookhisgunoutofhishouse.XtookaimatYandpulled
medicalintervention. thetriggerofthegun.However,thegundidnotfiretheshot.Xpulled
thetriggeragain,yetnobulletcameout.Uponinspection,Xfound
Q: What crime was committed by A against B? outthatthegunwasnotloadedwithbullets.
A:Itisalreadyfrustratedhomicideormurderasthecasemaybe.
Q: What crime did X commit, if any?
People v. Labiaga (G.R. No. 02867, July 15, 2013) A:Xisliableforanimpossiblecrime.Hadthegunbeenloadedwith
AccusedLabiagawasinthehouseofGregorioCondewhensuddenly bullets, X would have committed the crime of murder.However,
heshotGregoriointheforearm.Gregorioshoutedforhelp.Oneof becausethegunhadnobullets,itisinherentlyimpossibletocommit
hisdaughters,JudyConde,cametohisrescue.However,theaccused thecrimeofmurderinanycircumstance.
shotJudytothestomach.Accusedwaschargedwithmurderand
frustratedmurder. FRUSTRATED STAGE
Thereisfrustratedfelonywhentheoffenderperformsalltheactsof
Q:Whetherornottheaccusedisguiltyoffrustratedmurderagainst executionwhichwouldproducethefelonyasaconsequencebut
GregorioConde? which, nevertheless, do not produce it by reason of causes
A:NO.GregorioCondefailedtopresentprovethatthewoundhe independentofthewilloftheperpetrator.
sustainedwasfatal.Ifthewoundsustainedbythevictimisanotfatal
ornotmortal,thecrimeisonlyintheattemptedstage.Thereasonis Elements:
thatitisonlywhenthewoundsustainedismortalorfatalthatitcan InthecaseofPeoplev.Badriago(G.R.No.183566,May8,2009)the
besaidthatthesaidoffenderhasalreadyperformedalltheactsof SupremeCourtgavetheelementsoffrustratedhomicide;
executionwhichwouldproducethefelony.However,thefelonywas 1. Theoffenderperformsalltheactsofexecutions;
notproducedbyreasonofacauseindependentofhiswillthatisthe 2. All the acts performed would produce the felony as a
immediate medicalintervention. consequence;
3. Felony is notproduced;
Example; 4. Byreasonofcauseoraccidentotherthanthewillofthe
XandYareenemies.Inoneinstance,XsawYoutsidehishouse. perpetrator;
Angered,Xtookhisfather’sgun.Thegunwasnotusedforalongtime.
Thereafter,Xtookaimand,withintenttokill,pulledthetriggerofthe Example;
gun.However,thegundidnotfiretheshot.Xpulledthetriggerfour Awantedtokillhisownfathertogethisinheritanceimmediatelyand
times,yetnobulletcameout.Thegunwasjammed. wantedtoberich.Wenttodrugstoreandboughtpoison.Before
goinghome,hewenttothehouseofhisfriendandtoldhisfriend
Q: What is the liability of X, if any? "tonight I will be rich, I will be poisoning my father, I will be a
A:Xisliableforhomicide.TheovertactofpointingtheguntoYis millionaire."Aftertellingthattohisfriend,Arantohishouse.Upon
directly connected to the crime of homicide. However, the gun reachinghishouse,hetookthepoisonoutoftheplastic.Meanwhile,
jammed.Xwaspreventedfromperformingalltheactsofexecution thefriendwenttothepoliceandtoldplanofAtokillthefather.The
by some reason or accident other than his own spontaneous friendandthepolicewenttothehouseofAandthefather.Upon
desistance. reachingthehouse,theysawAintheactoftakingoutthesaidpoison
fromtheplasticbag.Awasarrested.
Q: Is A liable of attempted parricide? A:Thesonisliableofphysicalinjuriesdependingontherequired

A:NO.Heisnotyetliableofattemptedparricide.Theactofbuying medicalintervention.1-9daysslightphysicalinjuries.10-30daysless
poison,takingoutoftheplasticareonlypreparatoryact.Itisnotyet seriousphysicalinjuries,morethan30daysseriousphysicalinjuries.
anovertactdirectlyconnectedtoparricide.Hemayusethepoison
not really to kill the father, he may use it to kill insects or pests. NO FRSUTRATED THEFT
Therefore,hecannotbeliableofattemptedparricide. InthecaseofPeoplevs.Valenzuela(G.R.No.160188,June21,2007)
theSupremeCourtheldthatthereisnosuchthingasfrustratedtheft.
Example; Under Art. 308, theft is committed when the person takes the
Amixedthepoisontothejuiceofthefatherandthenhegaveitto his personalpropertyofanotherwithintenttogainwithoutviolence,
father. The father was about to drink the juice with poison. forceorintimidationuponpersonsorthingswithouttheconsentof
However,sincethefatherwasclumsy,theglassfellfromthehands of theowner.
thefather.
Theftcanadmitonlyeitheranattemptedandconsummatedstage
Q: Is A liable of attempted parricide? becausethemomenttheoffendergainspossessionofthepersonal
A:YES.Healreadyliable.Themomenthepouredthepoisoninthe propertyofanother,unlawfultakingisalreadycommitted.
juiceofthefatherandhegaveittothefatherforhimtodrink,he already
performed an overt act directly connected to parricide. Evenifhehasnoopportunitytodisposeofthepropertyandthe
However,parricidewasnotconsummatedandhewasnotableto moment the unlawful taking is complete, theft is already
performalltheactsofexecutionbyreasonofanaccident.Itwas consummated.Hence,therecanbenoinstanceoffrustratedtheft.
purelyaccidentalbecausethefatherwasclumsyandtheglassslipped
from hishands. Example;
AwomanwenttoRustansandboughtperfume.Whileshewassitting
Example; andthesalesladywastakingtheperfumeinthecounter,shesawa
Inthesameproblem,aftermixingthepoisoninthejuice,hegaveit newlineoflipsticksonaglassshelf.Shewenttherebutitwaslocked.
tohisfather.Thefatherwasabouttodrinkthejuicewithapoison when Sawthekeyonthetableandopenedit,tookoneandslippedininside
A took pity on his father and had a change of heart. He herbag,closedtheglass,placedthekeybackonthetable.The
immediatelygrabbedthejuiceandthrewitonthegarden. salesladyarrivedandgavehertheperfume.Shewasabouttoleave
Rustanswhensuddenlythiscertaindevicedetectedandmadea
Q: Is A liable of attempted parricide? sound,sotheunpaidlipstickwasdiscovered.
A:NO.Heisnotliableofattemptedparricide.Theactofmixingofthe
poisonwiththejuiceisanovertactdirectlyconnectedtoparricide, Q: What crime was committed by the woman?
however,hewasnotabletoperformallactsofexecutionbyreason A:ThewomancommittedconsummatedTheft.Evenifshehasnot
ofhisownspontaneousdesistance.Therefore,heisabsolvedof yetleftRustans,themomentshetookthelipstickfromtheglassshelf,
criminalliability.Becauseforonetobeliableintheattemptedstage, takingisalreadycomplete,theftisalreadyconsummated.
thereasonforthenon-consummationofthecrimemustnotbehis
own spontaneousdesistance. Inthesameproblem,womantookalipstickandslippeditinsideher
bag.Suddenlyshehasachangeofheart.Shetookthelipstickfrom
Example; herbackandplaceditbackontheglassshelfandtheclosedtheglass and
Inthesameproblem,Amixedthepoisonwithajuiceandgaveitto lockedit.
hisfather.Thefatherdrankthejuiceandwaspoisoned.Suddenly,he
wasalreadyshowingsignsofbeingpoisoned,hewaschilling.Upon Q: Did the woman commit any crime?
seeinghisfatherinthatcondition,Aimmediatelyadministeredan A:YES.Sheisalreadyliableofconsummatedtheft.Themomentshe
antidotetohisfather,afterthatheimmediatelyrushedhisfatherto tookthelipstickfromtheglassshelfandplaceditinsideherbag,
thehospital.Thefathersurvived.Thedoctorsaid,wereitnotforthe takingisalreadycomplete,therefore,theftisalreadyconsummated.
antidotegivenbytheson,thefatherwouldhavedied. Her change of heart would not amount to desistance. Too late.
Desistance will only lie in the attempted stage but never in the
Q: Is the son liable of attempted parricide? consummatednorinthefrustratedstage.
A:NO.Themomentthefatherdrankthejuice,alltheactsforthe
performanceofthecrimehasalreadybeendone.Theoffenderhas Q: What is the effect of returning back the lipstick?
alreadyperformedallactsofexecutionnecessarytoconsummatethe A:TherewillonlybeNOcivilliability.Shewillnotbemadetopaythe
crime.However,thecrimewasnotconsummated. lipstickbecauseshereturneditbutnevertheless,sheisalreadyliable for
consummated theft because unlawful taking is already
Q: Is the son liable of frustrated parricide? committed.
A: NO. In frustrated parricide although the offender has already
performed all the acts of execution, the reason for the non- Example;
consummationofthecrimemustbeacauseindependentofhiswill. Inthesamecase,thewomanopenedtheglassshelf.Shewasabout
Thereasonforthenon-consummationofthecrimeistheownwillof totakethelipstickwhensuddenlytherewasthishandplacedontop
theson.Therefore,thesonisnotliableoffrustratedhomicide. ofherhandbeforeshecouldevengetthelipstick.Unknowntoher,
heractswerebeingseenonaCCTVcameraandtheheadofthe
Q: What is the liability of the son? administrativeofficeimmediatelywenttoheruponseeingthatshe
wasabouttotakethelipstick.
Q: Is the woman liable of any crime? Intent to have carnal

There is no intent to have
A:Yes.Sheisalreadyliableofattemptedtheft.Anotewaspostedon knowledgewiththegirlis
carnal knowledge of the girl;
theglassshelfsaying,donotopen,askforassistance.Themoment evident;
sheopeneditwithuseofthekey,itshowsherintenttogain.Itison
theattemptedstagebecauseshehasnotyettakenpossessionofthe MATERIAL CRIMES
personal property ofanother. Material crimes are crimes which admits stages of attempted,
frustrated, and consummated.
NO FRUSTRATED RAPE
InthecaseofPeoplev.Pareja(G.R.No.188979,September5,2012) FORMAL CRIMES
theSupremeCourtheldthatrapeisconsummatedbytheslightest Formalcrimesarecrimeswhichdoesnotadmitanystages.Itonly
penilepenetrationofthelabiamajoraorpudendumofthefemale punishes a consummatedstage.
organ.Withoutanyshowingofsuchpenetration,therecanbeno
consummatedrape;atmost,itcanonlybeattemptedrapeoractsof The following are considered formal crimes;
lasciviousness.” 1. Physicalinjuries;
2. Slander;
Example; 3. Adultery;
Awomanwasraped.Shefiledacaseofrapeagainsttheman.Inher
opencourttestimony,shesaidshewasnotsureifthepenetration --xXx--
wascomplete.Likewiseinthemedicalcertificateitshowsthather
hymenwasnotlacerated,itwasintact. Art.7.Whenlightfeloniesarepunishable.—Lightfelonies
are punishable only when they have been consummated, withthe
Q: Can the said man be liable of consummated rape? exceptionofthosecommittedagainstpersonorproperty.
A:YES.AccordingtotheSupremeCourt,rapedoesnotadmitofany
frustratedstage.Rapeisconsummatedthemomentthepenishas The following are light felonies;
touchedthelipsorthelabiaofthepudendumofawoman'sgenitalia. 1. SlightPhysicalInjuries;(Art.266)
Itisnotnecessarythatthereisfullorcompletepenetrationnora 2. Theft;(Art.309,Par.7and8)
hymenallaceration.Thehymenmayremainintactyetrapecanbe 3. Alterationofboundarymarks;(Art.313)
committedbecausewhatisrequiredisthepenismusttouchlipsor 4. MaliciousMischief;(Art.328,par.3,Art.329,par.3)
thelabia. 5. Intriguing againsthonor;
People vs. Lizada (G.R. No. 143468-71, January 24, 2003) Asarule,lightfeloniesarepunishableonlywhentheyareontheir
Themanwasstillinhisshorts.Hispenishasnotyeteventouchthe consummatedstage.Unlessthecrimeiscommittedagainstpersonor
genitaliaofthegirl.Heonlytouchedtheprivatepartsofthegirl. property
Q:Howcometheconvictionwasforattemptedrapeandnotmere Q:Whyareattemptedandfrustratedfeloniesnotpunishable?
acts oflasciviousness? A:Lightfeloniesproducessuchlight,suchinsignificant,moraland
A:TheSupremeCourtconvictedtheaccusedofattemptedrape materialinjuries.Iftheyarenotconsummated,thewrongdoneisso
takingintoconsiderationthe3otherconsummatedrapethathas slightthatthereisnoneedofprovidingapenaltyatall.
beendonebythestepfatheronthedaughter.Consideringthatin
these3formeractsrapehadbeenconsummated,theobviousintent Q: What is the reason for the exception?
ofthestepfatheristorapethegirl.Itjustsohappenthathesawthe A: The commission of felonies against persons or property
sonpeepingandsohewentoutoftheroom.Thatisthereasongiven. presupposes in the offender moral depravity.
* Ifthatisthereasongivenwithoutthesaidfactsthattherehasbeen --xXx--
consummated rape for the past 3 acts, it should only be acts of
lasciviousnessoratleastattemptedrapeifthereinanintenttolie.In Art. 8. Conspiracy and proposal to commit felony. —
thecase,thestepfatherwasstillinhisshorts,thepenishasnotyet Conspiracyandproposaltocommitfelonyarepunishableonlyinthe
touchedeventheouterportionofawoman'sgenitalia.Absentthe casesinwhichthelawspeciallyprovidesapenaltytherefor.
factsthattherewere3formerconsummatedrape,itshouldonlybe Aconspiracyexistswhentwoormorepersonscometoan
actsoflasciviousness.Becausetoamounttoatleastattemptedstage, agreementconcerningthecommissionofafelonyanddecideto
itisnecessarythatthepenismusttouchatleasttheouterportionto commitit.
showintenttolie.Themanwasstillinhisshorts,howcanyouknow Thereisproposalwhenthepersonwhohasdecidedto
thattherewasintenttolie.Itisonlyadifferentrulingbecausethere commitafelonyproposesitsexecutiontosomeotherpersonor
were3previousconsummatedrapeandtheSCconsideredallthese persons.
sayingthattheobviousintentofthestepfatherwasalsotorapethe
daughter. Conspiracy v. Proposal.
CONPIRACY PROPOSAL
Acts of Lasciviousness v. AttemptedRape Abilateralact–theremustbe
ACTS OF LASCIVIOUSNESS ATTEMPTED RAPE Unilateral act – only one
at least two persons who
Likewise, the penis only person who decide to commit
Thepenisonlytouchedthe agreedtothecommissionof
touchedtheouterportionof a felony is sufficient;
outerportionofthevagina; the crime;
the vagina;
General Rule – not punishable as an act; Direct or Express Conspiracy

Exception–unlessthelawespeciallyprovidesfortheirpenalty; There is direct or express conspiracy when the offenders or
conspiratorsmet,planned,agreed,decidedtocommitacrime.There
CONSPIRACY AS A CRIME isapreconceivedplanpriortothecommissionofthecrime.
Ifconspiracyorproposaltocommitacrimeareprovidedinpenalties
bylaw,itisnotnecessarythattherebeanovertactcommitted.The Foronetobecriminallyliableofdirectorexpressconspiracy,the
mereactofconspiringorproposingwillalreadygiverisetoacrime. followingelementsmustbepresent;
1. Thereisaprioragreementorpreconceivedplan;
The following are conspiracies as a crime; 2. Presenceatthetimeofthecommissionofthecrime;
1. Conspiracytocommittreason;
2. Conspiracytocommitrebellion; Evenifheispartoftheagreementifatthetimeofthecommissionof
3. Conspiracytocommitsedition; thecrimehefailedtoappear,suchfailureonhisparttoappearatthe
4. Conspiracytocommitterrorism;(SpecialPenalLaws) scene of the crime would be construed by law as a desistance.
Therefore,evenifhepartoftheagreementhewillnotbeliableasa
Itisnotnecessarythattherebeovertacts.Theyarepunishableacts conspirator.
bythemselves.
Example;
Example; A,BandCdecidedtokillXonaparticulardateandtime.Onthesaid
A,B,C,D,andEcometoanagreementtotakeuparmsandoverthrow dateandtime,AandBarrivedandkilledX.However,Cfailedto
thegovernmentandstirpublicuprising.Theyalreadyboughtguns appear.
andotherpiecesofequipment.However,beforetheycouldexecute
theirplan,theywereapprehended. Q: Is C liable for the death of X?
A:NO.AlthoughCwaspartoftheagreement,hecannotbeheld
Q: Are A, B, C, D, and E criminally liable? criminallyliableasaconspiratorforthecrimeofmurderbecausehe
A: YES. They were liable for the crime of conspiracy to commit failedtoappearatthesceneofthecrime.Hisfailuretoappearis
rebellion. Even though they were not able to execute their plan, construedbylawasadesistanceonhispart.
conspiringtooverthrowthegovernmentisalreadyafelonywhich
makes them criminallyliable. Example;
Inthesameproblembutallwerepresent.AandBwereabouttokill
Example; XbutCperformedactspreventingAandBfromcommittingthe
A,B,C,D,andEcometoanagreementtokidnapXandthereafter crime.
exchangehimforransom.However,beforetheycouldexecutetheir
plan,allofthemwerearrested. Q:IsCcriminallyliableasaconspiratorforthecrimeofmurder?
A: NO. Since C performed acts trying to prevent A and B from
Q: Did A, B, C, D, and E incur criminal liability? committing the crime, he cannot be held criminally liable as a
A:NO.Thereisnocrimeofconspiracytocommitkidnappingfor conspirator for the crime of murder in the said case.
ransom.A,B,C,D,andEdinotincurcriminalliability.
General Rule;
OVERT ACT IN FURTHERANCE OF THE CONSPIRACY Conspiratorsareliableonlyforthecrimeagreedupon.Theyarenot
1. Activeparticipationinthecrimeitself; liableforanycrimewhichisnotagreedupon.
2. Lending moral assistance to his co-conspirators by being
presentatthecommissionofthecrime; Exceptions;
3. Exertingmoralascendancyontheotherco-conspirators; 1. Whentheothercrimewascommittedinthepresenceof the
other conspirators and they did not perform actsto
CONSPIRACY AS A MEANS OF COMMITTING A CRIME prevent itscommission;
Ifconspiracyisonlyameansofcommittingacrimeitisnotyeta 2. When the other crime committed was the natural
punishableact.Themereactofconspiringwillmaketheoffendersco- consequenceofthecrimeagreedupon;and
conspirators but they are not yet punishable, they are not yet 3. Whentheresultingcrimeisacompositecrimeoraspecial
criminallyliable. complexcrimeorasingleindivisiblecomplexcrime;
Elements Example;
InthecaseofPeoplev.Castillo(G.R.No.132895,March10,2004) A,BandCdecidedtokillX.WenttotheplacewhereXwillbepassing
conspiracy is established by the presence of two factors; atnighttime.WhentheysawX,ABandCsurroundedXandtheyall
1. Singularity ofintent; stabbedX.WhenXwaslyingontheground,AandBleft.Cremained
2. Unityintheexecutionoftheunlawfulobjective; andtookthevaluablesofX.
2 kinds of Conspiracy as a means of committing a crime Q: What is or are the criminal liabilities of A, B and C?
1. Director express conspiracy; A:A,BandCareallliableforthecrimeofmurderasconspirators
2. Implied or InferredConspiracy; becauseitisthecrimeagreedupon.However,onlyCwillbeliablefor
thecrimeoftheft.AandBcannotbeheldliableforthecrimeoftheft
becausetheftwasnotacrimeagreeduponbyallofthem.
Also,theftwascommittedintheabsenceofAandB.Therewasno InPeoplevs.Garchitorena(G.R.No.131357,August28,2009),the
opportunityforAandBtostopCintheft.Therefore,onlyCwillbe held SupremeCourtheldthatdirectproofisnotnecessaryforoneto
liable fortheft. becomeaconspiratorbecauseconspiracycanbeprovenfromthe
acts done or performed prior, during or subsequent to the
Example; commission of thecrime.
Inthesameproblem,CtookthevaluablesofXinthepresenceofA
andB.Whilehewastakingthem,Asaidwhataboutthecellphone,B Example;
whataboutthering,heretakeitalso. A, B and C alighted in the house of X, they were all armed with
armalites.Theyallwentinfrontofthedoor.Aknockedatthedoor.
Q: What is or are the criminal liabilities of A, B and C? WhenXopenedthedoor,BfiredatX.Xfellonthefloor.Ckickedhis
A:Althoughtheftwasnotacrimeagreedupon,allofthemwillbe held bodyinsideandclosedthedoor.Allofthemleftstillarmed.
liable of the crime of theft because although theft was not
agreedupon,itwascommittedinthepresenceofAandBandthey Q: Are they all conspirators for the murder of X?
didnotperformactstopreventCfromcommittingtheft. A:YES.Itisevidentherethatthereisapreconceivedplanpriortothe
commissionofthecrime.AlthoughtheonlyparticipationofAwasto
Example; knockatthedoorandtheonlyparticipationofCwastoclosethe door,
A,BandCdecidedtoinjureXtoteachhimalesson.WhenXarrived, it was obvious, there was a pre conceived plan. All of the,
theysurroundedhim,boxed,punched,hitX.WhileXwaslyingonthe arrivedatthesametimearmedwitharmalites.Theywentinfrontof
ground,seriouslywounded,Ainflictedafatalwoundbykickingthe thedoor,oneknocked,onefired,oneclosedthedoor,lefttogether
neckofX.Xdied. stillarmed.Alloftheseshowedthattherewasapreconceivedplan
tokillX.Assuchtheyareallliableasconspiratorsregardlessofthe
Q: Who is liable for the death of X? quantityandqualityoftheirparticipation.
A:AllofthemarecriminallyliableforthedeathofX.Theyallagreed
toinjureX.Thatwastheiragreement.ThedeathofXhoweverwas Implied or Inferred Conspiracy
thenaturalconsequenceoftheiragreementtoinjureX.Therefore, Impliedorinferredconspiracyisdeducedfromthemodeandmanner of
evenifitisnottheirintendedact,sinceitisthenaturalconsequence committing the crime, there is no pre-conceived plan but the
ofthecrime,theyareallcriminallyliableforthedeathofX. offenders acted simultaneously in a synchronized and coordinated
manner,theiractscomplimentingoneanothertowardsacommon
Example; criminalobjectiveordesign.T
A,BandCdecidedtorobthehouseofX.Theywentinsidethehouse of
X. They have already taken the valuables. On their way out Itmayhappenthattheconspiratorsdonotknoweachother.Since
however,Cpushedachair.Thechairfellonfloorandcreatedanoise. theoffendersactedinasynchronizedandcoordinatedmanner,a
Theownerofthehousewasawakenedandbeganshoutingupon conspiracywasestablishedinstantly,impulsively,atthespurofthe
seeingA,BandC.Cshottheownerofthehouse.Theownerdied. moment.
Q: What is or are the criminal liabilities of A, B and C? Example;

A:Thecrimeagreeduponwasrobbery.However,byreasonoronthe XwastryingtostabY.Yevadedalltheblows.ZsawthatXwashaving
occasion of robbery, homicide was committed. Therefore, the ahardtimestabbingY.ZwasanenemyofY.SoZwentatthebackof
resultingfelonyisaspecialcomplexcrime. YandheldbothhandsofYatthebackandtoldXtostabYwhichX did.
UnderArt.294itisrobberywithhomicide.Sincetheresultingfelony Q: Was there conspiracy between Z and X?

isaspecialcomplexcrime,whichcannotbeseparatedfromeach A:YES.Animpliedconspiracywasestablished,instantly,impulsively,
other,allofthemcanbeheldcriminallyliableofthespecialcomplex atthespurofthemoment.Therewasnopreconceivedplanbutthe
crimeofrobberywithhomicide. actofZofholdingthehandsofYisadirectandpositiveovertact
showingthathehasthesamecriminaldesignasThatofXwhichisto killY.
Peoplevs.Carandang,MilanandChua(G.R.No.175926,July6,2011) All
of them were charged of 2 counts of murder and 1 count of In case of implied conspiracy, for one to be considered as a
frustratedmurder.TheonlyparticipationofMilanwastoclosethe conspirator, it is necessary that the offender have an active
door.ItwasonlyCarandangwhoshotthe3policeofficers.Chua participation in the commission of the crime.
instructedMilantofinishthe3rdpoliceofficerandMilanfollowed him.
Mere presence at the scene of the crime, mere approval, mere
Q: Is there conspiracy among the accused? acquiescence,mereknowledgeofthecommissionofthecrimewill
A:YES.TheSupremeCourtheldthatalthoughtheparticipationof notmakeoneaconspiratorabsentanyactiveparticipation.Because
Milanwasonlytoclosethedoor,ChuawasonlytoorderMilanto shoot the basis is on the acts performed by the offender. Unlike a
the 3rd police officer, such act of Chua showed that he preconceived plan there was a prior agreement, thereforemere
exercisedmoralascendancyoverMilan.Therefore,sincewhatis presence or exercise of moral ascendancy will make one a
presenthereisaprioragreementtokillthepoliceofficers,mere conspirator.Inimpliedtheconspiracyisestablishedbasedontheacts
exerciseofmoralascendancywillalreadymakeoneaconspirator.It performed.Therefore,ifyoudonotperformanact,ifyouaremerely
isnotnecessarythattheyactuallyparticipateintheexecutionofthe presentthenyoucannotbeheldaconspirator.
crime.Thus,allofthemareheldcriminallyliable.
Example; 2 KINDS OF MULTIPLECONSPIRACY

XwastryingtostabY.WhenZsawthatXwasstabbingYheshouted There are two kinds of multiple conspiracy;
"sigetirahinmopa,sakaliwasakanan..."XkeptonstabbingY. 1. WheelorCircleConspiracy;
2. ChainConspiracy;
Q: Was there conspiracy between Z and X?
A: NO. Absent any active participation, mere approval, mere Wheel or Circle Conspiracy
acquiescence,mereknowledgeofthecommissionofthecrimewill WheelorCircleConspiracyexistwhenasinglepersonorgroupof
notmakeoneaconspiratorincaseofimpliedorinferredconspiracy. personsknownasahub,dealsindividuallywithanotherpersonor
groupofpersonsknownasthespokes.
PENALTY BETWEEN CONSPIRATORS
Whenconspiracyisestablishedwhetherdirectorexpress,impliedor Chain Conspiracy
inferred,theactofoneistheactofall.Therefore,alltheperpetrators ChainConspiracyusuallyinvolvingthedistributionofnarcoticsor
inthecrimewillhaveoneandthesamepenalty.Thesamepenalty will other contraband, in which there is successive communication and
be imposed regardless of the quantity and quality of the cooperation in much the same way as with legitimate business
participation.Themomentconspiracyisestablished,itisimmaterial operations between manufacturer and wholesaler, thenwholesaler
todeterminewhoinflictedbecauseallofthemwillhavethesame andretailer,andthenretailerandconsumer.
penalty.
InFernanvs.People(G.R.No.145927,August24,2007)TheSupreme
If however, conspiracy is not established, the penalty will be Courtheldthatwhatispresentisawheelorcircleconspiracy.4
individual in nature depending on the act that they performed. personsheadedbythechiefaccountantactedasthehub.They
enticedallother36employeesoftheDPWHtobeonewiththemin
Example; committing fraud against the government. They falsified LAA's and
XandYwerefighting.XpunchedYsohard,hefelldown.Thereafter, wouldnegotiateitatacertainpercentage,thenoneofthemwould
XpulledoutaknifewithintenttokillY.However,insteadofstabing computethegeneralvoucher,fundsthenwillbeissuedasifmaterials
Y,Xstabbedthegroundinstead.Afterwards,Xleft.Notlongafter,X’s willbedeliveredfortheconstruction.FernanandTorevillaswerecivil
brothercameoutofnowhereandstabbedYtodeath. engineersoftheDPWH,theysignedtallysheets,sayingthatthere
weredeliverieswheninfactthesewereghostdeliveries.Noactual
Q:WasthereconspiracybetweenXandhisbrothers? deliveries of thematerials.
A:NO.Intheproblem,therewasnoprioragreementbetweenXand
hisbrothers.Furthermore,Xalreadyleftwhenhisbrothersappeared CONSPIRACY IN SPECIAL PENAL LAWS
and repeatedly stabbedY. ConspiracymaybeappreciatedinSpecialPenalLawsifthelaw
specifically providestherein.
Q: What is the criminal liability of X and his brothers?
A:XisguiltyofphysicalinjuriesbecausehehadnointenttokillY. Morillo v. People (G.R. No. 189833, February 5, 2014)
However,X’sbrothersbeingconspiratorsofeachother,areequally MayorMitrawastraversingaroadinhisstarexwhenheencountered a
guiltyforthemurderofY. check point. He was allowed to pass without undergoing a
checkpoint.MayorMitrawasfollowedbyanambulancedrivenby
People vs. Bokingco (G.R. No. 187356, August 10, 2011) Morilla. Morilla was flagged down in the checkpoint and upon
BokingcokilledPasyoninsidetheapartment.Atthetimethathewas inspection,bagsofshabuwerefoundinhispossession.Morillasaid
killing,Reynantewasinsidethemainhouse,hewasaskingthewife to heiswithMayorMitra.Thepoliceofficersthenpursuedthevehicle
open the vault of the pawnshop. After killing the husband, ofMayorMitraanduponinspection,bagsofshabuwerefoundinthe
BokingcocalledReynanteandsaid"tarana,pataynasiya!"Theyfled starex.
atthesametime.Theywerebothchargedforthecrimeofmurder.
ConvictedbothofmurderintheCA. Q: Was there a conspiracy between Mayor Mitra and Morilla?
A:YES.TheSupremeCourtheldthattheaccusedMitraandMorilla
Q: Was there conspiracy between Bokingco and Reynante? committedthecrimeoftransportationofillegalsubstancethrough
A:NO.TheSupremeCourtheldthattherewasnoconspiracybetween conspiracy.MorillahimselfadmittedthathewaswithMayorMitra.
BokingcoandReynanteinkillingthehusband.Whileoneiskillingthe Thisadmissionwasenoughtoestablishconspiracybetweenthem.
victimtheotherwastryingtocommitanothercrime.Theydidnotact
inasynchronizedandcoordinatedmanner.Therewasnoevidence Go Tan v. Tan (G.R. No. 168852, September 30, 2008)
thattherewasapreconceivedplanbecauseonewascommitting SharicaandStevenwerelawfullymarried.However,duringtheir
anothercrimedifferentfromtheother. marriage,SharicafiledatemporaryprotectionorderagainstSteven
andherin-laws.ShearguedthatStevenandherin-lawswereacting
Theyareoneinescapingbutnotinthecommissionofthecrime.Since inconspiracyincausingherphysicalandpsychologicalabusein
conspiracywasnotestablished,themostthatisestablishedisthat violationofR.A.9262knownastheAnti-ViolenceAgainstWomenand
theyplannedtocommit2crimessimultaneouslyatthesametime. ChildrenAct.Thein-lawsarguedthattheyarenotproperpartytothe
Butthechargewasonlymurder,therewasnochargeforrobbery. casebecauseR.A.9262isfiledonlyagainstthehusband,boyfriend,
Therefore,Bokingcowasconvicted,Reynantewasacquittedofthe orintimatepartnerofthewoman.
crimeofmurder.Soabsentanyevidenceofconspiracy,theliabilityis
individual. Q: Whether or not R.A. 9262 may be filed against the in-laws?
A:YES.R.A.9262allowssuppletoryapplicationoftheRevisedPenal --xXx--
Code.Hence.Thei-lawsmaylikewisebechargedofviolationofR.A.
9262iftheyactedinconspiracywiththehusbandortheman. Art.11.Justifyingcircumstances.—Thefollowingdonot
incur any criminalliability:
--xXx-- 1. Anyonewhoactsindefenseofhispersonorrights,
providedthatthefollowingcircumstancesconcur;
Art.9.Gravefelonies,lessgravefeloniesandlightfelonies. First. Unlawful aggression.
— Gravefeloniesarethosetowhichthelawattachesthecapital Second.Reasonablenecessityofthemeansemployedto
punishmentorpenaltieswhichinanyoftheirperiodsareafflictive, prevent or repelit.
inaccordancewithArt.25ofthisCode. Third.Lackofsufficientprovocationonthepartofthe
person defendinghimself.
Less Grave Felonies 2. Anyonewhoactsindefenseofthepersonorrightsof
Lessgravefeloniesarethosewhichthelawpunisheswithpenalties his spouse, ascendants, descendants, or legitimate, naturalor
whichintheirmaximumperiodarecorrectional,inaccordancewith adoptedbrothersorsisters,orhisrelativesbyaffinityinthesame
the above-mentionedArticle degreesandthoseconsanguinitywithinthefourthcivildegree,
providedthatthefirstandsecondrequisitesprescribedinthenext
Light Felonies preceding circumstance are present, and the further requisite, in
Lightfeloniesarethoseinfractionsoflawforthecommissionofwhich casetherevocationwasgivenbythepersonattacked,thattheone
apenaltyofarrestmenororafinenotexceeding200pesosorboth; makingdefensehadnoparttherein.
isprovided. 3. Anyonewhoactsindefenseofthepersonorrightsofa
stranger,providedthatthefirstandsecondrequisitesmentionedin
3 kindsoffeloniesaccordingtoseverity thefirstcircumstanceofthisArticlearepresentandthattheperson
1. Gravefelonies; defendingbenotinducedbyrevenge,resentment,orotherevil
2. Less gravefelonies; motive.
3. Lightfelonies; 4. Anypersonwho,inordertoavoidanevilorinjury,does
not act which causes damage to another, provided that the
--xXx-- followingrequisitesarepresent;
First. That the evil sought to be avoided actually exists;
Art.10.OffensesnotsubjecttotheprovisionsofthisCode. Second.Thattheinjuryfearedbegreaterthanthatdone
— Offenseswhichareorinthefuturemaybepunishableunder to avoidit;
speciallawsarenotsubjecttotheprovisionsofthisCode.ThisCode Third.Thattherebenootherpracticalandlessharmful
shall be supplementary to such laws, unless the latter should meansofpreventingit.
speciallyprovidethecontrary. 5. Anypersonwhoactsinthefulfillmentofaduty
orinthelawfulexerciseofarightoroffice.
Example; 6. Anypersonwhoactsinobediencetoanorder
WhatifapersonconvictedofaviolationofaSPL?Aissuedacheckto issuedbyasuperiorforsomelawfulpurpose.
Bforpaymentofanobligation.Bdepositedbutthecheckbounced.
Noticeofdishonorwassent.Afterthetrialonthemerits,Awasfound CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH AFFECT THE LIABILITY OF THE OFFENDER
guiltyoftheviolationofBP22beyondreasonabledoubt.Fineand The following circumstances affects the criminal liability of the
paymentofthevalueofthecheck.Thecourtsaidincaseofnon offender;
payment of the fine, the said convict shall suffer subsidiary 1. Justifyingcircumstances;(Art.11)
imprisonment. 2. Exempting circumstances; (Art.12)
3. MitigatingCircumstances;(Art.13)
Q:CanapersonwhoviolatedaSPLandwasimposedwithfinebe 4. AggravatingCircumstances;(Art.14)
madetosuffersubsidiaryimprisonmentincaseofnonpaymentof
fine? JUSTIFYING CIRCUMSTANCES
A:YES.ThereisnoprovisioninB.P.22prohibitingtheapplicationof Justifyingcircumstancesarethosewheretheactsoftheactorarein
theRevisedPenalCode,thentheRPCshallapplysuppletorilyor accordancewiththelaw,thusheincursnocriminalliability.Since
supplementarilytotheprovisionsofSpecialPenalLawunlessthe thereisnocrime,thereisnocriminalandcivilliability.
SpecialPenalLawprovidesotherwise.
Effect of Invoking Justifying Circumstance
Example of "unless" Themomenttheoffenderortheaccusedinvokesanyoftheacts
Sec.98ofRA9165.Itisexpresslyprovidedthattheprovisionsofthe RPC amountingtojustifyingcircumstance,heisineffectadmittingthe
shall not apply to the violations RA 9165 or the 2002 commissionofthecrime.Buthewantedtoevadecriminalliabilityby
ComprehensiveDangerousDrugsAct.Thelawusesthewordshall. invoking justifyingcircumstances.
Exception; Example;
Iftheoffenderisaminor.Inthatcaseiftheminorispenalizedwith AkilledB.AcaseofhomicidewasfiledagainstA.Apleadednotguilty
lifeimprisonmenttodeath,itwillbeconsideredasreclusionperpetua duringthearraignment.Duringthepre-trial,thecounselofAinvoked
todeathandthenomenclatureofthepenaltiesintheRPCwillnow self-defense.Themomentthecounselsaidthattheirdefenseisself-
beapplied defense, a kind of justifying circumstance, the procedure in trial
would beinverted.
Inverted Trial Imminentunlawfulaggressionmeansanattackthatisimpendingor

Asaruleitistheprosecutionthatmustfirstpresentevidence,itis atthepointofhappening;itmustnotconsistinamerethreatening
onlyaftertheprosecutionhaspresentedevidencethatthedefense attitude,normustitbemerelyimaginary,butmustbeoffensiveand
would presentevidence. positivelystrong
Ifhoweverthedefenseinvokeanyofthejustifyingcircumstances,the Test for unlawful aggression

trialwillbeinverted.Itisthedefensethatmustfirstpresentevidence. InthesamecaseofPeoplev.Dulin,theSupremeCourtheldthatthat
Becauseheineffectadmitsthecommissionofthecrime.Heonly thetestforunlawfulaggressionunderthecircumstanceiswhether
wantedtoavoidliabilitybysayingthathisactwasjustifying. theaggressionfromthevictimputinrealperilthelifeorpersonal
safetyofthepersondefendinghimself.Theperilmustnotbean
Burden to Prove Justifying Circumstance imaginarythreat.
Thereforetheburdenofevidenceisuponthedefensetoproveallthe
elements,alltherequisitesofthejustifyingcircumstancethatheis Example;
invoking. Xwaswalkingalongthestreet.Suddenly,Ywentuptohim.Ypointed
aguntowardsX.YcommandedXtogivehimhiswallet,watch,and
Ifthedefensefailedtoprovetheevidenceorrequisitesofjustifying cellphoneotherwisehewillstabhim.Xgavehiscellphoneandhis
circumstance that he is invoking, that will amount to conviction wallet.WhenXwasabouttogivehiswatch,hesuddenlygrabbedthe
becausehealreadyadmittedtothecommissionofthecrime. gunfromY.Nowwiththepossessionofthegun,XorderedYtogive
him back his cellphone and wallet. Instead of giving X back his
SELF-DEFENSE belongings,Yranaway.Thereafter,XfiredashotagainstY,hittingY
Self-defenseisnotlimitedtoone’slife.Thefollowingisthescopeof inhisknee.Unabletorun,XapproachedYandthereaftertookhis
self-defense; belongings.Xleft.Thereafter,Xwaschargedwithphysicalinjury.X
1. Defense oflife; arguedself-defense.
2. Defenseofhonororchastity;
3. Defense of property provided that it is coupled with an Q: Is X liable for physical injury
attackonthepersonentrustedwiththesaidproperty; A:NO.AlthoughXalreadygainedpossessionofthegun,theunlawful
aggressiondidnotcease.Theunlawfulaggressioncontinuedbecause
Elements of Self-defense YstillhadthepropertyofX.HadXnotshotYintheknee,Ywould
The following are the elements of self-defense; havegottenawaywiththepropertyofX.
1. UnlawfulAggression;
2. Reasonablenecessityofthemeansemployedtopreventor REASONABLENECESSITYOFTHEMEANSEMPLOYEDTOPREVENTOR
repelit; REPELIT.
3. Lack of sufficient provocation on the part of theperson Whenyousayreasonablenecessity,whatthelawrequiresisrational
defendinghimself; equalityorrationalequivalenceasdeterminedbytheemergency.
Rationalisthemeansemployed.Rationallynecessarytopreventor
UNLAWFUL AGGRESSION repelit.
UnlawfulAggressionisanattackwithphysicalforceorwithaweapon as
to cause injury or danger to life or personal safety. Unlawful Reasonablenecessitydoesnotnecessarilymeanthatwhenthe
aggressionmustcomefromthevictim. aggressormakesuseofabolo,thepersondefendingmustalsomake
use of abolo.
UnlawfulaggressionItheprimordialrequisitewhichmustatalltimes
bepresent.Whenunlawfulaggressionisabsent,thereisnoself- Factors of Reasonable Necessity
defensewhethercompleteorincomplete. Factorstobeconsideredinordertobesaidthatthemeansemployed
isrationallynecessaryarethefollowing;
Elements of unlawful aggression 1. Nature and the number of the weapon used by the
InthecaseofPeoplev.Dulin(G.R.No.171284,June29,2015),the aggressor;
SupremeCourtprovidedtheelementsofunlawfulaggression; 2. Physical condition, size, weight and other personal
1. Theremustbephysicalormaterialattackorassault; circumstancesoftheaggressorversusthatoftheperson
2. Theattackorassaultmustbeactualoratleastimminent; defendinghimself;
3. Theattackorassaultmustbeunlawful; 3. Placeandlocationoftheassault;
Kinds of Unlawful Aggression Allofthesewoulddetermineifthemeansemployedoftheperson

InthecaseofPeoplev.Fontanilla(G.R.No.177743,January25,2012), defendinghimselfisreasonablynecessarytopreventorrepelthe
the Supreme Court held that there are two kinds of unlawful aggression.
aggression;
1. ActualorMaterialUnlawfulAggression; LACK OF SUFFICIENT PROVOCATION
2. Imminent UnlawfulAggression; Theremustbelackofsufficientprovocationonthepartoftheperson
defendinghimself.
ActualormaterialunlawfulAggressionmeansanattackwithphysical
forceorwithaweapon,anoffensiveactthatpositivelydetermines Provocation
theintentoftheaggressortocausetheinjury. Provocationreferstoanyimmoralactorconduct,unjustifiedactor
conductwhichstirsapersontodowrong.
Sufficient Provocation A:NO.Therewasnoself-defense.Theunlawfulaggressionalready

SufficientProvocationreferstoanactwhichisadequatetostira ceased to exist because the sexual congress was alreadyfinished.
persontodothewrongfulactandwhenitisproportionatetothe Therewasnomorehonortoprotect.
gravity of theact.
Q:Ifyouwerethejudge,wouldyouconvictoracquittheaccused?
No Sufficient Provocation A:YES,Iwouldconvicttheaccusedforthecrimeofhomicide,butI
The following circumstances show that there is no sufficient willgivethesaidvictimthemitigatingcircumstancesofimmediate
provocation on the part of the person defending himself; vindicationofagraveoffenseandsuddenimpulseofpassionand
1. Whennoprovocationatallwasgiven; obfuscation.Thistolowertheimposablepenalty.
2. Whenalthoughprovocationwasgiven,itwasnotsufficient;
3. Whenalthoughtheprovocationwassufficient,itdidcome Example;
fromthepersondefendinghimself;and AtriedtostabB.Bevadedtheblow.Inthecourseofsaidstruggle,B
4. Although provocation came from the persondefending gainedpossessionoftheboloorgunandfiredatA.Adied.
himself,itisnotimmediateorimminenttotheaggression;
Q: Was there self-defense?
Example; A:NO.EveniftheunlawfulaggressionwasstartedbyA,themoment
AsawhisenemyB.BwasfastapproachingtoAwithagunonhis Bgainedpossessionoftheboloorgun,theunlawfulaggressionhas
hand.UponseeingthatBwasabout10feetaway,Aimmediately alreadyceasedtoexist.TherewasnomoredangeronthelifeofB.so
pulledouthisbalisongandhespinBwhowashitontheneckand died. when B fired, it was not an act of retaliation which is justifying
circumstance.
Q: Was there unlawful aggression?
A:NO.Therewasnounlawfulaggression.Themereactofholdinga Example;
gunwillnotconstituteimminentandimmediatedangeronthelifeof Awomanwasonherwayhome.Suddenlyamanappeared,boxed
thepersonunlessthesaidgunisaimedatthesaidperson.Samewith her,draggedheronaportionofavacantlot,boxedheragain,pinned
bolooranyweapon.Ifitisjustbeingheldbyaperson,itwillnotyet herdown,undressedher.Whenthemanstooduptoundressed
produceanyimminentorimmediatedanger. himself,thewomantookthemomenttogetthebalisonginherbag.
When the man placed himself on top of the woman, the woman
Forabolotoproduceimminentandimmediatedanger,itmustbe stabbed the man. The man died. Prosecuted for homicide. The
heldinahackingposition.Onlythenthatitwillproduceunlawful womaninvokedself-defenseparticularlydefenseofone’shonorand
aggression. chastity.
Intheexample,Bwasonlywalkingwithagunonhishandanditwas Q: Is there self-defense?

notyetpointedoraimedtotheoffender.Therefore,therewasno A:YES.Therewasunlawfulaggressionsincethemanboxedthe
unlawfulaggression.Therefore,Ashouldbeconvictedofhomicide. woman, dragged her, undressed her, pinned her down. This is
Self-defensewouldnotlieinhisfavor. unlawfulaggressionsufficienttomeanthatshewouldberaped.2 nd,
itisreasonablynecessaryforthewomantomakeuseofthebalisong
People v. Regalario (G.R. No. 174483, March 31, 2009) becausealthoughthesaidmanhasnoarms,youmusttakeinto
Theoffendedpartyorthevictim,Rolandshotallegedlythebarangay considerationofthepersonalcircumstancesofthewomanversus
officialRamon.RamonhitthebackoftheheadofRolandwithanice thatoftheman,thephysicalcircumstances.Likewise,youmusttake
pickandcontinuedhittinghimsohewouldnotgainbalance.When intoconsiderationtheplaceandtheoccasion.Itwas3o'clockinthe
theaccusedhitthevictimwhateverinceptiveunlawfulaggressionhas morning,nobodycouldgivehelptothewoman.Theonlymeansshe
beenstartedbythevictim,ithasalreadyceasedtoexist.Therefore, coulddotohelpherselfandpreventtheactofrapewouldbetostab
theaccusedhasnomorerighttowoundorkillthevictim. theman.Lastly,therewaslacksufficientprovocationbecausethe
womanwasmerelywalkingonherwayhome.Absolutelytherewas
TheSupremeCourtheldthatthemomenttheinceptiveunlawful nosufficientprovocationcomingfromthewoman.Therefore,the
aggressionceasetoexist,thepersondefendinghimselfmustnotkill womanwasjustifiedinkillingtheman.Sheactedinself-defense.
orwoundtheaggressor.Retaliationisnotajustifyingcircumstance.
Example;
Example; Whenthefatherwenthome,hissonwascrying.Whenhewasasked by
WandHarehusbandandwife.Oneearlymorning,thehusbandleft his father why he was crying, he said he was slapped by the
the house to go fishing. N, the neighbor, upon seeing that the neighbor.Whenhewasaskedwhyhewasslapped,thesondidnot
husbandleft,snuckintothehouseofHandW.Nproceededtothe answer. The father decided to inquire from the neighbor whyhe
bedroomandfoundWstillsleeping.Nproceededtohavecarnal slappedhisson.Suchinquiryangeredtheneighbor.Theneighbor
knowledgeofW.Thinkingthatitwasthehusband,WallowedNto whowasatthattimewasgardeningtriedtohitthefatherwitharake
finish.WhenNfinished,hedressedhimselfupandhetoldtheW, thathewasusingforgardening.Thefirstblowandthesecondblow
"salamat!".Uponhearingthevoice,theWrealizedthatheisnotthe wereevaded.Theneighbortriedtohitagainthefatherforthethird
husband.Wimmediatelyjumpedoutofthebed,tooktheboloand time, the father saw a pointed stick on the ground, took it and
hackedN.Ndied.Wwasprosecutedforhomicide.Sheinvokedself- stabbedtheneighbor.Theneighborsufferedafatalwound,brought
defense,particularlydefenseofhonorandchastity. tothehospitalandsurvived.Thefatherwasprosecutedforfrustrated
homicide.Heinvokedself-defense.
Q: Was there self-defense?
Q:maythefatherinvokeself-defenseinordertobeexemptfromthe brothersandsisters,orrelativebyaffinitywithinthesamedegree.
criminalliabilityfrustratedhomicide? AlthoughCisthefirstcousinofWandthusrelatedtoHbyaffinity,C
A:YES.Therewasunlawfulaggressionbecausetheneighbortriedto isnotofthesamedegreementionedbytheprovision.Cisneitherthe
hithimwitharake3times.Therewasanimageofdangerfromhis ascendant,descendant,legitimate,natural,oradoptedbrotheror
life.2nd,themeanswasreasonableandnecessarybecausetThe sisterofW.Thus,thedefenseofrelativeisuntenable.
fatherwenttothehouseoftheneighborwithoutanyarmsandatthe
timehewasattacked,hejustsawapointedstick.Thatistheonly Q: Are there other defenses which H can use?
meansthathecouldavailatthemomenttoprotecthimself.Lastly, A:YES.Although,Cisnotofthesamedegreeasthatmentionedby
therewaslackofsufficientprovocationonthepartofthefather.The law,HcanstillarguedefenseofastrangersinceCinthiscaseisa
actofthefatherinquiringfromtheneighborwhyheslappedhisson stranger.
was an act within his right. It cannot be considered as sufficient
provocation.Itistherightofthefathertoknowwhyhissonwashurt DEFENSE OF A STRANGER
orinjuredbytheneighbor. Anyonewhoactsindefenseofthepersonorrightsofastranger,
providedthatthefirstandsecondrequisitesmentionedinthefirst
Toledo vs. People (G.R. No. 158057, September 24, 2004) circumstanceofthisArticlearepresentandthatthepersondefending
TheSupremeCourtheldthatthereisnosuchthingasaccidentalself- benotinducedbyrevenge,resentment,orotherevilmotive.
defense. You cannot invoke self-defense and accident at thesame
time.Becauseinself-defenseitisdirectandpositiveovertactinthe Elements
nameofself-preservation.Theoffenderkilledthevictimsoasto The following are the elements of defense of a stranger;
preservehisownlife.Itisdirectandpositive.Itcannotbedoneout 1. Unlawfulaggression;
ofaccidentimminence.Therefore,itisinconsistentwithaccident. 2. Reasonablenecessityofthemeansemployedtopreventor
repel theattack;
StandGroundWhenintheRight 3. The person defending be not induced byrevenge,
Thereasonbehindself-defensestandgroundwhenintheright.Stand resentment, ormotive;
groundintherightmeansthatwherethesaidaccusediswherehe
shouldbeandhisassailantisfastapproaching,thelawdoesnot The3rd elementrequiresthatthesaidoffendermustbedisinterested
requirehimtoretreatbecausethemomentheretreatsherunsthe and not induced by any other motive, otherwise, defense of a
riskofbeingstabbedattheback. stranger will notlie.
DEFENSE OF A RELATIVE Example;

Anyonewhoactsindefenseofthepersonorrightsofhisspouse, Whatifonenight,AandBwereonboardajeepney.Saidjeepneywas
ascendants,descendants,orlegitimate,naturaloradoptedbrothers flaggeddownbyX.Uponreachingadarkportionofthestreet,X
orsisters,orhisrelativesbyaffinityinthesamedegreesandthose pulledabalisonganddeclaredahold-up.XpokedAwithhisbalisong and
consanguinitywithinthefourthcivildegree,providedthatthefirst said “give me your cellphone”. A did not want to give her
andsecondrequisitesprescribedinthenextprecedingcircumstance cellphonetoX.XwasabouttostabAwhenB,uponseeingthatthe
arepresent,andthefurtherrequisite,incasetherevocationwas latterwasabouttostabB,immediatelykickedXoutofthejeepney. X,
givenbythepersonattacked,thattheonemakingdefensehadno who fell from the jeepney suffered physical injuries. B was
parttherein. prosecuted for serious physical injuries. B invoked defense of a
stranger.
Elements
The following are the elements of defense of a relative; Q: Is B be criminally liable for serious physical injuries?
1. Unlawfulaggression; A:NO.Theelementsofdefenseofastrangerispresent.1 st,therewas
2. Reasonablenecessityofthemeansemployedtopreventor unlawfulaggressionbecauseXwasabouttostabAbecauseAdidnot
repelit; wanttogiveherCellphone.2nd,therewasreasonablenecessityofthe
3. Incasetheprovocationwasgivenbythepersonattacked, meansemployedbecauseBwasunarmed.Allthathedidwashe
theonemakingthedefensehadnoparttherein; kickedXoutofthejeepney.Itwasnecessaryforhimtodosaidactin
orderforhimtopreventtheaggression.Lastly,intheproblem,there
Eveniftherelative,whowasdefendedbytheoffender,wastheone wasnoshowingthatBknowsX,soitcannotbesaidthatBisinduced
provokedtheoffendedparty,theoffendershouldtooknopartinthe by anymotive.
provocationinsaidsituationsoastojustifythedefenseofarelative.
STATE OF NECESSITY
Example; Asarule,itisnotedthatjustifyingcircumstancesareexemptfrom
HandWarehusbandandwife.CisthefirstcousinofW.Inone criminalaswellascivilliability.However,thisparagraphofArticle11
instance,HsawCarguingwithD.Duringthatargument,Dwasabout isanexceptionwhenitcomestocivilliability.Althoughheisnot
tostabC.Thereafter,Himmediatelygrabbedastoneandapproached criminallyliable,heiscivillyliable;
D. H hit D with a stone. D sustained a fatal wound however he
survived.Hwaschargedwithfrustratedhomicide.Harguesdefense Civilliabilityisbornnotonlybytheaccused,butallthosepeoplewho
ofrelative. benefittedinthisstateofemergence.UnderArt.101oftheRPC,“In
casesfallingwithinsubdivision4ofArt11,thepersonsforwhose
Q: is H’s argument of defense of relative tenable? benefit the harm has been prevented shall be civilly liable in
A:NO.Thelawsaysthatapersonmaydefendthepersonorrightsof proportiontothebenefitwhichtheymayhavereceived.
hisspouse,ascendants,descendants,legitimate,natural,oradopted
Elements Itisimportanttonotethattheinjuryisthenecessaryconsequenceof
The following are the elements of state of necessity; thelawfulexerciseofduty.
1. Thattheevilsoughttobeavoidedactuallyexists;
2. Thattheinjuryfearedbegreaterthanthatdonetoavoidit; OBEDIENCE TO AN ORDER ISSUED BY A SUPERIOR FOR SOME
3. Thattherebenootherpracticalandlessharmfulmeansof LAWFUL PURPOSE.
preventingit; Anypersonwhoactsinobediencetoanorderissuedbyasuperiorfor
some lawfulpurpose.
Example;
Apregnantwomanmetanaccident.Shewasimmediatelybroughtto Elements
thehospital.Becauseofthesaiddiresituation,thedoctorwhowasin The following are the elements;
chargeofthepregnantwomanhastomakeadecision,thatistosave only 1. Anorderhasbeenissuedbyasuperior;
one life, either the life of the woman or the baby that sheis 2. Suchordermustbeforsomelawfulpurpose;
carrying.Thedoctorchosetosavethelifeofthewoman.Becauseof 3. Meansusedbythesubordinatetocarryoutsaidorderis
that,thefetusdied.Prosecutedforabortion,thedoctorinvokedthe lawful;
doctrineofstateofnecessity.
Example;
Q: Is the doctor liable for abortion? WhatifawarrantofarrestwasissuedbythecourtagainstX.Thechief
A:NO.Theelementsofstateofnecessityareallpresent.Theevil ofpolicehandedthewarranttoagroupofpoliceandinstructedthem
soughttobeavoidedactuallyexistbecausethelifeofthebabyand toarrestX,andifXwouldrefusetobearrested,theycanimmobilize
the mother is in danger. 2nd, The injury (death of the pregnant X. SothegroupheadedbyPoliceOfficerYreceivedaninformation
woman)isgreaterthanthatofthedeathofthefetus.Lastly,there thatXlivedinacertainprovince.PoliceOfficerY,togetherwithhis
wasnootherlesspracticalorharmfulmeansofpreventingit.The groupwenttosaidprovinceandwasabletoverifythatXactuallylived
situationwasanemergency.Thewomanhadnorelativeswithherso there.PoliceOfficerYthereafterwenttothelocationofX.Police
thedoctorhastodecideimmediately—eithertosavethelifeofthe OfficerY,uponseeingXwhowasatthattimewascultivatingthesoil,
motherorthefetus.Thereforethedoctorshouldbeabsolvedfrom immediatelyfiredatX.Thereafter,Xdies.Prosecutedformurder,
criminalliability. PoliceOfficerYinvokedtwojustifyingcircumstances:lawfuldutyand
actedinobediencetoalawfulorder.
Example;
Whatifonataxiafamilywasonboard.SaidtaxiwastraversingESDA Q:CanpoliceofficerYinvokethejustifyingcircumstanceoflawful
duringnighttime.Suddenly,withoutanywarning,atruckappeared exercise ofduty?
infrontofhim.Ifhewouldgoforward,hewouldbehittingthebuses. If A:NO.Althoughtheaccusedactedintheperformanceofhisdutyby
he swerved to the right, he would be hitting bystanders. If he obeyingtheordersofhisofficertoarrestXbythechiefofpoliceby
swervedtotheleft,hewouldhitastore.Sothetaxidriverchoseto virtue of the warrant of arrest issued by the court, the injury
swervetotheleft,hitthestoretherebycausingdamage.Prosecuted committed was not the necessary consequence of the due
forrecklessimprudenceresultingtodamagetoproperty,thetaxi performanceofsuchrightbecauseatthattime,Xwasjustcultivating
driverinvokedthe4thjustifyingcircumstances. hissoil.
Q:Isthetaxicriminallyliableforrecklessimprudenceresultingto Q:Cantheaccusedusethedefenseofobediencetoalawfulorder?
damage toproperty? A:NO.Althoughtherewasalawfulorderbyhissuperiortowasarrest
A:NO.Theelementsareallpresent.1st,theevilsoughttobeavoided andimmobilizeXifherefusestobearrestedandthepurposewas
actuallyexistbecausetherewasacollision.2 nd,theinjuryfeared lawful,themeansemployedbyPoliceOfficerY,wherehisorderwas
(death) was greater than that done. Lastly, there was no other arrestandincaseofresistanceistoimmobilizeXwasnotperformed.
practicalandlessharmfulmeansofpreventingit.Asidefromthese3 Xwasmerelycultivatinghissoilandwasnotresistingarrestatthat
requisitesstatedbythelaw,itshouldbeaddedthatthenecessity time.
mustnotbeduetothenegligenceorviolationofthelawbytheactor.
Inthiscase,therewasawarningtothetaxidrivernottoenterthe Example;
street,yetheproceeded.Itisthroughhisnegligencethatcausedthe Xwasconvictedbyfinaljudgmentforthecrimeofhomicide.When X
stateofnecessity,thereforeheiscriminallyandcivillyliable. was about to be transferred to a maximum security prison, he
suddenlyescaped.PoliceofficerYwasorderedbythejailwardento
FULFILMENTOFADUTYORINALAWFULEXERCISEOFARIGHTOR retrieve X. Y thereafter pursued X. Knowing that he was being
OFFICE pursued, X went to a market and grabbed a 5 year old child as
Any person who acts in the fulfillment of a duty or in the lawful hostage.Xpointedaknifetowardstheneckofthechild,andhetold
exercise of a right or office. Ynottopursuehim,otherwisehewillkillthechild.Howeverthechild
cried.ThecryingchildstartedtoannoyXtothepointthathewas
Elements: abouttokillthechild.However,sensingthatXwasabouttostabthe
Thefollowingaretheelementsoffulfillmentofadutyorinalawful child. X fired a shot towards X. X suffered a mortal wound and
exercise ofoffice; thereafterdied.Ywaschargedwithhomicide.
1. Accusedactedintheperformanceofadutyorinthelawful
exerciseofarightoroffice; Q: What defenses can Y utilize?
2. Injury caused or offense committed be the necessary A:Ycanmakeusofthejustifyingcircumstanceofperformanceof
consequenceofthedueperformanceofdutyorthelawful fulfillmentofadutyorinalawfulexerciseofoffice.Asapoliceofficer,
exerciseofsuchrightoroffice; YactedintheperformanceofhisdutyinpursingX,anescaped
convict. Likewise, the injury caused to X was the necessary Ontheotherhand,thebatteredwomanalsotriestoconvinceherself

consequenceofthefulfillmentofY’sduties,otherwiseXwillkillthe thatthebatterywillneverhappenagain;thatherpartnerwillchange
child. Y can also use the justifying circumstance of defense of forthebetter;andthatthisgood,gentleandcaringmanisthereal
stranger. person whom sheloves.
BATTERED WOMAN SYNDROME No Criminal Liability and Civil Liability

BatteredWomanSyndromereferstoascientificallydefinedpattern BatteredWomanSyndromeisakintoakintojustifying.Itiseven
ofpsychologicalandbehavioralsymptomsfoundinwomenlivingin betterthatself-defensebecauseinself-defense,youhavetoprove that
batteringrelationshipsasaresultofcumulativeabuse. the elements are present. However, in battered woman
syndrome,whatshouldbeprovenisthatthewifeissufferingfrom
Battered Woman batteredwomansyndrome.Itisthroughtheexperttestimonyofthe
Anti-ViolenceagainstWomenandtheirChildrenActof2004(R.A. psychiatristwhowillprovethatthewifeissufferingfrombattered
9262) defines battered woman as a battered woman has been womansyndrome.Ifthisisproven,sheisabsolvedfromcriminaland
definedasawomanwhoisrepeatedlysubjectedtoanyforceful civilliability.
physicalorpsychologicalbehaviorbyamaninordertocoerceherto --xXx--
dosomethinghewantshertodowithoutconcernforherrights.
Art. 12. Circumstances which exempt from criminal
Batteredwomenincludewivesorwomeninanyformofintimate liability. — the following are exempt from criminal liability:
relationshipwithmen.Furthermore,inordertobeclassifiedasa 1. Animbecileoraninsaneperson,unlessthelatterhas
batteredwoman,thecouplemustgothroughthebatteringcycleat actedduringalucidinterval.
leasttwice. Whentheimbecileoraninsanepersonhascommittedan
actwhichthelawdefinesasafelony(delito),thecourtshallorder
Cycle of violence hisconfinementinoneofthehospitalsorasylumsestablishedfor
InthecaseofPeoplev.Genosa(G.R.No.135981,January15,2004) the personsthusafflicted,whichheshallnotbepermittedtoleave
Supreme Court held that the battered woman syndrome is withoutfirstobtainingthepermissionofthesamecourt.
characterizedbytheso-calledcycleofviolence,whichhasthree 2. Apersonundernineyearsofage.
phases; 3. Apersonovernineyearsofageandunderfifteen,
1. The tension-buildingphase; unless he has acted with discernment, in which case, such minor
2. Theacutebatteringincident;and shallbeproceededagainstinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofArt.
3. Thetranquil,loving(or,atleast,nonviolent)phase; 80 of thisCode.
When such minor is adjudged to be criminally
Tension Building Phase irresponsible,thecourt,inconformablywiththeprovisionsofthis
Duringthetension-buildingphase,minorbatteringoccurs--itcould andtheprecedingparagraph,shallcommithimtothecareand
beverbalorslightphysicalabuseoranotherformofhostilebehavior. custodyofhisfamilywhoshallbechargedwithhissurveillanceand
Thewomanusuallytriestopacifythebattererthroughashowofkind, educationotherwise,heshallbecommittedtothecareofsome
nurturingbehavior;orbysimplystayingoutofhisway. institutionorpersonmentionedinsaidArticle80.
4. Anypersonwho,whileperformingalawfulactwith
All the woman wants is to prevent the escalation of theviolence duecare,causesaninjurybymereaccidentwithoutfaultor
exhibitedbythebatterer.Thiswish,however,provestobedouble- intentionofcausingit.
edged, because her placatory and passive behavior legitimizes his 5. Any person who act under the compulsion of
beliefthathehastherighttoabuseherinthefirstplace. irresistibleforce.
6. Any person who acts under the impulse of an
Acute Battering Incident uncontrollablefearofanequalorgreaterinjury.
Theacutebatteringincidentissaidtobecharacterizedbybrutality, 7. Anypersonwhofailstoperformanactrequiredby
destructivenessand,sometimes,death.Atthisstage,thewomanhas law,whenpreventedbysomelawfulinsuperablecause.
asenseofdetachmentfromtheattackandtheterriblepain,although
shemaylaterclearlyremembereverydetail. EXEMPTING CIRCUMSTANCE
Exempting Circumstance are those grounds for exemptionfrom
Her apparent passivity in the face of acute violence may be punishmentbecausethereiswantingintheagentofthecrimeanyof
rationalized thus: the batterer is almost always much stronger theconditionswhichmakestheactvoluntaryornegligent.
physically,andsheknowsfromherpastpainfulexperiencethatitis
futiletofightback.Acutebatteringincidentsareoftenverysavage INSANITY AND IMBECILITY
andoutofcontrol,suchthatinnocentbystandersorintervenorsare In this paragraph there are two exempting circumstances;
likely to gethurt. 1. Imbecility;
2. Insanity;
Tranquil or Loving Phase
Duringthistranquilperiod,thecoupleexperienceprofoundrelief.On Justlikeexemptingcircumstance,imbecilityandinsanityareboth
theonehand,thebatterermayshowatenderandnurturingbehavior admissionandavoidance.Ineffect,invokinginsanityandimbecilityis
towardshispartner.Heknowsthathehasbeenviciouslycrueland tantamount to admitting the crime. But in order to avoidcriminal
triestomakeupforit,beggingforherforgivenessandpromising liability,heinvokesthatheiseitherinsaneorimbecile
nevertobeatheragain.
Imbecile Criminal Liability

Animbecileisonewhoisalreadyadvancedinagebutonlyhavea R.A.9344,ifachildcommittedafelonywhenheis15orbelow,heis
thinking of a child between 2 and 7. There is no intelligence, an exemptedfromcriminalliability.Ifheisover15butbelow18,buthe
element ofvoluntariness. didnotactwithdiscernment,heisexemptedfromcriminalliability.If
heisover15butbelow18andheactedwithdiscernment,heisnot
Imbecility is exempting under any circumstance. exemptedfromcriminalliabilityandhewillbeprosecutedjustlike any
othercriminal.
Insanity
Insanityreferstothementalaberrationalbackgroundordiseaseof So,iftheoffenderis16,thereforeheisover15butbelow18,andhe
themindandmustcompletelyimpairtheintelligenceoftheaccused. committedacrimeandactedwithdiscernment.Duringthetrial,it
wasestablishedandproventhatheisguiltybeyondreasonable
Insanityisnotexemptingunderanycircumstance.Ifitcanbeshown doubt. There is already a pronouncement of a judgment of civil
thathecommittedthecrimeinlucidinterval,heisliable. liability.
Presumption of Sanity Suspension of Sentence

Inyourcivilcode,itispresumedthatthepersonissane.Thereforethe UnderSec.38ofR.A.9344,oncethechildwhoisunder18yearsof
burdenofevidenceisonthedefense.Therefore,alltheaccusedhas ageatthetimeofthecommissionofthecrimewasfoundguiltyof
todoistoprovethathewasinsanewhenhecommittedthecrime. theoffensechargedthecourtshalldetermineandascertainanycivil
liability which may have resulted from the offense committed.
Example; However,insteadofpronouncingthejudgmentofconviction,the
AkilledBandstabbedhimmanytimes.Awasprosecutedformurder. courtshallplacethechildinconflictwiththelawundersuspended
Thedefensetriedtoprovethatwashewasinsane.Toproveinsanity, the sentence,withoutneedofapplication.Providedhowever,thatthe
defense presented the father of A, who testified that hisson suspensionofthesentenceshallstillbeappliedevenifthejuvenileis
wouldgooutoftheirhomenakedandthereafterreturn.Second,his already18yearsofageormoreatthetimeofthepronouncementof
sonwasinandoutofthementalinstitution.Third,hissonwouldsteal hisguilt.Therefore,aslongasheis18yearsandbelowatthetimeof
thejewelriesofhismotherandwouldsellitatanextremelowprice. the commission of the crime, even if he is above 18 at the
Theseweretheevidencepresentedbythedefense. promulgation of the judgment, he can still benefit from the
suspendedsentence.
Q: Can the son be acquitted because of insanity?
A:NO.Thefather’stestimony,insteadofprovingthatAwasinsane, UnderSection40ofR.A.9344,ifachildisundersuspendedsentence,
establishedotherwise.First,aninsanepersonwouldnotknowwhere thecourtshalldecidetodischargeortoextendthesentencefora
hishouseis.Second,Awasinandoutofthementalinstitution.Third, specificperiodoftimeoruntilthechildattainsthemaximumageof
aninsanepersonwouldnotknowthatathinghasavalue(considering 21.Althoughthereisautomaticsuspension,itistemperedbySection
theevidencethatthesonsoldthejewelriesofthemotheratalow 40. Therefore,themaximumlimitis21yearsold.
price)
People v. Sarcia (G.R. No. 169641, September 10, 2009)
Example; Theaccusedwasconvictedofstatutoryrape.Inthiscase,theSCruled
AkilledB.Astatedthataweekpriortothekilling,hecouldnotsleep thatthelawshouldbegivenaretroactiveapplication.Section36of
andtherewasavoicethatkeptnagginghim,“KillB,killB.”Andsohe theactprovidedthatpersonswhohavebeenconvictedandare
killedB,sohefollowedthevoice.Hepleadedguiltybuthisdefense servingsentenceatthetimeoftheeffectivityoftheactandwhowere
wasinsanity. below18atthetimeofthecommissionoftheoffenseforwhichthey
wereconvictedandareservingsentenceshallbegivenaretroactive
Q: Will A be acquitted due to insanity? application of theact.
A:NO.InthecaseofPeoplev.Antonio(G.R.No.14426,November27,
2002)theSupremeCourtheldthatmerementaldisturbance,mere TheSCalsoruledthatalthoughthecrimecommittedisaheinous
crazinessisnottheinsanitycontemplatedbythelaw.Itistheinsanity crime,theaccusedcanstillbegivenasuspensionofthesentence.
whichwoulddeprivetheoffenderthecapacitytodistinguishright Section38doesnotdistinguishthenatureofthecrime,beitheinous,
fromwrongandtheconsequencesofhisact. capital, or light offense, the child is entitled to suspension of
sentence.
InthecaseofPeoplev.Gimena(G.R.No.L-3387,February6,1931),
anoldcase,sleepwalkingorsomnambulismisalsoconsideredasakin However,theSCruledthatconsideringtheageofSarcia(already31),
toinsanity.Hedidnotknowwhathewasdoingatthattimewhenhe hecannotbegivenanymorethebenefitofsuspension.Althoughhe
killedthevictim.Therefore,thereisnocriminalliability. committedthecrimewhenhewas17yearsold,themaximumageis
21.
MINORITY
ThesecondandthirdcircumstancewasalreadyamendedbyR.A. Theonlybenefitthatwasavailabletohimwasthatheshallservehis
9344ortheJuvenileJusticeandWelfareActof2006.Thisreferstoa sentenceinanagriculturalcampandothertrainingfacilities.
childinconflictofthelaw.Achildinconflictwiththelawisachild
whoisallegedas,accusedof,oradjudgedas,havingcommittedan People v. Mantalaba (G.R. No. 186227, July20, 2011)
offenseunderPhilippinelaws. ThesamecasewasappliedinPeoplevsMantalaba.Theyhavethe
verysameissues.Thecaseisaboutthesaleofillegaldrugsinvolving
minors.Inthiscase,theSCremandedtheCA.TheCAshouldhave
suspendedthesentencebecauseatthattimethelawwasenacted A: NO. Although the police officer is performing a lawful act in

andwasonappealtotheCA,theaccusedwas20yearsofage,hence pacifyingthetwomenarefightingonthestreet,hedidnotperform
heisentitledtotheautomaticsuspensionofhissentence. itwithduecare.Consideringthatitwasacommunity,heknewthata
straybulletwouldhavelandedonanyperson.Heshouldnothave
ACT OF DISCERNMENT fired shots. The police officer is liable for reckless imprudence
InthecaseofMadaliv.People(G.R.No.180380,August4,2009), resultingtohomicide,aculpablefelony.
there is an act of discernment when the minor knows the
consequencesandcircumstancesofhisact.Discernmentisthat IRRESISTIBLE FORCE
mentalcapacityofaminortofullyappreciatetheconsequencesofhis Any person who act under the compulsion of irresistible force.
unlawfulact.Suchcapacitymaybeknownandshouldbedetermined
bytakingintoconsiderationallthefactsandcircumstances. Elements;
1. TheremustbeCompulsionisbymeansofphysicalforce;
Inthiscase,theaccusedwhowas16yearsoldatthetimeofthe 2. Physicalforcemustbeirresistible;
commission of the crime, warned the witness not to reveal their 3. Physicalforcemustcomefromathirdperson;
hideous act, otherwise, he (accused) and his co-accused wouldkill
him.Therefore,heknewthatkillingthevictimwasacondemnableact In irresistible force, the offender must be reduced as a mere
andshouldbekeptinsecrecy.Hefullyappreciatedtheconsequences instrument,thatheisnotactinginhiswill.Therefore,ifheisacting
for his unlawfulact. againsthiswill,voluntarinessisabsent.
ACCIDENT UNCONTROLLABLE FEAR

InthecaseofPeoplev.DelCruz(G.R.No.187683,February11,2010) Anypersonwhoactsundertheimpulseofanuncontrollablefearof
Anaccidentisanoccurrencethathappensoutsidetheswayofour anequalorgreaterinjury.
will,andalthoughitcomesaboutthroughsomeactofourwill,itlies
beyondtheboundsofhumanlyforeseeableconsequences. Elements;
1. Existenceofanuncontrollablefear;
Elements; 2. Fearmustberealandimminent;
1. Apersonisperformingalawfulact; 3. Fearofaninjuryisgreaterthanorequaltothatcommitted;
2. With duecare;
3. Hecausesinjurytoanotherbymereaccident; Itisnecessarybythemeansemployedbythethirdperson,itwould
4. Withoutfaultorintentioncausingit; causeapersontosufferuncontrollablefear.Again,heisreducedasa
mereinstrumentsuchthatheactedagainsthiswill.Itisnecessary
Notethatalthoughexempting,asarule,thereisnocriminalliability thatsuchfearmustbeofimminencethatanordinarymancannot
but there is civil liability. However, paragraph 4 (accident) is an stand.Whenthereisanexistenceofuncontrollableforceorfear
exception.Therearenocriminalliabilityandcivilliability.Accidentis there is lack of freedom of action—an element of voluntariness.
akintojustifyingcircumstancebecausetheoffenderwasperforming Therefore,thepersontotallyhasnofreewill.
alawfulactwithduecare.
Eveniftherewasforceemployedbutthepersonhasachoicetodo
Example; theactornot,thisexemptingprovisionwillnotlie.
Aisaprisoner.Hewasabouttobeinvestigatedandwasescortedto
theinvestigationroom.Beforereachingtheinvestigatingroom,A Example;
grabbedtheservicepistoloftheofficerwhowasaccompanyinghim Afarmerandhiscarabaowasonhiswayhome.Onhiswayhome,he
totheinvestigatingroom.Thepolicetriedtogetbackhispistol,and heardgunshots,sohewenttotheplacewhereheheardthegun
inthecourseofthefight,thepistolwasfiredaccidentallyandAwas hit. shots.HehidbehindatreeandsawtwomenshootingX.Xway
Thereafter, A died. The police officer was prosecuted for alreadylyingontheground.Thefarmerwassoshockedandafraid
homicide. thathetriedtoleavetheplace.However,whenhewasaboutto
leave,hesteppedonthedriedleavesandcausedanoise.Thetwo
Q: Is the officer liable for homicide? mensawhim.Oneofthemenpointedthegunatthefarmerandtold
A:YES.Thepolicewasperformingalawfulactintryingtogetbackhis himtocomenearthem.Afraidforhislife,thefarmerobeyed.The
property,andthatishispistol.Hecausedaninjurybyaccident.He men,pointingthegunatthefarmertoldhimtoburyXlyingonthe
wasperforminganactwithduecarebecausethere’snootherwayto ground.Thefarmersaid,“No,Idon’twantto.”“IfyouwillnotburyX,
getbackthepistol.Hecausesaninjurythroughaccidentbecause wewillshootyou”,saidoneofthemen.Thefarmerwassoafraidand
therewasnointentiononhisparttokillA. sohedugthegroundandburiedX.
Example; Q: Is the farmer criminally liable together with the two men?
Apoliceofficersawtwomenfightingonastreet.Theywerehitting A:YES.Therewasanuncontrollablefearwhenthefarmersawthat
eachother.Thepolicetriedtopacifythetwomen,buttheywon’t thetwomenshotX.IfthetwomencanshootX,theycanalsoshoot
stop.Sowhatthepoliceofficerdidwasthathefiredshotstopacify the him.Therefore,therewasanuncontrollablefearanditwasrealand
men. However, one of the stray bullets landed on the child. imminent.Thefarmer’sfearisofaninjuryisgreaterthanorequalto
Unfortunatelythechilddied.Thepoliceofficerwasprosecutedfor thatcommittedbecausehislifeismoreimportant.Thereforeallthe
homicide.Asadefense,thepoliceofficerinvokedaccident elementsarepresent,heisnotliable
Q: Is the police officer liable for homicide?

Example; Example;
Ithesameproblem,thefarmerwastoldthatIfhewillnotburyX,they Forexample,thereisawarinwhichthePhilippinesisinvolved.A,B,
willshootandkillhiscarabao.Thefarmerwassoafraid.Hiscarabao andCconspiredtocommittreasonagainstthegovernment.A,oneof
washisonlymeansofliving.Andso,heburiedX. theconspiratorswenttothepriestandconfidedtothepriestthat
therewasconspiracybetweenBandCtocommittreasonagainstthe
Q:Isthefarmercriminallyliabletogetherwiththetwomen? government. Despite knowledge on the conspiracy to commit
A:YES.Therewasanuncontrollablefearanditisrealandimminent treason,thepriestdidnotimmediatelydivulgeittothepolice.Under
becausethefarmersawthatthetwomenshotX.Ifthetwomencan Art116,thepriestiscriminallyliableformisprisionoftreason,fornot
shootX,theycanalsoshootthecarabao.However,thethirdelement divulging the conspiracy to commit treason. However, thepriest
iswanting.Thedeathofthecarabaoisnotequaltoorgreaterthan failedtoperformsuchactduetoalawfulcause.Underyourruleson
thelifeofthehuman. evidence,aconfessionmadetoapriestisconsideredasaprivileged
communication.Thereforethepriestdoesnotincuranycriminal
Example; liability.
Inthesameproblem,thetwomentoldthefarmerthatifthefarmer
willnotburyX,theywillgotohishouse,rapehiswife,thereafterkill her EXEMPTING V. JUSTIFYING
and his children and burn his house. His family is the most EXEMPTING JUSTIFYING
importantpeopleinhislife.Therefore,hewasconstrainedtoburyX. The act is legal; The act is criminal;
Thereisnocrime,hencethere Thereisacrime,hencethereis
Q: Is the farmer criminally liable? is no criminal; a criminal;
A: NO. Although there is an existence of an uncontrollable fear Sincethereisacrime,thereis
because,hiswifewouldberaped,hischildrenwouldbekilledandhis Sincethereisnocrime,thereis criminalliability,althoughheis
housewouldbeburned,the2ndelementisnotpresent.Thefearis nocriminalandcivilliabilities; exempted therefrom,and
notpresent.Itisinthefuture,speculative.Imagine,thetwomen there are civil liabilities.
wouldstillhavetogotothehouseofthefarmerandlookforhiswife The emphasis of the law is on The emphasis of the law is on
andchildren.Bythattime,thefarmerhadalreadygonetohishouse the act; i.e. self-defense. the actor;
andwarnedhisfamily.HecouldalsohavereportedthekillingofX.So CannotbeinvokedinQuasi-
hisfearisnotrealimminent.Imaginativenotpresent. Canbeinvokedinquasi-
offenses,i.e.reckless
offenses;
imprudence;
Ty v. People (G.R. No. 149275, September 27, 2004)
InthecaseofVickyTy,shewasaccusedofissuingbouncingchecks. --xXx--
VickyTy’sdefensewasthatshefearedthatherailingmotherwhowas
confined in the hospital would commit suicide because of the Article 13.Mitigating circumstances. - The following are
hospital’silltreatment.Soshewascompelledtoissueunfunded mitigating circumstances;
checksforhermothertobedischarged.Inthiscase,yesthereisan 1. Thosementionedintheprecedingchapter,whenallthe
uncontrollablefear.However,herfearwasnotrealandimminent.It requisitesnecessarytojustifyortoexemptfromcriminalliabilityin
ismereimaginative,speculative.Itisnotnow,ornotpresent. therespectivecasesarenotattendant.
2. Thattheoffenderisundereighteenyearofageorover
Q: How about state of necessity? seventy years. In the case of the minor, he shall be proceeded
A:NO.Thethreatofthemotherdoesnotactuallyexistbecausethe againstinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofArt.80.
threatisinthefuture.Thereforestateofnecessityisnotpresent.The 3. Thattheoffenderhadnointentiontocommitsogravea
SupremeCourtruledthatshewasnotinstateofnecessity.Because wrongas that committed.
shehasseveraljewelries.Shecouldhavesoldthejewelriestopayfor the 4. Thatsufficientprovocationorthreatonthepartofthe
hospitalexpenses offendedpartyimmediatelyprecededtheact.
5. Thattheactwascommittedintheimmediatevindication
LAWFUL AND INSUPERABLE CASUE ofagraveoffensetotheonecommittingthefelony(delito),his
Any person who fails to perform an act required by law, when spouse,ascendants,orrelativesbyaffinitywithinthesamedegrees.
prevented by some lawful insuperable cause. 6. That of having acted upon an impulse so powerful as
naturallytohaveproducedpassionorobfuscation.
Elements; 7. That the offender had voluntarily surrendered himselfto
1. Anactisrequiredbylawtobedone; apersoninauthorityorhisagents,orthathehadvoluntarily
2. Apersonfailstoperformsuchact; confessedhisguiltbeforethecourtpriortothepresentationofthe
3. Failure to perform such act was due to some lawful or evidencefortheprosecution;
insuperablecause; 8. Thattheoffenderisdeafanddumb,blindorotherwise
suffering some physical defect which thus restricts his means of
No Civil Liability action,defense,orcommunicationswithhisfellowbeings.
Notethatitisoneoftheinstancesinexemptingcircumstancesthat 9. Suchillnessoftheoffenderaswoulddiminishtheexercise
theactorisexemptfrombothcriminalandcivilliability.Itisakintoa ofthewill-poweroftheoffenderwithouthoweverdeprivinghimof
justifyingcircumstancebecausewhatpreventedtheoffenderfrom theconsciousnessofhisacts.
performingalawfulactisalawfulcause. 10. And, finally, any other circumstances of a similar nature
andanalogoustothoseabovementioned.
MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCE INCOMPLETE JUSTIFYING OR EXEMPTING CIRCUMSTANCE

MitigatingCircumstancesarethosecircumstanceswhichifpresentor Incomplete Justifying or exempting circumstances are those
attendantinthecommissionofafelonywouldreducetheimposable mentioned in the preceding chapter, when all the requisites
penalty because it shows lesser perversity or criminality of the necessary to justify or to exempt from criminal liability in the
offender. respective cases are not attendant.
Mitigatingcircumstancesneednotbeallegedintheinformationin Privilege Mitigating or Ordinary Mitigating

ordertobeappreciatedbythecourtprovidedthatsuchcircumstance The following are the rules to determine whether an incomplete
isshownandprovenduringthetrial. justifyingorincompleteexemptingcircumstanceshouldbetreatedas
privilege or ordinarymitigating;
Thereisalessercriminalityonthepartoftheoffenderbecausethe 1. Ifmajorityoftheelementsnecessarytojustifytheactorto
offender acted with the diminution of any of the elements of exempt from liability are present, then it’s treated as
voluntariness. privilege mitigatingcircumstance;
2. Iflessthanthemajorityispresent,thenitisanordinary
There is a diminution on the following; mitigatingcircumstancewhichcanbeoffsetbyageneric
1. Criminalintent; aggravatingcircumstance;
2. Freedom of action;or 3. Iftheelementsnecessarytojustifytheactortoexempt
3. Intelligence. fromcriminalliabilityisonly2,thepresenceof1elementis
alreadyaprivilegemitigatingcircumstance.
Kinds of mitigating Circumstance
There are 2 kinds of mitigating circumstance; Incomplete Self-Defense
1. OrdinaryMitigatingCircumstance; Incaseofincompleteself-defense,incompletedefenseofarelative,
2. Privilege MitigatingCircumstance; incompletedefenseofastranger,theremustalwaysbeunlawful
aggressioninorderforthemctomitigate.
Ordinary Mitigating Circumstance
AnOrdinaryMitigatingCircumstanceisonewhichmaybeoffsetbya It is only ordinary mitigating if only the element of unlawful
generic aggravating circumstance aggravating circumstance. If an aggressionispresent,theincompleteself-defenseshouldbetreated as
ordinarymitigatingcircumstanceisnotoffsetbyagenericacitwould anOrdinary.
reducetheimposablepenaltytoitsminimumperiod.
It is privilege mitigating circumstance if aside from unlawful
Privilege Mitigating Circumstance aggression,anotherelementbutnotallispresent,itistobetreated
APrivilegeMitigatingCircumstanceisonewhichcannotbeoffsetby asaprivilegemitigatingcircumstance.
anyacandtheeffectofprivilegemitigatingcircumstanceistoreduce the
imposable penalty not only to its period but by one or more Example;
degrees Awasrunninginasubdivisionwithabolo,hewashackingallthose
hepassedby.Sotheresidentscalledforpoliceassistance.Thepolice
*If in the computation of penalties there’re aggravating arrivedheadedbypoliceofficerX.TheycalledonAtoputdownhis
circumstances, mitigating circumstances, if there is a privilege weaponbutAinsteadoflayingdownhisweapon,advancedtowards
mitigating circumstance, that presence of privilege mitigating thepolicewiththeboloinhishandsinahackingpositionintheactof
circumstancetakespreferenceoverallotherthings.Beforeyoucan hackingthepoliceofficers.SoXimmediatelyfiredatA.Hehitthe
even the appropriate penalty, you still have to first consider the handsandlegsofA.non-fatalwounds.Aslamonthegroundface
presence of the privilege mitigating circumstance. That is how facingtheground.Atthatparticularmoment,XwenttoA,gothis
importantthatiswhyit’sprivileged. boloandthenfiredshotattheheadofAandAdied.Xwasprosecuted
formurder,policeofficerinvoked2justifyingcircumstance.Wehave
Ordinary Mitigating v. Privilege Mitigating self-defenseandfulfillmentofduty.
ORDINARY MITIGATING PRIVILEGE MITIGATING
Can be offset by generic Cannotbeoffsetbyanykindof Q: Is there self-defense or at least incomplete self-defense?
aggravating circumstance; aggravating circumstance; A:NO.There’snoself-defensebecauseatthetimeXshottheheadof
Lowers the penalty to the A,Awasalreadylyingontheground.Whateverinceptiveunlawful
minimum period except when aggressionhehascommenced,ithasceasedtoexistfromthetime
there are two ordinary Lowersthepenaltybyoneor thefatalblowwasinflictedonhim.Therefore,therewasnounlawful
mitigating circumstance in twodegrees; aggression.Sinceunlawfulaggressionistheelementthatiswanting.
which case the penalty is There’snoself-defense,neitheristhereincompleteself-defense.
lowered by one degree only;
Not considered in the Q: Is there fulfillment of duty?
determination of the proper A:NO.Thereareonly2elementsinfulfillmentofduty,1stelement-
penalty when the penalty Always considered regardless thattheaccusedactedinthedueperformanceofhisdutyorinlawful
prescribed by law for the single of the penalty imposed’ exerciseofhisproperoffice.Itispresentrightbecausethepolice
crime is a single indivisible officerwenttherebecausetheresidentsaskedforpoliceassistance.
penalty; Theywenttheretomaintainpeaceandorder.The1stelementis
present.The2ndelement–thattheinjurycausedisanunavoidable
consequenceofthedueperformanceofaduty.The2ndelementis
absent.TheactofXinshootingtheheadofAisnotanecessary Example;
consequenceofthedueperformanceofhisduty.Therefore,based AandBwerefighting,AboxedB,BboxedA,Aretaliatedandboxed
ontherulethatifthereareonly2elementsnecessarytojustifythe Bagain.WhenAboxedB,B’sheadhitacementedwallandsohe
actandthepresenceof1isalreadyconsideredasthemajorityandit sufferedcerebralhemorrhageandthereaftercausedhisdeath.
isconsideredasaprivilegemitigatingcircumstance.Therefore,inthis
case,thereisanincompletefulfillmentofdutywhichisaprivilege Q: Is A criminally liable for the death of B?
mitigating circumstance which may lower the imposable penalty by A:YES.WhenAboxedB,hewascommittingafeloniousact.Therefore
degreesnotonlybyperiod. heiscriminallyliablefortheresultingfelonyalthoughitbedifferent
from which heintended.
MINORITY/SENILITY
Thattheoffenderisundereighteenyearofageoroverseventyyears. Q:Butcanhebegiventhebenefitofpraeterintentionemthathe
Inthecaseoftheminor,heshallbeproceededagainstinaccordance hasnointentiontocommitsograveawrongasthatcommitted?
withtheprovisionsofArt.80. A:YES.Therewasanotabledisparitybetweenthemeansemployed
bytheoffenderandtheresultingfelony.Whocouldhaveanticipated
There are 2 mitigating circumstance here; thatbythemereactofboxingdeathwouldresult. Therefore,he
1. Minority; shouldbegiventhebenefitofpraterintentionem.
2. Seniority;
Example;
Minority InthesameproblemAandBwerefightingbymeansoffist,the
Rememberthatifminorityisnotexempting,itisalwaysandalwaysa suddenly,Awhowaslosingpulledoutabalisongorafanknifeand
privilege mitigating circumstance. Never an ordinary mitigating stabbedBontheneck,afatalwound.Bdied.Awasprosecutedfor
circumstance homicide.Hesaidhehadnointentiontocommitawrongsograveas
thatcommitted,nointentiontokillB.
So if the offender is over 15 but below 18, and he acted with
discernment, it is not exempting but it is a privilege mitigating Q:CanAbenefitfrompraeterintentionemthathehasnointention
circumstance . tocommitsograveawrongasthatcommitted?
A:No,becausetherewasnonotabledisparityinthebetweenmeans
Senility employed – stabbing on the neck using a balisong or fan knife
Senility(apersonoverage70)isgenerallyanordinarymitigating resultingtodeath.Infact,theactofthevictimofstabbingwould
circumstance. produce,anddidproducethedeathofthevictim.Therefore,praeter
intentionemwouldnotlieinfavoroftheaccused.
[ProsecutorGarcia:Inyourbookthereareinstanceswhereinseniority
shallbeconsideredasaprivilegemitigatingcircumstance,whenthe SUFFICIENT PROVOCATION OR THREAT
crimecommittedbythepersonover70yearoldispunishableby Thatsufficientprovocationorthreatonthepartoftheoffendedparty
death,deathshallnotbeimposedonhim.Orwhenhehasalready immediately preceded theact.
beenconvicteditshallbecomputedtoreclusionperpetua.These
provisionsoftheRPCarenolongerapplicableatthemoment.Atthe Theremustbeasufficientprovocationorthreatonthepartofthe
momentbecausewehaveRA9346whichprohibitstheimpositionof offendedpartyanditmustimmediatelyprecedethecommissionof
death penalty on whoever be the offender. Then senility, at the thecrime.
momentisonlyanomc.Iamemphasizing‘atthemoment’because
atthemomentthereignofP.Noyends,thenewpresidentmaybring The following are the elements of sufficient provocation;
backdeathpenalty.Thentherewillnowbeagainacircumstance 1. Theprovocationmustbesufficient;
wheresenioritywillbeaprivilegemitigatingcircumstance.Butatthe 2. Itmustbeimmediatetothecommissionofthecrime;
moment,wehavenodeathpenaltythatmaybeimposed.] 3. itmustoriginatefromtheoffendedparty;
PRAETER INTENTIONEM Provocation

Thattheoffenderhadnointentiontocommitsograveawrongas Provocationisanyunjustorimmoralactorconductonthepartofthe
thatcommitted. offendedpartywhichiscapableofinciting,excitingorinflating(?)
another.
WehavealreadystudiedthisinArt.4.Thisispraeterintentionem.
Q: When is provocation is sufficient?
Elements; A: For provocation to be sufficient, there must be 2 elements;
1. Theoffendercommittedafelony;
2. Theremustbeanotableornotoriousdisparitybetweenthe 1. Itmustbeadequatetostirapersontocommitawrongful
meansemployedbyoffenderandtheresultfelony. act;
2. Itmustbeproportionatetothegravityofthecrime;
Soforpraeterintentionem,forthismitigatingcircumstancetolie,itis
necessary that there must be a notable or notorious disparity Immediate
betweenthemeansemployedandtheresultingfelony.Thatis,outof The2ndelementrequiresthattheprovocationmustbeimmediateto
themeansemployedbytheoffender,noonecouldhaveanticipated thecommissionofthecrime.
thattheresultingfelonywouldcome.
Thewordimmediateheredoesnotallowalapseoftime.Theremust 1. Thattherebeagraveoffensetotheonecommittingthe
benolapseoftimebetweentheprovocationandthecommissionof felony, his spouse, ascendants, descendants, legitimate,
thecrime. natural,oradoptedbrothersorsister,orrelativesbyaffinity
within the samedegree;
Example; 2. Itrequiresthatthesaidactorgraveoffensemustbethe
Therewasthislonglineofevacuees,victimsofPablowhoaretobe proximatecauseofthecommissionofthecrime.
givenreliefs.Awas5th ontheline,suddenly,Xinsertedhimselfin
frontofA.ThisangeredA,AtoldXtoplacehimselfattheendofthe Itisnecessarythatthecommissionofthecrimewasinimmediate
linebutXdidn’twantbecausehewassohungry.ThisangeredA,and vindication of the grave offense done to the one committing the
soApulledouthisboloandhackedXattheback.Awasprosecuted felony.
forhomicide.
Q:Isitnecessarythatthegraveoffenseneedbeapunishableact?
Q: Is the mitigating circumstance of sufficient provocation on the A:NO.Itsufficesthatitbeanyactunjustact,immoralactwhichcause
part of the offended party justified? theoffendersleeplessnightsandmovehimtovindicatehimself.
A:NO.AlthoughtheactofXininsertinghimselftothelineisanact
adequatetostirapersontocommitawrongfulact,the2ndelement Immediate
isabsent–itisnotproportionatetothegravityoftheact.Theactof The 2nd element requires that the commission of crime was in
killingisnotproportionatetotheactofXofplacinghimselfinfront immediate vindication of the grave offense. This time the word
ofAinalongline.Therefore,sufficientprovocationasamcisnot immediate allows a lapse of time.
presentsoastoreducetheimposablepenalty.
AccordingtotheSupremeCourt,veryfunnyreasoning,therewasan
Urbano v. People (G.R. No. 182750, January 20, 2009) erroneousSpanishtranslation.OurRPCwascopiedfromtheSpanish
The victim has always been calling and teasing on the accused CodigoPenal,inthere,thewordusedtherewasproximate.Yetwhen
Urbano.Sotherewasaconfrontationbecausewheneverthevictim was itwastranslatedintheRPC,thewordusedwasimmediate.Supreme
drunk, he would defame Urbano. So there was a verbal Courtsaidwrongtranslation.Itissufficientthatthesaidgraveoffense
confrontationandensuedintoafight.Inthesaidfight,Urbanowas mustbetheproximatecauseofthecommissionofthecrime.
losingbecausehewasjustasmallman.However,hewasabletoland
oneluckypunchonthefaceofthevictim(parangsiPacquiao).Because Immediateallowsanintervaloftimebetweenthecommissionofthe
ofthesaidluckypunch,thesaidvictimwasabouttofallunconscious offenseanditsvindicationaslongastheoffenderisstillsuffering
ontheground.However,theotheremployeeswereabletoprevent fromthementalagonybroughtaboutbytheoffense.
himfromfallingontheground.Nevertheless,hebecameunconscious
andlateronregainedconsciousness.Inandoutofthehospital,later on PASSION OR OBFUSCATION
hedied. Thatofhavingacteduponanimpulsesopowerfulasnaturallytohave
produced passion orobfuscation.
Q: Is Urbano criminally liable for the death of the victim?
A:YES.UnderArt.4,becausehewascommittingafeloniousact. InthecaseofPeoplev.Lobino(G.R.No.123071,October28,1999),
Therefore he is criminally liable for the resulting felonyalthough theSupremeCourtheldthatthereispassionandobfuscationwhen
differentfromthatwhichheintend. thecrimewascommittedduetoanuncontrollableburstofpassion
provoked by prior unjust or improper acts, or due to alegitimate
Butthereare2mitigatingcircumstanceconsideredbythecourtto stimulussopowerfulastoovercomereason.
reducetheimposablepenalty.1staccordingtothecourt,therewas
sufficient provocation. 2nd, that the offender has no intention to Paragraphs4and5arerelatedtoeachother.Theyarecollectively
commit so grave a wrong as that committed. Who could have knownassuddenimpulseofpassionandobfuscation.
anticipatedthatoutofoneluckypunch,deathwouldresult.There
wasatotaldisparityonthemeansemployedbytheoffenderandthe Elements;
resultingfelony. 1. Therebeanactbothunlawfulandsufficienttoproduce
passion andobfuscation;
Q: How about sufficient provocation, is it present? 2. Theactthatmustproducepassionandobfuscationmust
A:YES.Theprovocationwasonthepartofthevictim.Hewould notbefarremovedfromthecommissionofthecrimeby
alwayscallnamesanddefameUrbano.Isitsufficient?Yes,because theconsiderablelengthoftimeduringwhichtheoffender
whatUrbanoonlydidwastoconfrontthevictimverbally.Thatwas mighthaverecoveredhisnormalequanimity;
hisfirstact,laterononlydiditensuetoafight.
* Passionandobfuscationonthepartoftheaccusedmustarisefrom
IMMEDIATE VINDICATION OF A GRAVE OFFENSE lawfulsentimentsbecauseanunlawfulactwascommittedagainst
Thattheactwascommittedintheimmediatevindicationofagrave him.
offense to the one committing the felony (delito), his spouse,
ascendants,orrelativesbyaffinitywithinthesamedegrees. Immediate
2ndelementrequiresalsotheimmediateness.Itisnecessarythatit
Elements; mustbedoneimmediatelybecausethelawsaysthecommissionof
Hefollowingaretheelementsofimmediatevindicationofacriminal theactwhichproducedthepassionandobfuscationmustnotbefar
offense. removedfromthecommissionofthecrimebyaconsiderablelength
oftime.
Example; A:Yes.Itisalsopresent.Theactoftheneighbortryingtohackthe
WhatifAattemptedonthevirtueofthewifeofB,Blearnedabout wifeandhisactofcontinuouslyhackingthewoodendoorandwalls.
thisfromaneighbor.WhenBlearnedaboutthis,4daysafter,hewent
toAandhackedAtodeath. Q;Sincebothmitigatingcircumstancearepresent,shouldyou
considerbothinthecomputationofthepenalty?
Q:Isthemitigatingcircumstanceofsuddenimpulseofpassionand A:NO.Sincebothmitigatingcircumstancearisesfromonlyoneact,
obfuscation and immediate vindication of grave offense present? youshouldonlyconsidermitigatingcircumstance.
A:NO.4dayshadalreadylapsed.AccordingtotheSC,4daysis
alreadyalongtimeforthesaidoffendertohaverecoveredfromhis VOLUNTARY SURRENDER AND VOLUNTARY PLEA OF GUILT
normalequanimity. Thattheoffenderhadvoluntarilysurrenderedhimselftoapersonin
authorityorhisagents,orthathehadvoluntarilyconfessedhisguilt
MoresointhecaseofPeoplev.Ignas(G.R.No.140514-15,September before the court prior to the presentation of the evidence forthe
30,2003),inthiscase,fromthetimeofthediscoveryoftheadultery prosecution;
ofthewife,tothetimeofthekilling,2weekshadalreadylapsed,the
SCsaidsuch2weeksistoolongatimeforsuchoffendertohave There are 2 mitigating circumstance here;
recoveredalreadyhisnormalequanimity. 1. Voluntarysurrender;
2. Voluntary plea ofguilt;
InthecaseofPeoplev.Romera,theSupremeCourtsaidpar.4-
sufficient provocation on the part of the offended party, par.5 - If both are present, you have to consider always 2 mitigating
immediatevindicationofgraveoffense,par.6–suddenimpulseof circumstance.Theyhavedifferentelementsandwouldalwaysarise
passionandobfuscationarerelatedtoeachothersuchthatinthe fromdifferentsetoffactsandcircumstances.Therefore,theyare
commissionofthecrime,allthreepresent,orany2arepresent,if alwaysseparateanddistinctfromeachother.
theyarebasedonthesamefactsandcircumstancestheyshouldbe
appreciatedonlyas1mitigatingcircumstance,not2or3. Voluntary Surrender
The elements of Voluntary surrender are the following;
Q: Why is this important? 1. Theoffenderhadnotactuallyarrested;T
A:Itisimportantbecauseinthecomputationofthepenalties,ifyou 2. The offender had voluntarily surrendered himself to a
considerthemas3,youwillbewronginthepenalties. personinauthorityorhisagent;S
3. Suchsurrendermustbevoluntary;
*Soagainnote,if4,5and6areallpresentorifany2ispresentand
theyareallbasedonthesamefactsandcircumstances,theyshould Soitisnecessarythattheoffenderhasnotyetbeenarrested.Itis
onlybetreatedas1mc. necessarythathesurrendertoapersoninauthorityorhisagent.The
surrender must bevoluntary.
Example;
Husbandandwifewereabouttohavedinner.Thensomeonewas Q: When is surrender voluntary?
callingthenameofthehusbandoutsidetheirhouse.Thewifeopened A:Surrenderissaidtobevoluntarywhenitisdonespontaneously
thedoor,uponopening,theneighborwhowascallingthenametried andunconditionallyeitherbecausehehasthisfeelingofremorseand
tohackthewife.Goodenough,thewifewasabletoreachandclose wantedtoadmithisguiltorhewantedtosavethegovernmentthat
thedoorandthewifewasnothacked.Theneighborhoweverwitha muchneededtimeoreffortwhichwillbeincurredinlookingforhim.
useofabolocontinuouslyhackedthewoodenorthebamboodoor
andwallsofthehouse.Andso,consideringthathishousewasbeing Example;
damaged, the husband was forced to go outside to confront the AcasewasfoundagainstBinthefiscal’soffice.Awarrantofarrest
neighbor.Heusedthekitchendoor.Hecalledtheneighborandasked wasrequested,thefiscalfoundprobablecause.Theinformationfiled
whatwasthereasonwhyhewashacking.Theneighborinsteadof incourt,thecourtagreedwiththefiscal,awarrantofarrestwas
answering tried to hack the husband. They struggled for the issued.Bgotatipfromthecourtemployeethatawarrantofarrest
possession of the bolo, and in the course the husband gained wasnowinpossessionofthepoliceofficers.AndsoBuponlearning
possession of the bolo. Once in the possession of the bolo, the thattherewasalreadyanissuedwarrantofarrest,immediatelywent
husbandhackedtheneighbor.Theneighborsufferedafatalwound tothepolicestationandsurrenderedhimselftotheauthorities.Then
butwasbroughttothehospitalbythehusbandandsohesurvived. trialagainsthimproceeded,andaftertrialonthemerits,hewas
Husbandwasprosecutedforfrustratedhomicide,thehusbandasa convicted. But the judge did not consider voluntary surrender in
defenseinvoked2mitigatingcircumstance–1st,therewassudden reducing his imposablepenalty.
impulseofpassionandobfuscation,2ndthattherewassufficient
provocationonthepartoftheoffendedpartyimmediatelypreceded Q: Is the judge correct?
theaction. A:Thejudgeiswrongbecausevoluntarysurrenderispresentasa
mitigatingcircumstance.Althoughthereisalreadyawarrantofarrest
Q: Is sufficient provocation present? issued.Thepoliceofficershavenotyetgoneoutlookingforhim.
A:YES.Botharepresent.Thereissufficientprovocationbecauseof the Therefore, any surrender would still be considered as voluntary
act of the neighbor trying to hack the wife. And his act of surrenderevenifthereisalreadyawarrantofarrestagainstthesaid
continuouslyhackingthewoodendoorandwallsofthehouse–that is offender.
sufficientprovocation.
InthecaseofDeVerav.DeVera(G.R.No.172832,April7,2009),the
Q: Is sudden impulse of passion and obfuscation present? SupremeCourtheldthatmerefilingofaninformationand/orthe
issuance of a warrant of arrest will not automatically make the Q:Iftheoffendervoluntaryconfessedhisguilttoacourtwhichhas

surrender involuntary. The accused may still be entitled to the nojurisdictionandlateronpleadedguiltybeforethepropercourt,
mitigatingcircumstanceincasehesurrenders,dependingonthe willthevoluntarypleaofguiltstillbeappreciated?
actualfactssurroundingtheveryfactofgivinghimselfup. A:YES.Sincetheproceedingsbeforetheformercourtwasvoid,the
voluntary plea of guilt may still be appreciated in the court with
Voluntary Plea of Guilt properjurisdiction.
The elements of voluntary plea of guilt are the following;
1. That guilt tendered is confessed spontaneously and PHYSICAL DEFECT
unconditionally; Thattheoffenderisdeafanddumb,blindorotherwisesufferingsome
2. Thatheconfessesguiltinopencourtthatisbeforethecourt physicaldefectwhichthusrestrictshismeansofaction,defense,or
tried hiscase; communicationswithhisfellowbeings.
3. Theconfessionthatwasmadebeforethepresentationof
theevidencefortheprosecution; Forthismitigatingcircumstancetolieinfavoroftheaccused,itis
necessarythattheremustbeaconnection,arelationbetweenthe
Example; physicaldefectandthecrimecommitted.Itisnecessarythatthesaid
Awaschargedwiththecrimeoffrustratedmurder.Duringtheplea physicaldefectmusthaverestrictedhisuseofaction,defenseor
bargaining,withtheconsentofthejudge,thefiscalandtheoffended communicationwithhisfellowbeing.
party,hesaidthathehadpleadguiltytoattemptedmurder.Andso he
pleaded guilty to attempted murder. The judge rendered Example;
judgmentwithoutconsideringvoluntarypleadofguiltsoastoreduce Aisacripple,hehasnolegs,healwayspositionhimselfnearthe
hispenalty. Quiapochurch.Hewasonboardaskateboard.Soheoftenstays
there,andhisworkwastosnatchthehandbagsofanychurchgoers.
Q: Is the judge correct? Andsoonetime,hesnatchedthehandbagofachurchgoerand
A:YES.Forsaidpleaofguiltytobeconsideredvoluntary,itmustbe thereafter,hespedawayonboardhisskateboard.Hewasthereafter
donespontaneously.Spontaneously,itmustbetheoriginalcrime arrested.
charged.
Q:Willhisphysicaldefectofbeingcrippled,amanwithnolegs,be
Example; mitigating?
Awaschargedasaprincipalinthecrimeofrobbery.Hepleadedguilty A:NO.Hisphysicaldefecthasnorelationatalltothecrimehehas
withtheconsentofthejudge,thefiscalandtheoffendedpartytothe committed.
crimeofrobberybutmerelyasanaccomplice.Thejudgerendered
judgmentbecauseofthepleaofguilt.Thejudgedidnotconsiderthe Example;
saidpleaofguiltasmitigating. Aisablindman,blindbeggar,neartheQuiapochurch.Onetimehe
wasbeggingforalms,suddenly,hewasscrapedonhisheadwitha
Q: Is the judge correct? wound,itwassostrongthathefellonthegroundwounded.Angry,
A:Yes,thejudgeiscorrectbecausewhenhepleadedguiltasan hestoodup,tookhiscaneandretaliatedbyhittingthepersonnext to
accomplice,hispleaofguiltwasnotdoneunconditionally. him, not knowing that it was not the person but an innocent
passerby.Theinnocentpasserbysufferedlessphysicalinjuries.Sothe
Example; blindbeggarwasprosecutedforlessseriousphysicalinjuries.
Awasprosecutedforthecrimeofrecklessimprudenceresultingin
homicideandmultiplephysicalinjuries.Hewasdrivinghisvehicle, Q:Isthemitigatingcircumstanceofphysicaldefectpresentsoasto
bumpedapersonandinjuredseveralothers.Duringarraignment,he reduce the imposablepenalty?
immediately pleaded guilty. The judge rendered judgment. In A:YES.Hisbeingblindrestrictedhismeansofaction,defenseor
renderingjudgment,thejudgedidnotconsiderthevoluntarypleaof communication with his fellow being. His intention was to hitthe
guilt asmitigating. personwhoscrapedhimwiththewound.Butbecauseofhecouldnot
see,hehitaninnocentpasserby.Therewasarelationbetweenthe
Q: Is the judge correct? physicaldefectandthecrimecommitted.Therefore,itwillmitigate
A:YES.InMarianov.People(G.R.No.178145,July7,2014)the his criminalliability.
SupremeCourtheldthatinthecaseofaculpablefelony,incaseof
quasi-offenses,underArt.365thejudgemayormaynotconsider ILLNESS
these mitigating circumstance in the imposition of penalty. Ifthe Suchillnessoftheoffenderaswoulddiminishtheexerciseofthewill-
judgeconsideritorifthejudgedidnotconsiderit,thatisthedecision power of the offender without however depriving him of the
ofthejudge.UnderArt.365,thecourtisnotmandatedtoconsider consciousnessofhisacts.
therules,thedecisionisbasedonthesounddiscretionwhetheror
nottoconsiderthemitigatingcircumstance. Sothisisillness.Itisnecessarythatthesaidillnessmustdiminishthe
exerciseofthewill-poweroftheoffender.Butitmustnotdeprivehim
Q:Maythemitigatingcircumstanceofvoluntarypleaofguiltbe of his consciousness of his act because if it will deprive him of
appreciatedinconfessionsbeforethemedia? consciousnessofhisact,thenitisexemptingnotmerelymitigating.
A: NO. Confessions before the media are considered extra-judicial
confessions.Forvoluntarypleaofguiltbeappreciated,theconfession Example;
mustbemadebeforethecourt. Aisakleptomaniac,hehasthisurgetosteal.Now,hisurgeistosteal
diamonds.Soonetimehewasinaparty,hewastalkingtoaladywith
diamond earrings, diamond necklace, diamond watch, diamond 10. Thattheoffenderhasbeenpreviouslypunishedbyan

bracelet.Thenaftertheconversation,theladywenttotherestroom. offensetowhichthelawattachesanequalorgreaterpenaltyorfor
Upon looking at the mirror, she shouted, she was shocked, the twoormorecrimestowhichitattachesalighterpenalty.
diamondearring,necklace,watchandbraceletwereallgone.Itwas 11. Thatthecrimebecommittedinconsiderationofaprice,
alreadytakenbythesaidaccused.Awasprosecutedfortheft. reward, orpromise.
12. Thatthecrimebecommittedbymeansofinundation,fire,
Q: Will his illness mitigate his criminal liability? poison, explosion, stranding of a vessel or international damage
A:Yes.Itdiminisheshisexerciseofhiswill-powerwithouthowever thereto,derailmentofalocomotive,orbytheuseofanyother
deprivinghimofconsciousness.Heknewthathewascommitting artificeinvolvinggreatwasteandruin.
theft,heknewthathewastakingthepersonalpropertyofanother 13. Thattheactbecommittedwithevidencepremeditation.
buthecannotcontrol,hehasadiminishedself-controltopreventthe 14. Thatthecraft,fraudordisguisebeemployed.
commissionofthecrime.Itwillonlymitigate,reducetheimposable 15. Thatadvantagebetakenofsuperiorstrength,ormeansbe
penaltybutitwillnotexemptfromcriminalliability. employedtoweakenthedefense.
16. Thattheactbecommittedwithtreachery(alevosia).
ANALOGOUS CIRCUMSTANCE Thereistreacherywhentheoffendercommitsanyofthe
And, finally, any other circumstances of a similar nature and crimesagainsttheperson,employingmeans,methods,orformsin
analogous to those above mentioned. theexecutionthereofwhichtenddirectlyandspeciallytoinsureits
execution,withoutrisktohimselfarisingfromthedefensewhich
Anyothercircumstancewhichissimilarinnaturefromthe1sttothe theoffendedpartymightmake.
9thparagraph,thenitisalsoconsideredasamc. 17. Thatmeansbeemployedorcircumstancesbroughtabout
whichaddignominytothenaturaleffectsoftheact.
Example; 18. Thatthecrimebecommittedafteranunlawfulentry.
A public officer who has malversed public funds, voluntarily, Thereisanunlawfulentrywhenanentranceofacrimeawall,
voluntaryreturnedthepublicfunds,itisakintovoluntarysurrender. roof, floor, door, or window be broken.
Orwhatifapersonisalreadyof65yearsofage,sickly,sufferingfrom 19. Thatthecrimebecommittedwiththeaidofpersons
adiseaseitcanbesaidtobeakinorsimilartoseniority.Itwillmitigate underfifteenyearsofageorbymeansofmotorvehicles,motorized
his criminalliability. watercraft,airships,orothersimilarmeans.(AsamendedbyRA
5438).
--xXx-- 20. Thatthewrongdoneinthecommissionofthecrimebe
deliberatelyaugmentedbycausingotherwrongnotnecessaryfor
Article14.Aggravatingcircumstances.-Thefollowingare itscommissions.
aggravatingcircumstances:
1. That advantage be taken by the offender of hispublic AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCE
position. Aggravating Circumstance are those which, if attendant in the
2. Thatthecrimebecommittedincontemptorwithinsultto commission of the crime, serve to increase the penalty without,
the publicauthorities. however,exceedingthemaximumofthepenaltyprovidedbylawfor
3. Thattheactbecommittedwithinsultorindisregardof theoffense.
therespectduetheoffendedpartyonaccountofhisrank,age,or
sex,orthatisbecommittedinthedwellingoftheoffendedparty,if Kinds of aggravating Circumstances:
thelatterhasnotgivenprovocation. 1. GenericAggravating;
4. Thattheactbecommittedwithabuseofconfidenceor 2. SpecificAggravating;
obviousungratefulness. 3. InherentAggravating;
5. ThatthecrimebecommittedinthepalaceoftheChief 4. QualifyingAggravating;
Executiveorinhispresence,orwherepublicauthoritiesare 5. SpecialAggravating;
engagedinthedischargeoftheirduties,orinaplacededicatedto
religiousworship. In order for aggravating circumstance to be appreciated, all the
6. Thatthecrimebecommittedinthenighttime,orinan aggravatingcircumstancemustbeallegedintheinformationand
uninhabitedplace,orbyaband,wheneversuchcircumstancesmay mustbeprovenduringthetrial.
facilitatethecommissionoftheoffense.
Whenevermorethanthreearmedmalefactorsshallhaveacted Unlikejustifying,exemptingandmitigatingcircumstances,whichare
togetherinthecommissionofanoffense,itshallbedeemedtohave not stated or alleged in the information, aggravating circumstances
beencommittedbyaband. mustbeallegedintheinformation.Eveniftheyareprovenintrialbut
7. That the crime be committed on the occasion of a theyarenotallegedintheinformation,theycannotbeconsidered
conflagration,shipwreck,earthquake,epidemicorothercalamityor againsttheperson.Theymustbebothallegedandlikewiseproven
misfortune. duringtrial,soasnottodeprivetheaccusedofrighttoknowthe
8. Thatthecrimebecommittedwiththeaidofarmedmen natureoftheaccusationagainsthim.
orpersonswhoinsureoraffordimpunity.
9. Thattheaccusedisarecidivist. Generic Aggravating Circumstance
Arecidivistisonewho,atthetimeofhistrialforonecrime, GenericAggravatingCircumstancearethosethatappliesgenerallyto
shallhavebeenpreviouslyconvictedbyfinaljudgmentofanother allcrimes.
crimeembracedinthesametitleofthisCode.
Example: felonytomurderandtheothersshallbeconsideredasageneric
Nos. 1,2,3,4,5,6,9,10,14,18,19, and 20 of the Revised PenalCode; aggravatingcircumstance.
Nightime-itcanbeappliedtocrimesagainstpersons,crimesagainst
property,crimesagainstchastityandappliedtoallothercrimes; Example;
Recidivism. Incaseofqualifyingaggravatingcircumstance,forexample,AkilledB
therewastreachery,itwasdoneinconsiderationofaprice,reward or
Specific Aggravating Circumstance promise, there was also cruelty, so there are three qualifying
SpecificAggravatingCircumstancearethosethatapplyonlytocertain aggravatingcircumstancespresent.Onlyoneofthemwillqualifythe
or particularcrimes. killing to murder. So if treachery is already proven, the crime
committedisalreadymurder.Crueltyandtheothercircumstanceof
Example: inconsiderationofaprice,rewardorpromiseshallonlybeconsidered
Treachery(Par.16Art.14)canonlybeconsideredorappreciatedin asgenericaggravatingcircumstances.
crimes againstpersons.
THATADVANTAGEBETAKENBYTHEOFFENDEROFHISPUBLIC
Inherent Aggravating Circumstance POSITION.
InherentAggravatingCircumstancearethosewhichofnecessity Thisaggravatingcircumstancecanbeappliedonlyiftheoffenderisa
followthecommissionofthecrimebecausetheyareconsideredas publicofficer.
elements in the commission of the crime, therefore they are
consideredinherentinthecommissionofthecrime. Taking Advantage of Public Position
Takingadvantageofpublicpositionmeansthattheoffenderusethe
Ifinherentaggravatingcircumstancearepresentinthecommission prestige,influenceorascendencyofhisofficeinthecommissionof
ofthecrime,theyarenolongerconsideredsoastoincreasethe thecrimeortofacilitatethecommissionofthecrime.
penaltybecausetheyareconsideredaselements
Example;
Qualifying Aggravating Circumstance PoliceofficerAwashavingadrinkingspreewithhisfriendsoutside
QualifyingAggravatingCircumstancearethosewhicheitherchange hishouse.Inthecoursethereof,theywerediscussingaboutthe
thenatureofthecrimetobringaboutamoreseriousforahigher allegedshootoutinQuezon.Accordingtothepoliceofficer,sincehe
penaltyorevenwithoutchangingthenatureofthecrimeitwould wasapoliceofficer,itwasashootout.Butaccordingtohisfriendit
impose a higherpenalty. wasarub-out.Theywerearguing,exchangingviewsuntilthepolice
officergotmad.Atthattime,hehadwithhimhispistol.Heusedhis
Example: servicepistolandshothisfriendwhothereafterdied.
InArt.248oftheRPC,thecircumstancesthereinpresentwould
qualifythekillingofapersonfromhomicidetomurder.Thepresence Q:Isthesaidactofkillingdonebytakingadvantageofhispublic
oftreachery,evidentpremeditation,crueltyinkillingwouldmakea position?
crimenotofhomicidebutwouldbequalifiedtomurder A:NO.Thesaidoffender,publicofficer,didnotuseormisusehis
publicoffice.Hedidnotusetheinfluence,theascendencyorthe
Special Aggravating Circumstance prestigeofhisofficeinordertocommitthecrime.Evennotbeinga
InthecaseofPeopleofthePhilippinesv.DeLeon(G.R.No.179943, publicofficerhecouldhavekilledhisfriendinthesamesituation.He
June 26, 2009) the Supreme Court defined SpecialAggravating could even have used another weapon, not necessarily his service
Circumstances as circumstances which arise under special conditions pistol.
toincreasethepenaltyfortheoffensetoitsmaximumperiod,butthe
samecannotincreasethepenaltytothenexthigherdegree. Special Aggravating Circumstance
UnderArt.14,takingadvantageofhispublicpositionisageneric
Inthecaseofspecialaggravatingcircumstance,itCANNOTbeoffset aggravatingcircumstance.However,underArt.62(asamendedbyRA
byanordinarymitigatingcircumstance. 7659),thefactthecrimewascommittedbytakingadvantageofhis
publicpositionisaspecialaggravatingcircumstancebecausethe
Example; maximumpenaltyprescribedbylawshallbetheoneimposed.
The following are examples of Special Aggravating Circumstance;
1. Quasi-recidivismunderArticle60oftheRevisedPenal Example;
Code; PoliceofficerXwasassignedasatrafficenforcer.Xwasalways
2. ComplexCrimesunderArticle48oftheRevisedPenalCode; demanding toll in the amount of fifty pesos from jeepneydrivers
and otherwisehewouldnotletthementeracertainstreet.Oneday,
3. Whenhomicideormurderiscommittedwiththeuseofan jeepneydriverYgotmadatXforextortingtollonhimbecauseYhad no
unlicensedfirearmunderP.D.1866asamendedbyR.A. earning that day. He filed a case for robbery against X. the
8294; informationallegedthatinordertoperpetratethecrimeofrobbery,
4. Whenintheomissionofthecrime,advantagewastakenby Xtookadvantageofhispublicposition.
theoffenderofhispublicpositionunderArticle62ofthe
RPC; Q:Howdoweappreciatetheaggravatingcircumstanceoftaking
advantageofpublicpositioninthiscase?
Effect of more than one Qualifying Circumstance A:takingadvantageofpublicpositionshouldbeappreciatedasa
Iftherearemorethanonequalifyingaggravatingcircumstanceasfor specialaggravatingcircumstance.Article62oftheRPCstatesthatthe
example, homicide qualified to murder, only one will qualifythe maximumpenaltyshallbeimposediftheoffendertookadvantageof
hispublicpositionasameanstofacilitatethecommissionofthe disrespected the said person as a public authority if he has no

crime. knowledge that he is a public authority.
Example; Thatthepresenceofthepublicauthoritydidnotpreventthe
Wisawomanwhodrivesajeepneyforaliving.Whileshewasdriving offenderfromthecommissionofthecrime.
herroute,policeofficerXflaggedherdownanddemandedforherto Anoffensemaybesaidtohavebeencommittedincontemptofpublic
payatollintheamountoffiftypesos.HoweverWrefusedtogive authoritywhenhispresence,madeknowntotheoffender,hasnot
moneytoX.Thus,XarrestedWandbroughthertothepolicestation. preventedthelattefromcommittingthecriminalact.
Wwasdetainedintheinvestigationroom.Thereafter,Xenteredin
theinvestigationroom.Whilethere,XhadcarnalknowledgeofW.an Example;
informationforrapewasfiledwiththeaggravatingcircumstanceof Thebarangaychairmanwasinarestauranthavingdinnerwithhis
takingadvantageofpublicposition. wifebecauseitwasthereweddinganniversary.Suddenlyherecomes
A,BandCwhoareconstituentsofthebarangaychairman.Upon
Q:Howdoweappreciatetheaggravatingcircumstanceoftaking seeingthechairman,theygreetedhimandevencongratulatedhim
advantageofpublicpositioninthiscase? andhiswifeuponlearningthattheywerecelebratingtheirwedding
A:Takingadvantageofpublicpositionshouldbeappreciatedasa anniversary. They seated next to the table of the chairman and
qualifyingcircumstanceinthiscase.Article266-B(3)oftheRevised ordered food. In the giving of the food, there was an argument
PenalCodestatesthatDeathpenaltyshallbeimposedifthecrimeof betweenAandthewaiter.Theargumentimmediatelybecamea
rapeiscommittedwhenthevictimisunderthecustodyofthepolice heatedone.Atookthetableknifeandstabthewaiter.Thewaiter
orthemilitaryoranylawenforcementorpenalinstitution.Inthis sufferedseriousphysicalinjuries.Prosecutedforfrustratedhomicide.
case,thechargeagainstXshouldqualifiedrape.Sincedeathpenalty
issuspended,XshallsufferthepenaltyofReclusionperpetua. Q:Intheprosecutionforsaidcrime,istheaggravatingcircumstance
ofincontemptoforwithinsulttopublicauthoritypresent?
CONTEMPT OF OR WITH INSULT TO THE PUBLIC AUTHORITIES. A:NO.Thefirstelementisabsent.Thefirstelementisthatthepublic
Thisisbasedonthegreaterperversityoftheoffender,asshownby officerorpublicauthorityisengagedintheexerciseofhisfunction.
hislackofrespectforthepublicauthorities. Atthetimeofthecommissionofthecrime,yeshewastherebuthe was
in a private act. He was not engaged in the exercise of his
Elements: function,henceitcannotbesaidthatthesaidoffenderinsultedthe
1. That the public officer or public authority is engaged in the said publicauthority.
exercise of hisfunction;
2. Thatthepublicauthorityisnotthepersonagainstwhomthe Example;
crime iscommitted; Thepublicauthoritywasthecitymayorwhowasinsidehisoffice.
3. Thattheoffenderknowshimtobeapublicauthority; Suddenlyheheardcommotiononthegroundfloor.Helookedouthis
4. Thatthepresenceofthepublicauthoritydidnotpreventthe window,hesawhistwosupportershavinganargument.AandBwere
offenderfromthecommissionofthecrime. havinganargumentoveraparkingspace.Themayorwentdownthe
buildingandtalkedtobothAandB.Hetoldthemtoshakehandsand
Thatthepublicofficerorpublicauthorityisengagedintheexercise of forgeteverything.ThenhetoldAtojustallowBtoparkhiscaranyway
hisfunction. therewasanotherparkingspaceavailable.ThisangeredAbecausehe
PublicauthorityreferstoJusticeofthepeace,personsinauthority,or thoughtthatthemayorwassidingwithB.Atookouthisbalisongand
anypersondirectlyvestedwithjurisdictionwhetheranindividualor stabbed themayor.
some members of court or governmental commissioner. It is
necessarythathehasthedutytogovernandexecutethelaws. Q:Istheaggravatingcircumstanceofincontemptoforwithinsult
topublicauthoritypresent?
Example; A:YES.Itispresentbutitisnotanaggravatingcircumstancebutan
Mayors,barangaychairmanpoliceofficerismerelyanagentofa elementofthecrimebecausethecrimecommittedisdirectassault.
person inauthority. Itisdirectassaultbecausethepublicauthorityatthetimeofthe
attackwasengagedintheperformanceofhisfunctions.Sincethe
Agentsofpublicauthorityarenotincluded.Policeofficersareagents of crimecommittedwasagainstthepublicauthorityhimself,thefact
publicauthority. thatitwascommittedincontemptoforwithinsulttothesaidpublic
authorityisaningredientofthecrime.
Thatthepublicauthorityisnotthepersonagainstwhomthecrime
iscommitted. Example;
Iftheoffenderisthepersonagainstwhomthecrimeiscommitted, hatifinthesameprobleminsteadofstabbingthesaidmayor,Afelt
suchfactthatthecrimewascommittedincontemptofthepublic insultedwiththemayor’swordsthatheisgivingtheparkingspaceto
authorityisanelementbecausethecrimecommittedwouldbedirect BsothisangeredA.AstabbedB.Bdied.
assault. In direct assault, in contempt of or with insult to public
authorityisanelement,nolongeranaggravatingcircumstance. Q:Istheaggravatingcircumstanceofincontemptoforwithinsult
topublicauthoritypresent?
That the offender knows him to be a public authority. A:YES.Themayor’sactofpacifyingAandBwasengagedinhisofficial
Theremustbeknowledgeonthepartoftheoffenderthatthesaid functions. He was not the person against whom the crime was
person is a public authority. Otherwise, it cannot be said thathe committed. A was a supporter, therefore he knew mayor was a
personinauthority.Yet,thepresenceofthemayordidnotpreventA
fromcommittingthecrimeagainstB.Hence,thesecondaggravating offendedpartywasinsidehisdwellingatthetimeofthecommission
circumstance ispresent. ofthecrimeandhehasnotgivenanyprovocation.
DISRESPECT OF RANK, AGE OR SEX, OR DWELLING OFTHE Ifthecrimeiscommittedinsidethedwellingoftheoffendedparty,it

OFFENDEDPARTY,IFTHELATTERHASNOTGIVENPROVOCATION. isasanaggravatingcircumstancebecauseitshowsthegreater
perversityoftheoffenderthanwhenthecrimeiscommittedinany
Therearefouraggravatingcircumstancesunderthisparagraph; otherplace.
1. Disregard ofrank;
2. Disregard ofage; Theconstitutionitselfprovidesthataman’sabodemustberespected
3. Disregard ofsex; andthereforewhenacrimeiscommittedinsidethehousedwellingit
4. Crimescommittedindwellingoftheoffendedparty; showsthegreatercriminalityonthepartoftheoffender.
Thesefouraggravatingcircumstancescanbeappreciatedsinglyor Evenifacrimeiscommittedinsidedwelling,itcannotbeconsidered
collectivelyifpresentinthecommissionofthecrime.Theremustbe asaggravatingifthefollowingcircumstancesarepresent;
deliberate intent on the part of the offender to disrespect the 1. offended has givenprovocation;
offendedpartyonaccountofthelatter’sage,sex,orrank. 2. Iftheoffenderandtheoffendedpartyarelivinginthesame
dwelling;
Disregardofrank,disregardofageanddisregardofsexcanonlybe 3. Dwellingisinherentinthecommissionofthecrime.
consideredincrimesagainstpersonsandcrimesagainstchastity.You
donotconsidertheseincrimesagainstproperty;youdonotconsider Example;
theseincrimesagainstpublicinterest.Theycanonlybeconsidered XandYareroommatesinarentedapartment.Onenight,whenXwas
incrimesagainstpersonsandcrimesagainstchastity. studyingforhisexam,Yarrivedfromwork.Ywassotired,hewent
directlystraighttobedandturnedoffthelights.However,Xturned
Disregard of rank onthelightsandtoldYthathewasstillstudying.Ontheotherhand,
Rankreferstoahighsocialstanding,ahighpositioninthesociety.For Yturnedoffthelightsbecausehecan’tsleepwiththelights.Xturned
thistobeconsideredasanaggravatingcircumstance,itisnecessary offthelights,andYturneditonagain.Analtercationensuedbetween
thattheoffenderbeoflowerrankthanthatoftheoffendedparty. XandY.Suddenly,XstabbedYwithaballpenintheeye.Ywas
blinded.Xwaschargedwithseriousphysicalinjury.
Example;
Astudentattackingaprofessor.Therewasadisregardofrankofthe Q:Maytheaggravatingcircumstanceofdwellingbeappreciatedin
saidprofessor.Anemployeeattackinghisemployer.Therewasa thiscase?
disregardofrankofthesaidemployer. A:NO.Oneoftheexceptionsfordwellingtobeappreciatedisthat
whentheoffenderandtheoffendedpartyarebothlivingtogetherin
Disregard of age thesamedwelling.Inthiscase,XandYareroommates.Theyareliving
Age here refers to both minority and senority. inthesamedwellingtogether.Thus,theaggravatingcircumstanceof
dwellingcannotbeappreciated.
Example;
Theoffendedpartyis95yearsold.Akilledhimbyhittinghisheadfor Example;
25timeswithaleadpipe.Obviously,therewasdisregardofhisage. XandYwerefightinginthestreets.Inthecourseoftheirfight,Xlost.
Consideringhisage,whereasevenonehitoftheleadpipecouldhave Thereafter,Xwenthomeandleftthegateanddooropen.Sometime
already killed the said old man but he was hit 25 times showing later,XsawYwalkinginthestreetinfrontofhishome.XtoldY“kung
disregardoftheageoftheoldman. matapangka,pumasokkadito”.YenteredthehouseofX.Without
anywarning,YstabbedXmultipletimes.Ywaschargedwiththe
Example; information ofhomicide.
Achildis4yearsold.Hewasstabbed25times,thereafterhisbody
wasplacedinsideadramfilledwithwaterandthenthedramwas Q:Whetherornottheaggravatingcircumstanceofdwellingshould
covered.Therewasdisregardofage.Thevictimwasaminorand beappreciated?
thereforeanyattack,just1stab,couldhavekilledtheminor.Buthe A:NO.Inorderfordwellingtobeappreciated,theremustbeno
wasstabbed25times;notonlythat,hewasalsosubmergedandthe provocationonthepartoftheownerofthehousewhoisalsothe
drumwascovered,whichshowsdisrespectofage. offendedparty.Inthiscase,wereitnotforXtauntingYtocomeinto
*Iftherewasdisrespectofageandtherewasalsotreachery,the hishouseifYisbrave,Ywouldnothavehadtheopportunitytostab X.
aggravating circumstance to be considered is treachery because it
absorbsdisrespectofage. *Dwelling includes the dependencies, the staircase and the
enclosures therein.
Disrespect of sex
Disrespectofsexreferstothefemalesex.Thisisinherentinthecrime *Thedwellingneednotbeownedbytheoffendedparty.Itsuffices
ofrapeandincertaincrimesinvolvingchastity. thattheoffendedpartyusesitforrestandcomfort.E.g.,aroombeing
rentedbythelesseeoratenant;roomwhereapersonislivingasa
Crimes committed in dwelling of the offended party bedspacer.
Dwellingisconsideredasaggravatingcircumstanceifthecrimeis
committed inside the dwelling of the offended party, that is,the
Example; ABUSE OF CONFIDENCE OR OBVIOUS UNGRATEFULNESS.

AwholivesinanipahutwassittingatthestaircasewhenBcameand There are two aggravating circumstances;
forciblydraghertoanotherhouse,1kilometerawayfromA’shouse, 1. Abuse ofconfidence;
whereshewasrapedbyB. 2. Obviousungratefulness;
Q: Is the aggravating circumstance of dwelling present? Abuse of Confidence

A:YES.Theaggravatingcircumstanceispresentevenifthecrimewas Thecircumstanceexistsonlywhentheoffendedpartyhastrustedthe
committedinanotherplacefarfromthedwelling,theaggression offenderwholaterabusessuchtrustbycommittingthecrime.The
startedinthedwellingoftheoffendedparty.Theaggressionthat abuseofconfidencemustbeameansoffacilitatingthecommission
startedinthedwellingoftheoffendedpartywhenshewasdragged ofthecrime,theculprittakingadvantageoftheoffendedparty’s
fromthesaidstaircase,thataggressioncannotbedividedfromthe beliefthattheformerwouldnotabusesaidconfidence.
commissionofsaidcrim.Soevenifitgroundswereconsummatedin
anotherplaceforaslongasaggressionstartedinthedwelling,still Elements of abuse of confidence;
dwellingisanaggravatingcircumstance. 1. Thattheoffendedpartyhadtrustedtheoffender;
2. Thattheoffenderabusesuchtrustbycommittingacrime
Example; against the offendedparty;
Xwokeup6:00inthemorning.Hegotupfrombed,andlookedout 3. Thattheabuseofconfidencefacilitatedthecommissionof
thewindowwantingtogetfreshmorningair.Suddenlyandwithout thecrime
anywarning,YshotX.Xdied.TheinformationchargesYwithmurder
qualified by treachery and with the aggravating circumstance of Example;
dwelling. HandWwerehusbandandwifelivinghereinManilafor4years.
SuddenlyherecomesX.XwastheirformerneighborinBatangas.He
Q:Shouldtheaggravatingcircumstanceofdwellingbeappreciated? toldHandW“IamlookingforworkhereinManila,canIliveinyour
A:YES.Dwellingisanaggravatingcircumstance.Itisnotnecessary housewhileIamlookingforwork?”SinceXwasagoodneighborback
fordwellingtobeaggravatingthattheperpetratorofthecrimewas then,HandWtrustedXandallowedXtoliveinsidetheirhouse.X
abletogetin.Itsufficesthattheoffendedpartyorthevictimisinside nowsleepsinthehouseofHandWwhilehewaslookingforwork
hishouse.Theassailantmaydevicewaysandmeanstocommitthe hereinmanila.OnetimeHwasoutofthehouse.Thehousehelpers
crime from theoutside. andthedriverswerealsoaway.Theonlypersonleftinthehousewas
XandW.WhileHwasout,Xwenttothemaster’sbedroomandhad
Q: Will the treachery absorb the aggravating circumstance of carnalknowledgeofWagainstthelatter’swill.
dwelling?
A:NO.Treacherydoesnotabsorbdwelling.Inthiscase,murderwas Q:Istheaggravatingcircumstanceabuseofconfidencepresentin
qualifiedbytreachery,anddwellingwillbetreatedasanordinary thiscase?
aggravatingcircumstance. A:YES.XwastherebecauseAandBtrustedhim,yetheabusedsuch
trustandconfidenceandinsteadfacilitatedthecommissionofthe
Example; crime.Thereforethisaggravatingcircumstanceispresent.
Wis95yearsold;awomanofhighstandinginthesociety.Shewasa
formerdepartmentsecretary.Sheislivingaloneinherhouse.One Q:Istheaggravatingcircumstanceofdwellingpresentinthecase?
timeherecomesX.Xwantedtorobthevaluablesinsidethehouseof A:NO.Theaggravatingcircumstanceofdwellinginthiscasecannot
thesaidoldwoman.Xenteredthesaidhouseandhewasabletoget beconsideredbecauseatthetimeoftheincident,HandWallowed
thevaluablesfromthevaultofthehouse.Hewasabouttoleavethe Xtolivewiththemeventhoughitwasonlyinatemporarybasis.
housewhenaccidentallypushedthechair.Byreasonthereof,the Ownershipofthehouseisirrelevantindwelling.
womanwasawaken.ThewomanuponseeingXbegunscreaming.X
thenfiredatthewoman50times.Thewomandied. Obvious Ungratefulness
Ungratefulnessmeanstheoffenderhasnogratitude,doesnoteven
Q:Aretheaggravatingcircumstancesofdisregardofrank,disregard knowhowtosaythankyou.
ofage,disregardofsexpresent?
A:NO.Thecrimecommittedisrobberywithhomicide,underarticle The elements of obvious ungratefulness are the following;
10whichisacrimeagainstproperty.Disregardofrank,ageandsex 1. Thattheoffendedpartyhadtrustedtheoffender;
arenotapplicabletoanyothercrimesbutonlytocrimesagainst 2. Thattheoffenderabusesuchtrustbycommittingacrime
personandcrimesagainstchastity.Sincethecrimecommittedisa against the offendedparty;
crimeagainstproperty,therefore,disregardofrank,ageandsex 3. Thattheactbecommittedwithobviousungratefulness
cannotbeconsideredagainsttheaccused.
Example;
Q: Is the aggravating circumstance of dwelling present? Awassellingkettlesandotherkitchenwaresonthestreetunderthe
A:YES.Thecrimecommittedrobberywithhomicideisaformof heatofthesun.Agoesfromonehousetoanotherundertheheatof
robberywithviolenceagainstorintimidationofpersons.Dwellingis thesun.Hewassothirstyalreadysoheknockedonthegateofthe
onlyinherentinrobberywithuseofforceuponthingsbutdwellingis houseofX.XopenedthegateandAtoldXthathewassothirsty.X
notinherentincaseofrobberywithviolenceagainstorintimidation of beingagoodperson,allowedAtogoinsidetheirhouseandasked
persons just like robbery with homicide. So in this case, only himtotakeasitwhilehegethimaglassofwater.Whenhecame
dwellingshouldbeconsideredasanaggravatingcircumstance. back,hewasnotonlyholdingaglassofwaterbutalsobroughtsome
biscuits.HoweverAsuddenly,broughtouthisknifeandstabbedXand employeeshadalreadyleft,sothefarmersweretherestillhaving
thereafter robbedhim. theirrally.Theysettentsandpreparedtosleepthere.Inthecourse
thereof, 2 farmers argued at each other. In the course of their
Q: Is the aggravating circumstance obvious ungratefulness present? argumentonefarmerjumpedintothefenceandwentinsidetheDAR.
A:YES.Insteadofshowinggratitudeforhavingbeenallowedtoenter Thesecondfarmerfollowedhimandwhenthesecondfarmerwas
thehouseandgivenaglassofwaterwithbiscuits,heinsteadtook abletocatchupwiththefirstfarmer,hekilledthelatter.
advantageofthegoodnessofthemanandcommittedthecrimeof
killingandrobbery.Therewasobviousungratefulnessonthepartof Q:Istheaggravatingcircumstancethatthecrimewascommittedin
theoffender. aplacewherethePublicAuthoritiesareengagedinthedischargeof
their dutiespresent?
THE PALACE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, OR IN HIS PRESENCE, OR A:NO.AlthoughDARisaplacewherethePublicAuthoritiesare
WHEREPUBLICAUTHORITIESAREENGAGEDINTHEDISCHARGEOF engaged in the discharge of their duties, at the time of the
THEIRDUTIESORINAPLACEDEDICATEDTORELIGIOUSWORSHIP. commissionofthecrime,theofficialsandemployeesarenotinthe
Ifthecrimeiscommittedinanyoftheseplacesitisconsideredasan actual performance of their duties. Under this aggravating
aggravating circumstance because it shows on the part of the circumstance,itisnotonlynecessarythatthesaidplacesarewhere
offenderlackofrespectontheseplaces. publicauthoritiesareengagedinthedischargeoftheirduties,itis
alsonecessarythatatthetimeofthecommissionofthecrime,the
There are four aggravating circumstances in this case; publicauthoritiesareactuallyengagedintheperformanceoftheir
1. InthePalaceofthechiefexecutive; duties.
2. Inthepresenceofthechiefexecutive;
3. Publicauthoritiesengagedinthedischargeoftheirduties; In a place dedicated to religious worship
4. Placededicatedtoreligiousworship; Evenifthereisnoreligiousceremonyongoing,foraslongasthesaid
crimeiscommittedinsaidplacededicatedtoreligiousworshipitis
In order however for these aggravating circumstances to be aggravatingbecauseoflackofrespectonsaidplace.
considered,itisnecessarythattheoffenderdeliberatelysoughtthe
saidplacetocommitthecrimebecauseotherwiseitcannotbesaid Example;
thathedisrespectedtheplace. XwasinachurchprayingtokillY.XsawYatthebackofthechurch.
Xwentoutofthechurch.Xenteredthechurchinthebackdoorand
In the Palace of the Chief Executive suddenly,hestabbedY.Ydied.Xwaschargedwithhomicide.
This aggravating circumstance may be committed regardlessof
whetherthereisapublicaffairorofficialaffairgoingon,ifacrimeis Q:Istheaggravatingcircumstanceofplaceofreligiousworship
committed it isaggravating. present?
A:YES.Inorderfortheaggravatingcircumstanceofreligiousworship
Example: tobeappreciated,theoffendermustespeciallysoughttheplaceto
AandBarechefsinMalacanang.Theyareoutdoingeachotherin facilitatethecommissionofthecrime.Inthiscase,whenXsawY,he
tryingtopreparethebestmealforP-noy.Onetime,bothofthem were wentoutofthechurchandenteredinthebacksothathecouldstab
preparing lunch for the president. Suddenly they had an Y. Xdeliberatelysoughttheplaceofreligiousworshiptofacilitatethe
argument. In the course thereof, A stabbed B. B suffered afatal commission of thecrime.
woundbuthesurvived.Prosecutedforfrustratedhomicide.
NIGHTTIME, UNINHABITED PLACE, OR BY A BAND
Q:Istheaggravatingcircumstancethatthecrimewascommittedin There are three aggravating circumstances in this case;
thepalaceoftheChiefExecutivepresent? 1. Nighttime;
A:NO.Becauseheworksthere,helivesthere.Itcannotbesaidthat 2. Uninhabitedplace;
hesoughtthesaidplaceinordertocommitthecrime.Itcannotbe 3. Band;
saidthathewenttosaidplaceinordertocommitthecrimeorcanit
besaidthathedisrespectedthesaidplace. Nighttime
Nighttimeisfromsunsettosunrise.Inorderfortheseaggravating
In the presence of the Chief Executive circumstancestobeconsidered,itisnecessarythattheoffender
EveniftheChiefExecutiveisnotengagedinhisofficialduty,stillitis deliberatelysoughtthedarknessofthenighteithertofacilitatethe
consideredasaggravatingbecauseofthelackofrespecttothechief commissionofthecrimeortoinsureoraffordimpunity.
executive.
Elelements;
WherethePublicAuthoritiesareengagedinthedischargeoftheir The following are the elements of Nighttime;
duties 1. Thedarknessorsilenceofthenightwasespeciallysought by
It is not only necessary that the said places are where public theoffender;
authoritiesareengagedinthedischargeoftheirduties,itisalso 2. Thatnighttimewastakenadvantageofbytheoffenderto
necessarythatatthetimeofthecommissionofthecrime,thepublic facilitatethecommissionofthecrime;
authoritiesareactuallyengagedintheperformanceoftheirduties. 3. Thepurposeistoinsurehisimmunityfromcapture;
Example; Eveniftheoffendersoughtnighttime,themomentthesceneofthe
ManyfarmerswerehavingarallyoutsidetheDAR.Theystartedthe crimehasbeenilluminatedbyanylight,ruleoutnighttimeasan
rallyaround6am,itisnow8pm,theywerestillthere.Theofficialsand aggravatingcircumstance.
Example; conspiracyhasalreadybeenconsideredthereforebyabandcanno
Inthecommissionofthecrime,AdecidedtokillB,hisenemy.Aknew longerbeconsideredbythecourt.
thatBwouldpassbytheplacewhereintherewerenolightposts.A
waitedforBinthesaidplace.UponthemomentBarrivedAlefthis Q: Is the counsel’s contention correct?
postandwasabouttostabBwhensuddenlyatricyclepassedbyand A:NO.Evenifthecourtalreadyconsideredconspiracy,byabandmay
thelightcomingfromthetricycleilluminatedthesceneofthecrime. stillbeconsideredbythecourtbecauseconspiracyisameansof
EvenifAdeliberatelysoughtnighttime,nighttimeisnotaggravating committingacrime.Itmeanstheyhavethesamecriminalliability.On
becausealightilluminatedthesceneofthecrime.Wheneveranylight theotherhand,byabandisanaggravatingcircumstance.Onedoes not
has illuminated the scene of the crime, rule out nighttime as an absorb the other, therefore, both maybe considered and
aggravating circumstance. Light coming from the tricycle, from any appreciated by thecourt.
vehicle,nearbyhouse,lightpostsorevenfromthemoon,foraslong
as the scene of the crime has been illuminated, nighttime is not Example;
aggravating. AinducedB,C,andDwantedtokillW.A,B,C,andDplannedto
committhecrimeat11pmsothatthecommunityisfastasleep.At
An uninhabited place 11pm,B,C,andDenteredthehouseofW.Theydirectlyproceeded to
Meansaplacewhichisisolatedfromtheothersorlocatedfarfrom his room. W’s room was fully lighted. Thereafter, B, C, and D
others.Howeverthisisnottherequirementforittobeconsidered stabbedW.Wdied.A,B,C,andDwaschargedmurderqualifiedby
aggravating. treachery with the aggravating circumstance of nighttime,
uninhabitedplace,andbyaband.
Requisites;
1. Thatintheplacewherethecrimewascommittedtherewas Q: Is the aggravating circumstance of nighttime present?
aremotepossibilityforthevictimtoreceivesomehelp; A: YES. Although the room of W was fully lighted, the accused
2. Thattheoffenderdeliberatelysoughttheuninhabitedplace deliberatelysoughtthedarknessandsilenceofthenightinorderto
inordertofacilitatethecommissionofthecrime; facilitatethecommissionofthecrime.
Example; Q: Is the aggravating circumstance of by a band present?

A,BandCarefishermen.Around3am,theyallwentoutfishingon A: NO. A band is present whenever more than three armed
theirrespectiveboats.Theyweresailing5metersawayfromeach malefactorscometogetherinthecommissionofthecrime.Allofthe
other.SuddenlyXsprungoutofthewaterandhestabbedA. armedmalefactorsmustbeaprincipalbydirectparticipation.Inthis
caseAisaprincipalbyinducement.
Q:IntheprosecutionforkillingofA,istheaggravatingcircumstance
ofuninhabitedplacepresent? Q:Istheaggravatingcircumstanceofuninhabitedplacepresent?
A:YES.First,intheplacewherethecrimewascommitted,therewas A:NO.Inorderforanuninhabitedplacetobepresent,theoffender
verylittle,remotepossibilityforAtoreceivesomehelp.BecauseB deliberatelysoughtaplaceisolatedfromtheothersorlocatedfar
andCmuststillswimbeforetheycouldrenderhelporassistanceto fromotherssothatthereisaremotepossibilitythatthevictimmay
A.BeforetheycouldhaveswumandreachedA,Aisalreadydead. receivehelp.
Thereforetherewasverylitterorremotepossibilityforthevictimto
besaved.ThesaidaccusedXdeliberatelysoughttheplaceinorderto ON THE OCCASION OF A CONFLAGRATION, SHIPWRECK,
facilitate in the commission of the crime because he suddenly EARTHQUAKE, EPIDEMIC, OR OTHER CALAMITY OR MISFORTUNE.
appearedfromthewater.Thereforetheaggravatingcircumstanceof Itisconsideredasanaggravatingcircumstancebecauseonoccasion
uninhabited place ispresent. ofthesecalamities,theoffendertookadvantageofthesaidoccasion
inordertocommitthecrime.
By a band
Fortheaggravatingcircumstanceofbyabandtobepresent,thelaw Example;
sayswheremorethanthreearmedmalefactorsshallhaveacted X and Y were fighting. X lost the fight. Suddenly, there was an
togetherinthecommissionoftheoffense,itshallbedeemedtohave earthquakeandallthepeoplepanickedandwentoutsidetheirhouse.
beencommittedbyaband.Therefore,theremustbeatleast4armed XwentoutofhishouseandsawYalsopanicking.Xsawthisasan
meninthecommissionofthecrimeortheymusthaveactedtogether opportunitytokillYandgethisrevenge.XapproachedYandstabbed
inthecommissionofthecrime. himmultipletimes.Xwaschargedwithhomicidecommittedonthe
occasionofearthquakeasanaggravatingcircumstance.
Example;
A,B,C,DandEallarmedwithknives,killedX.Theinformationstated Q:Howdoweappreciatetheaggravatingcircumstancethatthe
thatA,B,C,DandEconspiredwithoneanotherandasabandthey crimewascommittedontheoccasionofanearthquake?
committedthecrimeofmurderagainstX.duringthepresentationof A:Theaggravatingcircumstancethatthecrimewascommittedinthe
evidence, conspiracy was proven beyond reasonable doubt. Likewise, occasion of an earthquake must be appreciated as a qualifying
bandasanaggravatingcircumstancewasprovenbeyondreasonable aggravatingcircumstance.Article248statesthatwhenapersonkills
doubt.ThusthejudgeconvictedA,B,C,DandEforthecrimeof anotherontheoccasionofacalamitysuchasanearthquake,the
murderasconspirators.Thejudgealsoconsideredtheaggravating personisliableformurder.Inthiscase,sinceXkilledYontheoccasion
circumstanceofbyaband.Thecounselfortheaccusedfiledamotion for ofanearthquake,suchaggravatingcircumstanceshallqualifythe
the consideration, questioning the consideration of the crime intomurder.
aggravatingcircumstanceofbyaband.Accordingtothecounsel,
Example; imprescriptible. There is no time limit between the first crimefor

An earthquake occurred. All of the persons in the community whichhehasbeenconvictedbyfinaljudgmentandthesecondcrime
panickedandwentoutsidetheirhouse.UponSeeingthis,Xsawan forwhichheisalsoconvicted.
opportunitytocommittheftandtakethebelongingsofotherperson
who are out of their house. However, X was apprehended and Example;
chargedforthecrimeoftheftwiththeaggravatingcircumstancethat Xwasaconvictedmurder.Whileservinghissentence,hewasgranted
thecrimewascommittedontheoccasionofanearthquake. anabsolutepardonbyPresidentDuterte.Xwasreleasedfromprison.
Afterafewweeks,XwasengagedinafightandkilledY.Xwas
Q: How do we appreciate the aggravating circumstance of convicted with homicide with the aggravating circumstance of
earthquake in relation to the crime of theft? recidivism.
A:Theaggravatingcircumstanceofearthquakeshouldbeconsidered
asaqualifyingcircumstance.Article310oftheRPCstatesthatwhen Q:Istheaggravatingcircumstanceofrecidivismpresentinthiscase?
theftwascommittedontheoccasionofanearthquake,thecrime A:YES.ThefactthatXwasgrantedwithpardondoesnoterasethe
committedisqualifiedtheft.Inthiscase,sinceXcommittedthecrime effectsofthepriorconvictionofmurder.
oftheftintheoccasionofanearthquake,heisliableforqualified theft.
Example;
AID OF ARMED MEN Xwasamilitaryman.Hewasconvictedofconspiracytocommit
Aidofarmedmenmeansthatthearmedmenaidedtheoffenderin rebellion. While he was serving his sentence, an amnesty
thecommissionofthecrime.Theaidgivenbythearmedmenmaybe proclamation was executed by the president for all those who
adirectorindirectparticipationinthecommissionofthecrime. conspired to commit rebellion. X applied for amnesty and was
granted.Xwasabletogetoutofprison.Sometimelater,Xjoined
Thearmedmenwhogivesaidtotheoffenderaremerelyaccomplices somemilitarymenandparticipatedintheircoupd’état.X,longwith
becausetheymaygivematerialormoralaidtotheoffender. theothermilitarymen,wereapprehendedandconvicted.
Armed men v. By a band Q:Istheaggravatingcircumstanceofrecidivismpresentinthiscase? A:

BY A BAND AID OF ARMED MEN NO. Amnesty erases the effects of the crime as if no crime
Theremustbeatleast4armed There is no requisite as to the happenedandnocrimewascommittedbytheaccused.Ittotally
malefactors; number of armed men; obliteratesanderasetheformerconviction.Inthiscase,sinceXwas
The armed men may have grantedamnestyintheconspiracytocommittocommitrebellion,
Musthaveactedtogetherin recidivism was notpresent.
directorindirectparticipation.
theactualcommissionofthe
Theyaremereaccomplicesof
crime;(conspiracy) REITERACION OR HABITUALITY
the offender.
Theoffenderhasbeenpreviouslypunishedforanoffensetowhich
RECIDIVISM thelawattachesanequalorgreaterpenaltyorfortwoormorecrimes
Arecidivistisonewhomatthetimeofhistrialforonecrime,shall towhichitattachesalighterpenalty.
havepreviouslybeenconvictedbyfinaljudgmentofanothercrime
embracedinthesametitleofthisCode. The following are the elements of reiteracion;
1. Thattheaccusedisontrialforanoffense;
The following are the elements of recidivism; 2. Thathepreviouslyservedsentenceforanothercrimeto
1. Theoffenderisontrialforanoffense; whichthelawattachesanequalorgreaterpenaltyorfor
2. Hewaspreviouslyconvictedbyfinaljudgmentofanother twoormorecrimestowhichitattachesalighterpenalty;
crime; 3. Thatheisalsoconvictedofthenewoffense.
3. Boththefirstandsecondoffensesareembracedinthe
sametitleofthecode; Thefirstsituationisthat,hehasalreadyservedoutthesentence,he
4. That the offender is convicted of the second offense hasalreadybeenpunishedforacrime.
charged.
Under the second element there are two situations;
Example: 1. Ifitisonlyonecrimeitisnecessarythatthesaidcrimemust
Ahasbeenconvictedofthecrimeofattemptedhomicide.Thejudge carryapenaltyequaltoorgreaterthanthesecondcrime;
found him guilty beyond reasonable doubt, therefore, he was 2. Iftherearetwocrimesforwhichhehadbeenpreviously
convicted. The judgment became final and executory, therefore he punished,itisnecessarythattheycarryalighterpenalties
wasbehindbars.Heservedouthissentence.Onceoutofprisoncell, thanthenewcrimeforwhichheisconvicted.
helivedagoodlife.However,after25years,heengagedinafightand
killedtheotherman.Byreasonabledoubthewaschargedwithand There are four forms of habituality;
convictedofthecrimeofmurder. 1. Recidivism;(Article14,par.9)
2. Riteracion;(Article14,par.10)
Q:Canthejudgeconsiderrecidivismasanaggravatingcircumstance 3. HabitualDelinquency;(Article62,no.5)
inimposingthepenaltyformurder? 4. Quasi-recidivism; (Article160)
A:YES.Bothhomicideandmurderareembracedinthesametitleof
thecode.Thefactthat25yearshadlapsedfromthetimeofthefirst
crimetothesecondcrimeisimmaterialbecauserecidivismis
Recidivism v. Reiteracion A:NO.Slightphysicalinjurieswhichcarrieswithitthepenaltyof

RECIDIVISM REITERACION arrestomenorislighterthanmaliciousmischiefwhichcarrieswithit
Requires conviction by final thepenaltyofarrestomayor.Thereforethejudgecannotconsider
Requires service of sentence;
judgment; reiteracionasanaggravatingcircumstance.Hewasconvictedof
May be felonies or offenses maliciousmischiefandplacedbehindbars.
Crimes must be felonies;
punishable by special law;
Offenses are under the same Offensesmayormaynotbein Example;
title of the RPC; the same title of the RPC; Inthesameproblem,afterserviceofsentence,Aisnowoutofprison.
Onceoutofprison,hewasstillmadatB.Thereforehemadesworn
Example: affidavitsstatingfalsestatementsagainstB.Bfiledacaseofperjury
Ahasbeenconvictedofthecrimeofhomicide.Convictedbyfinal againstA.heisnowontrialforthecrimeofperjury.Thejudgefound
judgment,hewasplacedbehindbars.Heservedouthissentence. himguiltybeyondreasonabledoubt.
Onceoutofprison,hecommittedforcibleabduction.Homicideis
punishedbyreclusiontemporal.Forcibleabductionisnowontrial. Q: Can the judge consider reiteracion as an aggravating
Thepenaltyprescribedbylawforforcibleabductionisalsoreclusion circumstance?
temporal.Thejudgefoundhimguiltyforforcibleabduction. A:YES.Thefirsttwocrimes,thepenaltiesofwhichwerealready
servedout,carrylighterpenaltiesthanthethirdcrime:slightphysical
Q: Can the judge consider reiteracion as an aggravating injuries,arrestomenor;maliciousmischiefarrestomayor.Therefore
circumstance in imposing the penalty for forcible abduction? reiteracion can beconsidered.
A:YES.Thepenaltyforthecrimeofhomicidewherehehasalready
servedouthissentenceisequaltothepenaltyforforcibleabduction, Example;
bothreclusiontemporal.Therefore,reiteracionorhabitualitycanbe X was convicted of homicide with the privilege mitigating
considered. circumstance of incomplete self-defense. The judge imposed upon
him the penalty of Prision coreccional (6 years). X applied for
Example; probation and it was granted. While under probation, X forcibly
Bcommittedforcibleabduction.Hewasconvictedbyfinaljudgment. abducted his neighbor. As a result, an information for forcible
Heservedouthissentence.Heisnowoutofprison.Onceoutof abductionwaschargedagainstXwiththeaggravatingcircumstance
prison,hecommittedfalsificationofpublicdocument.Heisontrial ofreiteracion.
forthesaidfalsificationofpublicdocument.Thejudgefoundhim
guiltybeyondreasonabledoubt. Q:istheaggravatingcircumstanceofreiteracionpresentinthis
case?
Q:Inimposingthepenaltyforfalsificationofpublicdocument,can A:NO.Inorderforreiteraciontobeappreciatedasanaggravating
judgeconsiderreiteracionasanaggravatingcircumstance? circumstance,theoffendermusthavepreviouslyservedhissentence.
A:YES.Thepenaltyforforcibleabductionisreclusiontemporal,which is Byapplyingprobation,theaccusedadmittedtothecommissionof
higher than the penalty for falsification of public document thecrime,however,heavoidedservingsentence.TheSupremeCourt
committedbyaprivateindividualwhichisonlyprisioncorreccional. heldthatprobationisnotthesameasservingoncesentence.Inthis
Therefore,reiteracionorhabitualityshouldbeconsideredbythe case,therewasnoreiteracion.
courtinimposingthepenaltyforfalsificationofpublicdocument.
IN CONSIDERATION OF A PRICE, REWARD, OR PROMISE.
Example; Iftheprice,rewardorpromise,asacircumstanceispresentinthe
Bcommittedfalsificationofpublicdocument.Convicted,servedout the killingofaperson,itisnotconsideredasagenericaggravatingperson
sentence. After service of sentence, he is out of prison, he butaqualifyingaggravatingcircumstance.Itisoneofthequalifying
engaged in a fight and killed his opponent. His now on trial for circumstances underArt.248.
homicide.Thejudgefoundhimguiltybeyondreasonabledoubt.
Thisaggravatingcircumstanceshouldbeconsideredbothagainstthe
Q: Can the judge consider reiteracion as an aggravating personwhomadetheofferandthepersonwhoacceptedtheprice,
circumstance? rewardorpromise.Therefore,itistobeconsideredbothagainstthe
A:NO.Thecrimeforwhichhehasservedouthissentencecarriesa principalbyinducementandtheprincipalbydirectparticipation.
penaltylighterthanthatofthesecondcrime.Thelawrequiresthatif
itisonlyonecrime,itmustcarryapenaltyequaltoorgreaterthan Tobeconsideredagainsttheprincipalbyinducement,itisnecessary
thesecondcrimehecommitted. thattheprice,rewardorpromisemustbetheprimereasonforthe
principalbydirectparticipationcommittedthecrime.Thatwithout
Example; the price, reward or promise, the principal by directparticipation
AslappedB.BfiledacaseforslightphysicalinjuriesagainstA.Hewas wouldnothavecommittedthecrime.
convictedandservedouthissentenceforslightphysicalinjuries
whichisarrestomenor.Onceoutofprison,hewasstillmadatB.He BY MEANS OF GREAT WASTE AND RUIN
deliberatelycauseddamagetothepropertyofB.Bnowfiledacase Thatthecrimebecommittedbymeansofinundation,fire,poison,
ofmaliciousmischiefagainstA.Thejudgefoundhimguiltybeyond explosion,strandingofavesselorinternationaldamagethereto,
reasonabledoubtformaliciousmischief. derailment of a locomotive, or by the use of any other artifice
involvinggreatwasteandruin.
Q: Can the judge consider reiteracion as an aggravating Theoffendermakesuseofinundation,fireorexplosioninorderto
circumstance? committhecrime.Itisameanstocommitthecrime.Ifthesemeans
are used in killing a person, it is not a generic aggravating Fraud

circumstance,itisaqualifyingaggravatingcircumstanceunderarticle Fraud or deceit is manifested by the use of insidious words or
248. Itqualifiesthekillingtomurder. machinationsresortedtobytheaccusedsothattheoffendedparty
willperformanactthatwillmaketheoffenderdothecrimeeasily.
EVIDENT PREMEDITATION
Evidentpremeditationisthestubbornadherencetoadecisionto Example;
commit acrime. Theoffendedpartywasabouttosleepontheupperportionofthe
housebecausethelowerportionisastore.Theoffendercalledover
Itimpliesadeliberateplansbeforeorafterthecommissionofthe theowner,sayingthathewasgoingtobuysomething.Theowner
crime. wentdownthehouseandopenedthestore.However,uponopening
thestore,hewasstabbedandrobberywascommitted.Therewas
The following are the requisites of evident premeditation; fraudasmanifestedbytheinsidiouswordsormachinations,resorted to
1. The time when the offender determined to commit the by theoffender.
crime;
2. Anactmanifestlyindicatingthattheculprithasclungtohis Disguise
determination; Disguisearewaysandmeansresortedtobytheaccusedtoconceal
3. Sufficient lapse time between the determination and hisidentity.
execution,toallowhimtoreflectupontheconsequences
of hisacts; Thisincludestockings,bonnetoranythingthatcouldbeusedsothat
onecouldnotberecognized.
Example;
AslappedBtwotimesinfrontofthepublic.Bfeltsohumiliatedsohe Ifdespitedisguiseheisrecognized,ruleoutdisguiseasanaggravating
told A “the next time I see you, I will kill you!” B went home and circumstance,itdidnotserveitspurpose.
searchedforhisgun.Hefoundthesameandkeptitunderhispillow,
waitingforthetimetokillA.Amonthhaslapsed.Bwhilewalkingsaw ABUSE OF SUPERIOR STRENGTH
A. upon seeing A, he immediately run to his house, went to his Abuseofsuperiorstrengthisintentionallyemployingexcessiveforce
bedroomandtookthegununderhispillow.HeraisedbacktoAand outofproportiontothemeansofdefenseavailabletotheoffended
shothim. party.
Q: Is the aggravating circumstance of evident premeditation The requisites for abuse of superior strength are the following;
present? 1. Thattherebeanotoriousinequalityofforcesbetweenthe
A:YES.First,thetimewhentheoffenderdeterminedtocommitthe offenderandtheoffendedpartyintermsoftheirage,size
crime.ThatisthetimewhenBtoldA“thenexttimeIseeyou,Iwill andstrength;
killyou!”Second,anovertactmanifestlyindicatingthathehasclung 2. Thattheoffendertookadvantageofthisinequalityofforces
tohisdetermination.Hebroughtagun.Itisanovertactshowingthat tofacilitatethecommissionofthecrime.
he has clung to his determination. Third, a sufficient lapse time
betweenthedeterminationandexecution.Amonthhaspassed.That Inequality of forces
issufficientforhimtocooloff,toreflectupontheconsequencesof his Inequality of forces includes the following;
acts. Therefore, evident premeditation was present in the 1. Offenderusesweapontotakadvantage;
commission of thecrime. 2. NumericalSuperiority;
3. Differenceinphysicalcharacteristicssuchasagestrength
THAT THE CRAFT, FRAUD OR DISGUISE BE EMPLOYED. andsize.
There are three aggravating circumstances;
1. Craft; The mere fact that there was numerical superiority does not
2. Fraud; automaticallymeanthatthereisabuseofsuperiorstrength.Under
3. Disguise the second element, evidence must show that the offender
deliberately took advantage of their strength to facilitate the
Craft commission of thecrime.
Craft means intellectual trickery or cunning resorted to by the
accused TRERACHERY
Thereistreacheryoralevosiawhentheoffendercommitsanyofthe
Example; crimesagainsttheperson,employingmeans,methods,orformsin
Theaccusedknockedatthedoor.Heknowsthatonlythemaidwas theexecutionthereofwhichtenddirectlyandspeciallytoinsureits
athome.Hetoldthemaidthathewasarelativeoftheownersofthe execution,withoutrisktohimselfarisingfromthedefensewhichthe
housewhocamefromtheprovince.Hewasallowedtoenterthe offended party mightmake.
house, thereafter he committed a crime of robbery. There was
cunning or intellectual trickery resorted to by the accused forhe The following are the elements of treachery;
trickedthemaidtoconsummatethecrimeofrobbery. 1. That the offender deliberately adopted the particular
means,methodorformofattackemployedbyhim;
2. That at the time of the attack, the victim was not in a
position to defendhimself.
Theessenceoftreacheryisthesuddennessandunexpectednessof The Offender Adopted Particular Means

theacttounexpectingandunarmedvictimwhohasnoteventhe The offender must have deliberately adopted the particular means,
slightestprovocation.Thevictimmustbetotallywithoutdefense. method or form of attack employed by him.
Ifthevictimwasabletoputoutanydefense,nomatterhowminor, Example;
treachery is notpresent. A prisoner arrived at the police station. Upon removal of his
handcuffs,heimmediatelygrabthepistolofthearrestingofficer.
Example; Thereafterhewentoutpointingthesaidgun.Uponseeingawoman
A was about to stab B but he was able to parry the blow, that is whowasgettinginsidethePNPstation,heshotthewoman.
alreadyadefenseonhispart.Hewasabletorunaway,thatisalready
considered as a defense. Treachery is no longer present. It is Q: The woman died. Is the aggravating circumstance of treachery
necessary that the offended party or the victim must be totally present?
withoutdefense. A:NO.Itisamerechanceencounter.Thefirstelementiswanting.
Thereisnoshowingtheoffenderdeliberatelyadoptedtheparticular
Q: What if the attack is a frontal attack? means, method or form of attack employed by him in killing the
A:Evenifitisafrontalattack,ifitissosudden,unexpected,suchthat woman.
theoffendedpartywouldnotbeawareofitandwasnotabletoput
upanydefense,thereisstilltreachery. People v. Vilbar (G.R. No. 186541, February 1, 2012)
GuilbertPatriciaandhiswifeMariaLizaownsasari-saristore.One
Example; night,whenGuilbertarrivedhomefromwork,hesawtheaccused
AandBwerewalkingtowardseachother.Whennearenough,B whowasdrunk,urinatinginoneofthetableintheirstore.Guilbert
suddenlystabbedA.Itwasafrontalattackyetobviouslytherewas reprimandedtheaccused,buttheaccusedmerelyignoredGuilbert.
treachery. A was totally defenseless and B deliberately and Suddenly,theaccusedapproachedGuilbert,drewoutaknife,and
consciouslyadoptedthemeansinthecommissionofthecrime. stabbed him repeatedly. The accused was charged withmurder
qualified bytreachery.
People v. Matibag (G.R. No. 206381, March 15, 2015)
DeceasedDuhanwaswalkingalongtheroadwhentheaccused Q: Was treachery present as an aggravating circumstance?
Matibagconfrontedhimandasked“anobangpinagsasabimo?”, A:NO.TheSupremeCourtheldthattheprosecutionintheinstant
Duhanreplied“wala”.MatibagthereafterhitDuahanandpulledout case merely showed that accused-appellant attacked Guilbert
agunandshothim.Matibagwaschargedwiththemurderqualified suddenly and unexpectedly, but failed to prove that accused-
bytreachery. appellantconsciouslyadoptedsuchmodeofattacktofacilitatethe
perpetrationofthekillingwithoutrisktohimself.
Q:Istheaggravatingcircumstanceoftreacherypresentinthiscase?
A:YES.Theessenceoftreacheryisthesuddenandunexpectedattack. Treacherymustbepresentatthecommencementoftheattack
Afrontalattackdoesnotnecessarilyruleouttreachery.Thequalifying Fortreacherytoariseitisnecessarythathemustbepresentatthe
circumstancemaystillbeappreciatediftheattackwassosuddenand commencementoftheattackinordertoknowwhethertheoffended
sounexpectedthatthedeceasedhadnotimetoprepareforhisor partywastotallydefenseless.
herdefense.Inthiscase,Althoughtheattackwasfrontal,thesudden
andunexpectedmannerbywhichitwasmaderendereditimpossible People v. Bokingco (G.R. No. 187536, August 10, 2011)
forDuhantodefendhimself,addingtoothathewasunarmed. ThewitnesssawthedeceasedPasionentertheroomofBokingco.The
witness peeped through the window of Bokingco who wasseen
When Victim is a Minor hittingsomethinginthefloor.Bokingcowaschargedwithmurder
Whenevertheoffendedpartyisaminor,thereisalwaystreachery qualified bytreachery.
becausetheminorisalwaysdefenseless.
Q: Is the aggravating circumstance of treachery present?
Example; A:NO.Fortreacherytobeappreciated,theprosecutionmustprove that
Victim is 17 years of age, but a big, macho man, full of muscles. at the time of the attack, the victim was not in a position to
defend himself, and that the offender consciously adopted the
Q: Is there treachery? particularmeans,methodorformofattackemployedbyhim.Nobody
A:TheSupremeCourtheldthatwhenevertheoffendedpartyisa witnessedthecommencementandthemanneroftheattack.While
minor,thereisalwaystreachery. thewitnessVitaliciomanagedtoseeBokingcohittingsomethingon
thefloor,hefailedtoseethevictimatthattime.
Minority Appreciated in Treachery
Minorityheredoesnotrefertothestatutorydefinitionofminority, People v. Tabarnero (G.R. No. 68169, February 24, 2010)
thatis,beingbelow18yearsofage.Minorityhereiswithreference ThewitnessEmeritotestifiedthathesawthedeceasedErnestobing
tothesenseofhelplessnessofthevictim.Soitisnecessarythatthe heldbytwopersonswhilaccusedGaryandAlbertoTabarnerowere
victim ishelpless. stabbing the deceased. The witness did not see how the attack
commencedbutonlythathewasattackedbyboththeaccusedwhile
Example; hishandswereheldbyanotherperson.
Ifthevictimis17yearsoldwithamasculinephysiqueandwasable
toputupadefense,thereisnotreachery.Butifthevictimis6years
old,thenthereistreachery.
Q:Istheaggravatingcircumstanceoftreacherypresentinthiscase? IGNOMINY
A:YES.TheSupremeCourtheldthattherewastreachery.Whatthe Ignominyisamoralcircumstancewhichaddsdisgraceorhumiliation
witnesssawwasthatthehandsofthevictimwerebeingheldatthe totheinjurysufferedbythevictim.
backwhilehewasbeingattacked.Thatissufficientbecausetherewas
restraintonthepersonofthevictim.Eventhewitnessdidnotobserve People v. Bumidang (G.R. No. 130630, December 4, 2000)
thecommencementoftheattack,sincetherewasrestraintonhis AccusedBumidangwentintothehouseofMelencioImbatinthe
person,hewastotallydefenseless,treacheryispresentaccordingto middlenight.AccusedthreatenedtokillMelencioandherunmarried
the SupremeCourt. daughterGloriaifthedoorwasnotopened.WhenMelencioopened
thedoor,theaccusedaskedwheretheroomofGloriais.Melencio
Treachery absorbs Craft thereafterpointedtotheroomofGloria.Theaccusedwentinsidethe
Ifcraftwasusedtoinsurethecommissionofthecrimewithoutrisk roomofGloria.Theaccusedthreatenedtokillherwithaspearifshe
totheaccused,itisabsorbedastreachery. resisted.TheaccusedremovedthegarmentsofGloria,inspectedher
genitalswithaflashlightandproceededtohavecarnalknowledgein
Example; front ofMelencio.
A,B,C,andDwantedtokillX.Thus,theyprocuredtheuniformof
militaryenandknockedonthedoorofX.Uponseeingthemilitary Q: Was there ignominy in this case?
uniform,XallowedA,B,C,andDtoenterhishouse.Onceinside,A, A: YES. The Supreme Court held that it was established that
B,C,andD,shotX.Theywerechargedwithmurderqualifiedby BALIWANGusedtheflashlightandexaminedthegenitalofGloria
treacheryandwiththeaggravatingcircumstanceofcraft. beforeheravishedher.Hecommittedhisbestialdeedinthepresence of
Gloria's old father. These facts clearly show that BALIWANG
Q: Was craft absorbed by treachery in this case? deliberately wanted to further humiliate Gloria, therebyaggravating
A:NO.Although,thealltheaccuseddressedupasmilitarymen,such andcompoundinghermoralsufferings.
didnotfacilitatethecommissionofthecrime.Theuniformofmilitary
menwasmerelyusedasameanstogainentryintothehouseofX. People v. Saylan (G.R. No. L-36941, June 29, 1984)
AccusedSaylanrapedEutropiaAgnofivetimes.Inoneofthosetime,
Example; SaylangainedentrytothegenitalsoftheEutropiafrombehindindog-
XwantedtokillY.Thus,Xtookhisgunandhiditinthepocketofhis styleposition.EutropiafiledacomplaintforrapeagainstSaylan.
jacketsothatitcouldbeconcealed.Thereafter,XapproachedYand
startedtalking.WhileYwastalking,XshotYwiththegunconcealed Q: Does the dog-style position adds ignominy to rape?
inhisjacket.Ydied. A:YES.Theentryofthepeniswasfrombehind.Althoughthisposition
wasnotnovelandinfactnormalincaseoftwoconsentingpartners,
Q:Wascraftusedtofacilitatethecommissionofthecrime? suchactaddsignominyinrapecases.
A:YES.SinceXhidtheguninhisjackettoconcealitfromtheeyesight
ofY,suchmeansfacilitatedthecrimeofmurderthroughcraft. People v. Fernandez (G.R. No. L-62116, March 22, 1990)
RebeccaSorianoisemployedasahousehelper.Rebeccahadjust
Treachery Absorbs Abuse Superior Strength takenashowerinthehouseofhermasterwhensuddenly,accused
Whenbothabuseofsuperiorstrengthandtreacheryispresent,only wentinsidethehouseandrapedher.Sheaddedthataftertheape,
treacherywillbeappreciatedbecauseabuseofsuperiorstrengthis theaccusedgrabahandfulofmudandsmeareditonhervagina.
absorbed bytreachery.
Q: Is there ignominy in this case?
Fantastico v. Malicse (G.R. No. 190912, January 12, 2015) A:YES.Theactof"plastering"mudonthevictim'svaginarightafter
ElpidioMalicsegotintoaheatedargumentwithhissisterIsabela shewasraped,isadequatelyandproperlydescribedas"ignominy".
Iguiron.However,theywerepacifiedbytheBarangayChairman.
Victim Malicse returned to the house of Isabela to apologize, UNLAWFUL ENTRY
however,accusedFantastico(theson-inlawofIsabela)alongwith Thereisanunlawfulentrywhenanentranceiseffectedbyawaynot
RollyVillanueva,suddenlyattackedvictimwithastickandleadpipe, intended for thepurpose
respectively.Malicsealmostdiedwereitnotfortheinterventionof
the barangay tanod. The accused was charged with attempted Incorrelationtothis,paragraph19statesthatasameanstothe
murderqualifiedbyabuseofsuperiorstrength. commissionofacrimeawall,roof,floor,door,orwindowbebroken.
Q: Is the aggravating circumstance of Abuse of superior strength Example;

present in this case? Awasonvacation.BknewthatAwasonvacation.Hesawthatthe
A:YES.Thevictiminthiscasewasunarmed,whiletheaccusedwas windowonthethirdfloorofthehousewasopen.Hegotaladderand
armedwithastickandaleadpipe.However,therewasnotreachery placeditinthewindow,climbeditandenteredthehouse.Thenhe
inthiscase.Fromthefactsprovenbytheprosecution,theincident tookthevaluables,gotoutthroughthewindow.
wasspontaneous,thus,thesecondelementoftreacheryiswanting.
Theincident,whichhappenedatthespurofthemoment,negatesthe Q: Is the aggravating circumstance of unlawful entry present?
possibilitythatthepetitionersconsciouslyadoptedmeanstoexecute A:NO.Thereasonisthat,thefactthatacrimewascommittedafter
the crimecommitted. anunlawfulentryisinherentinthecommissionofthecrimebecause
thecrimecommittedisrobberyunderArt.299,robberywithuseof
forceuponthings.Theessenceofrobbery,isintheactofunlawful
entry.Theentrywasdonethroughameansnotintendedforanything
thatistoawindow.Thus,thefactthatacrimewascommittedafter Example;
anunlawfulentryisnotanaggravatingcircumstance. Apersonwasfounddeadwithseveralwoundsalloverhisbody.The
factthattherewas25-50woundscannotimmediatelymeanthat
Example; therewascrueltyinthecommissionofthecrime.Itisnecessaryto
A was passing by the house of B. Suddenly he saw throughthe determine,whetherfirst,hewasstillaliveatthetimethephysical pain
window,twocellphonesbeingcharged.Interestedonthecellphones, was inflicted; second, did the offender enjoy and delight in
hebrokethewindowenteredhishandandtookthecellphones. seeinghisvictimsuffergraduallybytheinflictionofthephysicalpain.
Ifthereweredefensewounds,crueltycannotbeappreciated.
Q: Is the aggravating circumstance that as a means to the
commission of the crime the window was broken present? Ignominy vs. Cruelty
A:YES.Thecrimecommittedistheftonlyandnotrobberybecause IGNOMINY CRUELTY
theoffenderdidnotenterthehouse.InthecaseofPeoplev.Jaranilla The victim suffered moral pain; The victim suffered physical
(G.R.No.L-28547February22,1974)Oneessentialrequisiteof pain or physical suffering;
robberywithforceuponthingsisthatthemalefactorshouldenterthe The victim may either be alive Itisnecessarythatthevictimis
buildingordependency,wheretheobjecttobetakenisfound.Ifthe or dead; alive;
culpritdidnotenterthebuilding,therewouldbenorobberywith
forceuponthings.Thecrimecommittedisonlytheft.Inthiscase,the USE OF AN UNLICENSED FIREARM
offender only broke the window, entered his hand and took the Undersection1ofP.D.1866asamendedby.R.A.8294,Ifhomicide
cellphones.Thereforethecrimecommittedistheft.Intheft,thefact ormurderiscommittedwiththeuseofanunlicensedfirearm,such
that a window was broken is not inherent it is an aggravating useofanunlicensedfirearmshallbeconsideredasanaggravating
circumstance. circumstance.
AID OF PERSONS UNDER 15 YEARS Special Aggravating Circumstance

Ifthecrimecommittedmakesuseofminorsunder15yearsofage,it InthecaseofPeoplev.Palaganas(G.R.No.165483,September12,
showsthegreaterperversityoftheoffenderbecauseheknowsthat 2006)TheSupremeCourtheldthatthepassageofRepublicAct.No.
minorscannotbearrested.Personsbelow15yearsofagecannotbe 8294on6June1997,theuseofanunlicensedfirearminmurderor
prosecuted, it is among the exempting circumstances. Therefore,it homicideisnowconsideredasaSPECIALaggravatingcircumstance
shows greaterperversity. andnotagenericaggravatingcircumstance.
BY MEANS OF MOTOR VEHICLE Thus, if the use of unlicensed firearm is inherent in the crime
Ifthecrimeiscommittedwiththeuseofmotorvehicleinkillinga committed, it shall not constitute as another offense but will be
person,itisaqualifyingaggravatingcircumstanceunderarticle248. considered as a special aggravating circumstance.
Ifthemotorvehicleisusedinthecommissionofanyothercrime,itis
ameregenericaggravatingcircumstance. Example;
A killed B by means of an unlicensed firearm. B died and Awas
Example; arrested.Thefirearmwasrecovered.TwocaseswerefiledagainstA;
Xwaswalkingalongtheroad.Suddenlytwomenridingintandemin murderorhomicideasthecasemaybeandillegalpossessionof
amotorcyclesnatchedthehandbagofX.Xwasabletoidentifythe unlicensedfirearmunderPD.1866asamendedbyRA8294.
plate number of the motorcycle and reported the matter to the
police.Thepolicemadeaninvestigationwhichresultedtothearrest of Q: Are the charges correct?
the twomen. A: NO. Under section 1 of PD. 1866 as amended by RA 8294if
homicide or murder is committed with the use of an unlicensed
Q: Is the use of motor vehicle an aggravating circumstance? firearm,suchuseofunlicensedfirearmshallbeconsideredasan
A:YES.Thetwomenusedthemotorvehicletosnatchthehandbagof aggravatingcircumstance.Therefore,thereshallonlybeonecharge
X. Thereafter, the two men utilized the motor vehicle tofacilitate ofmurderorhomicideasthecasemaybe.Theuseoftheunlicensed
theirescape.Thus,theaggravatingcircumstanceofuseofmotor firearm shall be alleged in the information as an aggravating
vehicleispresentbecauseitfacilitatedthecommissionofthecrime. circumstance.
CRUELTY Example;
Crueltyistheadditionalphysicalpainasidefromthematerialinjury Afatherandsonhadanargument.Thesonshothisfatherwithan
whichisnotnecessarytothecommissionofthecrime. unlicensedfirearm.Thefatherdied.Twocaseswerefiledagainstthe
son:parricideandillegalpossessionofunlicensedfirearm.Thefiscal
The following are the elements of cruelty; opinedthatundersection1ofPD.1866asamendedbyRA8294if
1. Thatatthetimeoftheinflictionofthephysicalpain,the homicide or murder is committed with the use of an unlicensed
offendedpartyisstillalive; firearm,suchuseofunlicensedfirearmshallbeconsideredasan
2. Thattheoffenderenjoysanddelightsinseeinghisvictim aggravating circumstance. It did not provide for parricide, therefore
suffergraduallybytheinflictionofthephysicalpain; twocasesshouldbefiled.
* Thevictimmustbealivebecauseacorpsecannotfeelpain. Q: Is the fiscal correct?

A:NO.SChasalreadyruled,thatthewordshomicideandmurderin
thesaidlawisusedinitsgenericsense.Thereforeitincludesallkinds
ofkillingwherethepenaltyprescribedbylawisthesameasmurder
whichisreclusionperpetuatodeath.Thepenaltyprescribedbylawis The intoxication of the offender shall be taken into

reclusion perpetua to death. considerationasamitigatingcircumstanceswhentheoffenderhas
committedafelonyinastateofintoxication,ifthesameisnot
Example; habitualorsubsequenttotheplantocommitsaidfelonybutwhen
XwantedtocarnapthevehicleofY.Indoingso,XapproachedYand theintoxicationishabitualorintentional,itshallbeconsideredas an
intimidatedhimwithanunlicensedfirearm.XtoldYtosurrenderhis aggravatingcircumstance.
vehicle otherwise he will be killed. Y, being terrified for his life,
surrenderedthekeystohisvehicle.Xdroveaway.Thereafter,Y ALTERNATIVE CIRCUMSTANCE
reportedtheincidenttothepolice.Aninvestigationensuedwhich Alternativecircumstancesarethosecircumstanceswhichcaneither
lead to the arrest of X. X was charged with the information of beaggravatingormitigating,dependingontheireffectincommission of
carnappinganduseofanunlicensedfirearm. thecrime.
Q: Is the charge correct? There are three alternative Circumstances in Article 15

A:Yes.Theuseofanunlicensedfirearmshallbeconsideredasan 1. Relationship;
aggravating circumstance only if such use is inherent in the 2. Intoxication;
commissionofthecrime.Inthiscase,sincetheuseofanunlicensed 3. DegreeofInstructionorEducation
firearmwasnotinherentinthecommissionofthecrimeofrobbery,
itshallbeaseparateoffense. RELATIONSHIP
Relationshipisconsideredasanalternativecircumstancewhenthe
Example; offenderisrelatedtotheoffendedpartyashisspouse,ascendants,
XandYhadafight.XstabbedYwithaknife.Thereafter,thepolice descendants, legitimate, illegitimate, natural, adopted brothers,
arrivedtoarrestX.Uponhisarrest,Xwasbodysearchedbythepolice sistersorrelativesbyaffinitywithinthesamedegree.
andfoundinhispossessionanunlicensedfirearm.Xwaschargedwith
homicideandillegalpossession. Relationship as mitigating
Relationshipisconsideredasmitigatingincrimesagainstproperty.
Q: Is the charge correct?
A:YES.Useofanunlicensedfirearmwillonlybeappreciatedasa Relationship as an Absolutory Cause
special aggravating circumstance if such was inherent in the Incertaincrimesagainstproperty,relationshipoftheoffenderwith
commissionofthecrime.Inthiscase,althoughthecrimecommitted theoffendedpartyisexempting.
washomicide,theunlicensedfirearmwasnotusedasameansto
facilitate the commission of the crime. Hence the proper charge Example;
againstXwastheuseofanunlicensedfirearmandhomicide. 1. Theft;
2. Estafa or swindling;and
DANGEROUS DRUGS 3. Maliciousmischief;
A killed B. thereafter he chopped the body of B. because of the
manneremployedbytheaccusedinkillingthevictim,thepolice Underarticle332ifthecrimecommittedistheft,estafaorswindling,
suspectedthathewasundertheinfluenceofprohibiteddrugs.He and malicious mischief, relationship exempts the offender from
wasbroughttothePNPcrimelaboratoryforforensicexamination. criminalliability.
theresultsprovidedthathewasundertheinfluenceofprohibited
drugs. Relationship in crimes against Persons
Incrimesagainstpersons,relationshipismitigatingifthefollowing
Q:Whatistheeffectofthepositiveresultofthesaidexamination circumstances arepresent;
onthecommissionofthecrimeofthesaidaccused? 1. Theoffenderisofahigherdegreethanthatoftheoffended
A:UnderSection25ofRA9165,whenacrimeiscommittedbyan party;and
offenderundertheinfluenceofdangerousdrugs,suchstateshallbe 2. The crime committed is less physical injury, or slight
consideredasaqualifyingaggravatingcircumstance.Therefore,itwill physicalinjury.
bringaboutachangeinthenatureofthecrimetoamoreserious
crimewithahigherpenalty. Relationshipisaggravatingifthecrimecommittedbytheoffender
whoisofhigherdegreethanthatoftheoffendedpartyisserious
--xXx-- physicalinjury
Art. 15. Their concept. — Alternative circumstances are Relationship is inherent in the crime of parricide.
thosewhichmustbetakenintoconsiderationasaggravatingor
mitigatingaccordingtothenatureandeffectsofthecrimeandthe INTOXICATION
other conditions attending its commission. They are the Thereisintoxicationwhentheoffenderhastakensuchamountof
relationship, intoxication and the degree of instruction and liquor of sufficient quantity as to affect his mental capacity to
educationoftheoffender. determinetheconsequencesofhisact.
Thealternativecircumstanceofrelationshipshallbetaken
into consideration when the offended party in the spouse, Intoxication as mitigating
ascendant, descendant, legitimate, natural, or adopted brother or Intoxication is considered as a mitigating circumstance if it is not
sister,orrelativebyaffinityinthesamedegreesoftheoffender. habitual or subsequent to the plan to commit the felony
Intoxication as aggravating On other hand, entrapment is not an absolutory cause because

Intoxicationisconsideredasanaggravatingcircumstanceifitis entrapment refers to ways and means resorted to by the public
habitualanditisdonesubsequenttothecommissionofacrime. officerinordertotrapandcaptureacriminalinflagrantedelicto.
Here,themensreaoriginatedfromthemindoftheoffender
Example;
Xwantedtocommitacrime.Sincehehadnocourage,hedeliberately InPeoplevsNaelga(G.R.No.171018,September11,2009)The
takesliquorasastimulantforhimtocommitthecrime.Hewasso SupremeCourtdifferentiatedinstigatonandentrapment.
nervoushecannotcommitthecrime,sohetakesliquorformhimto
havethestrengthtocommitthecrime. INSTIGATION ENTAPMENT
The mens rea (evil intent) The mens rea (evil intent)
DEGREE OF INSTRUCTION AND EDUCATION originatedfromthemindofthe originatedfromthemindofthe
Asarulealowdegreeofeducationorinstructionisconsideredasa public officer; offender;
mitigating circumstance. Anabsolutorycausebyreason Not an absolutory cause;
of public policy;
Exception: if the crime committed is inherently evil or wrong. The public officer is liable as The public officer is not
principal by inducement; criminally liable;
Exemption;
Killingaperson,molestingawoman,takingthepersonalpropertyof --xXx--
another.Suchisaswrongastoalearnedmanasitistoanignorant
man. PERSONS CRIMINALLY LIABLE
As Aggravating Circumstance Art. 16. Who are criminally liable. — The following are
A high degree of education is considered as an aggravating criminally liable for grave and less grave felonies:
circumstance if the offended makes use of his high degree of Principals.
education in facilitating the commission of the crime. Accomplices.
Accessories.
Example;
Alawyercommittingestafabyfalsifyingadeedofabsolutesale.The Thefollowingarecriminallyliableforlightfelonies:
lawyermakesuseofhishighdegreeofeducationinordertocommit Principals
thecrime. Accomplices
However,inacasewherealawyerkillsanotherpersoninthecourse --xXx--
ofanargument,hishighdegreeofeducationhasnothingtodowith
thecommissionofthecrime.Thereforeinthiscase,itcannotbe Art. 17. Principals. — The following are considered principals:
consideredasanaggravatingcircumstance. 1. Thosewhotakeadirectpartintheexecutionoftheact;
2. Thosewhodirectlyforceorinduceotherstocommitit;
ABSOLUTORY CAUSES 3. Thosewhocooperateinthecommissionoftheoffenseby
AbsolutoryCausesarethosecircumstancewhichhavetheeffectin another act without which it would not have been
Article12.Absolutorycausesexemptsapersonfromcriminalliability accomplished.
butnotfromcivilliability.
Kinds
Examples; There are three kinds of Principals;
1. Mistake offact; 1. Principalbydirectparticipation;
2. Instigation; 2. Principal byinducement;
3. AccessoriesinLightfelonies; 3. Principalbydirectparticipation;
EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES PRINCIPAL BY DIRECT PARTICIPATION

Extenuatingcircumstancesarethosewhichhavethesameeffectas Principalbydirectparticipationarethosewhotakedirectpartinthe
mitigatingcircumstancebutnotincludedinArticle13,tolowerthe execution of theact.
imposablepenalty
Theprincipalbydirectparticipationmustnecessarilybepresentin
Example; thesceneofthecrimebecauseheistheonewhoactuallyexecuted
Amotherkilledherownchildlessthan3daysoldinordertoconceal thecrime.Withouthim,thecrimewillnotbecommitted.
herdishonor.Thepenaltyherewillbeloweredby2degrees,from
reclusionperpetuatodeath,thepenaltywillbeprisionmayor. PRINCIPAL BY INDUCEMENT
Principalbydirectparticipationarethosewhodirectlyforceorinduce other
INSTIGATION to commitit.
ImentionedInstigation,asanabsolutorycause.Ininstigation,the
mensreaoriginatedfromthemindofthepublicofficerwhoonly Theprincipalmayormaynotbepresentinthesceneofthecrime.
luredtheoffendertocommitthecrime.
Elements; Q: What are the liabilities of A, B, C, D, and E?

1. Inducementbemadewiththeintentionofprocuringthe A:Allofthemareliableasprincipalsbydirectparticipation,because
commission of thecrime; allofthemareauthorsofthecriminaldesign.
2. The inducement is the determining cause of the
commissionofthecrimebythematerialexecutor; Example;
Whatif,A,BandCdecidedtorobthebank.Ontheagreedtimeand
Forms of inducement place,theywerealreadyabouttogotothebank,butsuddenlythey
Inducement may come in different forms; realizedtheyhavenovehicle.Sotheyflaggeddownataxi.They
1. Givingofprice,rewardorpromise; informedthetaxidriveroftheircriminaldesign,towhichthetaxi
2. Byemployingforce,commandorascendancywhichisbeing driveragreedforhiscartobeusedasagetawayvehicle.Whileon
followedbytheprincipalbydirectparticipation. theirwaytothebank,theyrealizedthattheyneededalookout.They
sawabalutvendorandaskedhim,“Canyoubeourlookout?The
PRINCIPAL BY INDISPENSABLE COOPERATION momentyouseeapolicecoming,shoutbaluuuuut!”Thesaidvendor
Principal by indispensable cooperation are those who cooperate in agreedtothesaidcriminaldesign.Afterrobbingthebank,ABCand
thecommissionoftheoffensebyanotheractwithoutwhichitwould thebalutvendorboardedthetaxi.
not havebeen accomplished.
Q: What is the criminal liability of each?
Elements; A:A,B,andC,areliableasprincipalbydirectparticipation,whilethe
1. Theaccusedparticipatedinthecriminalresolution; taxidriverandthebalutvendorareliableasaccomplices.Theyare
2. Performancebyhimofanotheractindispensabletothe accomplicessinceA,B,andCalreadyagreedonthecriminaldesign
accomplishmentofthecrime; beforetheyinformedthetwoofthesameandthelatterconcurred
byperformingsimultaneousactsorsubsequenttothecommissionof
Theprincipalbyindispensablecooperationmustbeatthesceneof thecrime.
thecrimebecausehemustperformanotheractwithoutthecrime
would not havebeen. * Sonomatterhowminortheparticipationisofanoffender,ifheis
anauthorofthecriminaldesign,evenifheonlyactedasalookout,
--xXx-- stillheisliableasaprincipalbydirectparticipation
Art. 18. Accomplices. — Accomplices are thosepersons Example;

who,notbeingincludedinArt.17,cooperateintheexecutionofthe X wanted to kill Y. X knows that Y is living in a dorm. In orderto
offensebypreviousorsimultaneousacts. executehisplan,XcontactedWwhoisalsolivinginthesamedorm
asY.XtoldWofhisplantokillY.XaskedWtoopenthegateofthe
Theaccomplicemerelycooperateinthecommissionofthecrimeby dormatexactly1amsothatXcouldenter.Atexactly1am,Wopened the
previous of simultaneous acts. The participation is only minorin door to the dorm allowing X to enter. Upon entering, X
character.Itonlyprovidesmaterialandmoralaideinanefficacious immediatelywenttotheroomofY.Thereafter,XstabbedY.Ydied.
mannerbutnotinanindispensablemanner.
Q: What is the liability of X?
Iftheactperformedbytheoffenderfacilitatedthecommissionofthe A: X is liable as a principal by direct participation in the crimeof
crime,butitisnotindispensableinthecommissionofthecrime,with homicideregardingthedeathofY.Xistheonewhoperformedallthe
orwithoutsaidactnevertheless,thecrimehadbeencommitted,the actsofexecutionbystabbingYresultingtothedeathofthelatter.
offenderismerelyanaccomplice.
Q: What is the liability of W?
Requisites to be an accomplice; A:Wisliableasanaccomplice.AlthoughWknewoftheplantokillX,
1. Theremustbeacommunityofdesign; he did not participate the criminal resolution thereof. X merely
2. Thatheperformstheactspreviousorsimultaneoustothe informedWoftheplan,andWmerelyconcurred.Likewise,theacts
commissionofthecrime;and ofWinopeningthegateforXisnotanindispensableactinorderto
3. Thattheactsperformedbytheprincipalisrelatedtothe consummatethehomicideofY.Xcouldhaveeasilyaskedanother
actsperformedbytheaccomplice. persontoopenthegateofthedormforhim.
Community of design --xXx--

Theaccomplicehadbeeninformedofthecriminaldesignofthe
offenderandhavingbeeninformed,heconcurswiththesaidcriminal Art.19.Accessories.—Accessoriesarethosewho,having
design.He’snotpartoftheconspiracybutheknowsandconcurswith the knowledgeofthecommissionofthecrime,andwithouthaving
design because he was informed of the same only after the participatedtherein,eitherasprincipalsoraccomplices,takepart
principalhadcomeupwithagreement. subsequenttoitscommissioninanyofthefollowingmanners:
1. Byprofitingthemselvesorassistingtheoffenderto
Example; profitbytheeffectsofthecrime;
A,B,C,D,andEdecidedtorobabank.Basedontheiragreement,A.B, 2. Byconcealingordestroyingthebodyofthecrime,or
andCwillbetheonestoenterthebank.Dwillserveaslookout.Ewill theeffectsorinstrumentsthereof,inordertopreventitsdiscovery;
serveasthedriverofthevehicle.Theycommittedthecrimeonthe 3. Byharboring,concealing,orassistingintheescapeof
date agreedupon. theprincipalsofthecrime,providedtheaccessoryactswithabuse
ofhispublicfunctionsorwhenevertheauthorofthecrimeisguilty
oftreason,parricide,murder,oranattempttotakethelifeofthe ofarson.Wexecutedtheactsofexecutionofarsoninburningthe
ChiefExecutive,orisknowntobehabituallyguiltyofsomeother; houseofYwiththebodyofYinside.
Knowledge of the Crime Example;

Theaccessorydoesnotknowthecriminaldesign.Whatheknowsis XandYwerefighting.YkickedandpunchedX.Xlostthefightandfell
thecommissionofthecrime.Despiteknowledgethatthecrimehas down.W,whosawthefight,gaveXagunandorderedtoshootY.S,
beencommitted,hetakepartsubsequenttoitscommission. another bystander, also told X to shoot Y. X shot Y who died
immediately. X went home. Feeling guilty of the crime that he
BY PROFITING FROM THE EFFECTS OF THE CRIME. committed,confessedtohisfatherwhathehaddone.Xgavethegun that
Theaccompliceprofitedthemselvesorassistedtheoffendertoprofit he used to his father. The father hid the gun to prevent its
fromtheeffectsofthecrime. discoverybythepolice.
Example; Q: What is the liability of X?

A,bymeansofdeceit,wasabletotakethediamondringofhisfriend. A:Xisguiltyofhomicideasaprincipalbydirectparticipation.X
SoAswindledhisfriendbymeansofdeceit.Aftertakingthering,she completedalltheactsofexecutionforhomicidebypullingthetrigger
wenttoB.AtoldB“B,Ihavehereadiamondring,Iswindleditfrom ofthegunwhichimmediatelyresultedtothedeathofY.
myfriendandI’msellingittoyouforonly10k.Bboughtthesaidring
anddisplayedittohisshoptohaveitsold.LaterBwasfoundin Q: What is the liability of W?
possessionofthesaidring. A:Wisconsideredasaprincipalbyindispensablecooperationinthe
crimeofhomicide.WgaveaguntoXwhichthelatterusedtoshoot
Q: Is B liable as an accessory? andkillY.WereitnotforthegunwhichWgave,Xwouldnothave
A:YES.BassistedA,theprincipalofthecrimeofswindling,inprofiting usedsaidguntokillYtherbycommittinghomicide.
from the effects of the crime by buying the stolen diamond ring.
Furthermore,Bslatersoldthediamondringforprofit.Thus,Bis Q: What is the liability of S?
considered as anaccomplice. A:Sisnotcriminallyliable.EventhoughSalsotoldXtoshootY,he did
not provide the gun to complete the acts of the execution.
DESTROYINGTHEBODYOFTHECRIMETOPREVENTITSDISCOVERY Likewise,absenceofanyfindingofconspiracy,orthatSparticipated
2ndactofanaccompliceisbyconcealingordestroyingthebodyofthe inthecriminalresolutionofhomicide,suchwordsofencouragement
crime,ortheeffectsorinstrumentsthereof,inordertopreventits doesnotmakehimcriminallyliable.
discovery.
Q: What is the liability of the father?
Body of the crime A:Thefatherisliableasanaccessory.ByconcealingthegunwhichX, his
Thebodyofthecrimedoesnotmeanthecorpseofadeceasedperson son, used to commit the crime of homicide, he assisted by
inmurder,ortheitemstolenincaseofrobberyortheft.Itmeansthat concealingtheeffectsortheinstrumentofthecrimeofhomicidein
afacthasbeencommittedbysomeone. ordertopreventitsdiscovery.However,byvirtueofArticle20,the
fatherisexemptedfromthecriminalliabilitybecauseXwashisson.
Elements of body of the crime; However,heisliableforobstructionofjusticebecauseheassistedin
1. Proofofoccurrenceofacertainevent; preventingthediscoveryofthecrimeofhomicide.
2. Proofofperson’scriminalliability;
ASSISTING THE ESCAPE OF THE PRINCIPAL
Example; The3rdactoftheaccessoryisbyharboring,concealing,orassisting
XandYwereengagedinafight.Inthecourseofthesaidfight,Xkilled intheescapeoftheprincipalsofthecrime,providedthatheeither;
Y.Thereafter,XtoldhisfriendWtobringthebodyofYtothehouse 1. Actswithabuseofhispublicfunctions;or
ofYandburnittoconcealanddestroythebodyofYinexchangefor 2. The author of the crime is guilty of treason, parricide,
100k.Needingthemoney,WtookthebodyofYandbroughtitinthe murder, or an attempt to take the life of the Chief
houseY.Thereafter,WburneddownthehouseofY.Thereafter,the Executive,orisknowntobehabituallyguiltyofsomeother
relativesofYreportedtothepolicethathehasbeenmissingfora offense;
longtime.Thepolicemadeaninvestigationwhichleadtothearrest of
X andW. * Iftheaccessorywhoharboredandconcealedorassistedinthe
escapeoftheoftheprincipalisaprivateindividual,thelawspecifies
Q: What is the liability of X? the crime committed, which is PD 1829, otherwise known as
A:XisaprincipalbydirectparticipationinthecrimeofhomicideofY, Obstruction ofJustice.
becauseitwasXwhoexecutedtheactsofexecutionwhichleadto
thedeathofY.Likewise,X,isaprincipalbyinducementinthecrime OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE
ofarson.WereitnotfortheconsiderationgivenbyXtoW,thelatter ObstructionofJusticeiscommittedbyanypersonwhowillfullyand
wouldnothaveburnedthehouseofYwiththebodyofYinsidefor lawfullyobstructs,impedes,frustratesordelaystheapprehensionof
thepurposeofconcealingthecrimeofhomicide. suspectsandtheinvestigationandprosecutionofcriminalcases.
Q: What is the liability of W? Example;

A:WisanaccessoryofthecrimeofhomicideofY.Wassistedinthe Theprincipalcommittedswindlingorestafa.Xharboredtheprincipal
concealinganddestroyingthecorpseofYbyburningitinY’sown despiteknowingthelattercommittedestafa.Xcannotbeconsidered
house.However,Wisaprincipalbydirectparticipationinthecrime
asanaccessorybecauseestafaorswindlingisnotamongthecrimes the incident to the police. Upon investigation, the police

mentionedinthesecondpartofthe3rdact. apprehended X, the mother, and the jewelry store owner.
Q: What is the criminal liability of the friend? Q: What is the liability of X?

A: He is liable for obstruction of justice under P.D. 1829. A: X is liable as principal by direct participation in the crime of
qualifiedtheft.Xusedhisoccupationasahousehelpasameansto
Example; facilitatethecommissionofthecrimeoftheft.
WhatifAandBsisters.Theyhadahousemaid,X.AandBwerecruel
toX,foraminormistaketheywouldslap,boxedorinjureher.One Q: What is the liability of the mother?
time,Awenttowork.Whenshearrivedhome,shesawthedeceased ThemotherisliableasanaccessorybecausesheassistedXfrom
bodyofX.AandBplacedthedeceasedbodyinasackandplacedit profitingfromtheeffectsofthecrime.Despitehavingknowledgeof
onthetrunkoftheircar.However,someonewitnessedtheiractwho thecommissionofthecrime,themotherdepositedthemoneytoa
immediatelycalledthepolice,reportingthathesaw2womenputting bank in order to gain interest therefrom. Likewise by selling the
asackinthetruckwherein2feetwereprotrudingfromthesaidsack. jewelriestothejewelrystore,themotherenrichedherselffromthe
AandBwereprosecutedandbothconvictedformurder. stolenjewelries.
Q: Are both A and B liable for murder? Q: What is the liability of the Jewelry store owner?
A:NO.TheSupremeCourtsaidthatonlyBisliable,notformurder A:TheJewelrystoreownerisliableasafence.Thejewelrystore
butonlyforhomicide.WhenAarrived,thehousemaidwasalready owner,knowingthatthesaidjewelsweresoldtohimatanextremely
dead. lowprice,shouldhaveknownthatthesamewereproceedsofthe
crimeofrobberyortheft.
Q: Does A have no criminal liability?
A:Aisconsideredasanaccessory.Heractoftryingtoplacethe Q:Ifyouwerethefiscal,whatcasewouldyouprefertofileagainst
deceasedbodyinsidethetrunkofthecarinordertopreventthe thejewelrystoreowner?afenceoranaccessory?
discoveryofthecrimeheractconstitutesthatofanaccessory.But A: You can only file either of the two. It’s better to file fencing.
shefallsunderArticle20sincesheisrelatedtotheoffender. Becauseitiseasiertoprove.Whileinaccessory,hemustfirstknow
thatthecrimehasbeencommitted.Infencing,itisnotnecessarythat
FENCING heknows.
UnderP.D.1612,afenceincludesanyperson,firm,association
corporationorpartnershiporotherorganizationwho/whichcommits Section5ofPD1612providedaprimafaciepresumptionoffencing.
the act offencing. Theburdenofevidenceisshiftedontheaccused
“Fencing"istheactofanypersonwho,withintenttogainforhimself --xXx--
orforanother,shallbuy,receive,possess,keep,acquire,conceal,sell
ordisposeof,orshallbuyandsell,orinanyothermannerdealinany Art. 20. Accessories who are exempt from criminal
article,item,objectoranythingofvaluewhichheknows,orshould liability.—Thepenaltiesprescribedforaccessoriesshallnotbe
beknowntohim,tohavebeenderivedfromtheproceedsofthe imposeduponthosewhoaresuchwithrespecttotheirspouses,
crimeofrobberyortheft. ascendants,descendants,legitimate,natural,andadoptedbrothers
andsisters,orrelativesbyaffinitywithinthesamedegrees,withthe
Elements singleexceptionofaccessoriesfallingwithintheprovisionsof
InthecaseofDimatv.People(G.R.No.181184,January25,2012)The paragraph1ofthenextprecedingarticle.
SupremeCourtheldthefollowingaselementsoffencing;
1. Arobberyorthefthasbeencommitted; An accessory is exempted from criminal liability in the following
2. Theaccused,whotooknopartintherobberyortheft,buys, instances;
receives, possesses, keeps, acquires, conceals, sells or 1. Whenthecrimecommittedisalightfelony;
disposes,orbuysandsells,orinanymannerdealsinany 2. When the said accessory is the spouses, ascendants,
articleorobjecttakenduringthatrobberyortheft; descendants,legitimate,natural,andadoptedbrothersand
3. Theaccusedknowsorshouldhaveknownthatthething sisters,orrelativesbyaffinitywithinthesamedegrees;
derivedfromthatcrime;and
4. Heintendsbythedealhemakestogainforhimselforfor --xXx--
another.
Example;
Xwasahousehelper.Onenight,whenthemasterwasnothome,X
wenttotheroomofhismasterandtookthejewelriesworth500kand
cashworth1Mfromthecabinet.Xwenttohismotherandtoldher
thatshestolethejewelriesandcashfromthemaster.Themother
depositedthecashtoabank.Themothersoldthejewelriestoa
jewelrystoreinadiscountedamountof100k.Whenthemastercame
home,hefoundthejewelriesandcashmissing.Themasterreported
Light penalties:
Arresto menor,
Public censure.
Penaltiescommontothethreeprecedingclasses:
CRIMINAL LAWREVIEW Fine,and
Bond to keep the peace.
PART II
PENALTIES ACCESSORY PENALTIES
Perpetual or temporary absolute disqualification,
Perpetual or temporary special disqualification,
Suspensionfrompublicoffice,therighttovoteandbe
votedfor,theprofessionorcalling.
Civil interdiction,
Indemnification,
Forfeitureorconfiscationofinstrumentsandproceedsof
theoffense,
Payment of costs.
PENALTIES --xXx--
Penaltiesreferstopunishment,imposedbylawfulauthorityupona
personwhohascommittedanintentionalfelonyoraculpablefelony CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
2 kinds of penalties; DEATH

1. Principal;and Under RA 9346, death penalty cannot be imposed.
2. Accessory
SEC. 2 of RA 9346: in lieu of death penalty it shall be reclusion
Principal penalties perpetuaincaseofviolationoftheRPCandlifeimprisonmentincase
Principalpenaltiesarepenaltiesprescribedbylaworprecribedbythe ofviolationofSpecialPenalLaws.
court.
SEC. 3. Person convicted of offenses punished with reclusion
Accessory penalties perpetua,orwhosesentenceswillbereducedtoreclusionperpetua,
Accessorypenaltiesarethosewhicharenecessarilyincludedinthe byreasonofthisAct,shallnotbeeligibleforparoleunderActNo.
imposition of principalpenalties. 4180, otherwise known as the Indeterminate Sentence Law, as
amended.
--xXx--
--xXx--
Art.25.Penaltieswhichmaybeimposed.—Thepenalties
whichmaybeimposedaccordingtothisCode,andtheirdifferent AFFLICTIVE PENALTIES
classes,arethoseincludedinthefollowing:
RECLUSION PERPETUA AND LIFE IMPRISONMENT
SCALE Reclusionperpetuaisimposedincasetheoffenderviolatedthe
provisions of the Revised Penal Code. On the other hand, life
PRINCIPAL PENALTIES imprisonmentisimposedincasetheoffenderviolatetheprovisions
Capital punishment: ofthespecialpenallaws.
Death.
Reclusion perpetua v. Life Imprisonment
Afflictive penalties: The following are the distinctions reclusion perpetua and life
Reclusion perpetua, imprisonment;
Reclusion temporal,
Perpetual or temporary absolute RECLUSION PERPETUA LIFE IMPRISONMENT
disqualification, Penalty is imposed in case of Penalty is imposed in case of
Perpetualortemporaryspecialdisqualification, violation of the Revised Penal violation of special penal laws;
Prision mayor. Code;
Carries a duration of 20 to 40 No fixe duration;
Correctional penalties: years;
Prision correccional, Carries with it an accessory Does not carry an accessory
Arresto mayor, penalty; penalty’
Suspension,
Destierro. Q: Is Reclusion perpetua a divisible penalty?
A:NO.InPeoplev.Lucas(G.R.Nos.108172-73,January9,1995)had
theCongressintendedthatReclusionperpetuabeadivisiblepenalt
y,theapplicationoftwoindivisiblepenaltiesunderArticle63
ofthe
RevisedPenalCodewillbemeaninglessandtherewouldben
o
statutoryrulesfordeterminingwheneitherreclusionperpet
uaor deathshouldbetheimposablepenalty
CORRECTIONAL PENALTIES
Q:Ifreclusionperpetuaisanindivisiblepenalty,thenwhatisthe
reasonforfixingthedurationofreclusionperpetua? PRISION CORRECCIONAL AND DESTIERRO
A:Inthesamecaseasmentionedabove,theSupremeCourtheld Under Article 27 of the Revised Penal Code, the duration of the
that the duration of thirty (30) years for reclusion perpetua is penaltiesofprisioncorreccionalshallbefromsix(6)monthsandone
necessarytoserveasthebasisfordeterminingtheconvict'seligibility (1) daytosix(6)years.
forpardonorfortheapplicationofthethree-foldruleintheservice of
multiplepenalties. DESTIERRO
UnderArticle87oftheRevisedPenalCode,anypersonsentencedto
RECLUSION TEMPORAL destierro shall not be permitted to enter the place or places
UnderArticle27oftheRevisedPenalCode,thedurationofreclusion designatedinthesentence,norwithintheradiusthereinspecified,
temporalis12yearsand1dayto20years. whichshallbenotmorethan250andnotlessthan25kilometers from
the placedesignated.
PRISION MAYOR
UnderArticle27oftheRevisedPenalCode,thedurationofPrision Destierroisaprincipalpenaltyandhasadurationofsix(6)months
mayorshallbefromsix(6)yearandonedaytotwelve(12)years. andone(1)daytosix(6)yearsunderArticle27oftheRevisedPenal
Code,
DISQUALIFICATION
Perpetual or Temporary Absolute Disqualification Perpetual or SUSPENSION
TemporarySpecialDisqualificationmaybeeitheraprincipalpenalty or Suspensionmayeitherbeaprincipalpenaltyoranaccessorypenalty.
an accessorypenalty.
Suspension as principal penalty
Principal Penalty Under Article 27 of the Revised Penal Code, the duration of the
Asaprincipalpenalty,thedurationoftemporaryabsoluteorspecial penaltiesofdestierroshallbefromsix(6)monthsandone(1)dayto
disqualificationshallbefromsix(6)yearandonedaytotwelve(12) six(6)years.
yearsunderArticle27oftheRevisedPenalCode.
Suspension as accessory penalty
Accessory Penalty UnderArticle27oftheRevisedPenalCode,whenthepenaltyof
UnderArticle27oftheRevisedPenalCode,whenthepenaltyof destierroisimposedasanaccessorypenalty,itsdurationshallbethat of
temporary special or absolute disqualification is imposed as an the principalpenalty.
accessorypenalty,itsdurationshallbethatoftheprincipalpenalty.
ARRESTOMAYOR
UnderArticle27oftheRevisedPenalCode,Thedurationofthe
penaltyofarrestomayorshallbefromone(1)monthandone(1)day
to six (6)months.
The principal penalty which accompanies perpetual absolute --xXx--

disqualification are the following;
1. Death;(thirtyyearsfollowingthedateofsentence) LIGHT PENALTIES
2. Reclusionperpetua;
3. Reclusiontemporal; ARRESTOMENOR
Under Article 27 of the Revised Penal Code, the duration of the
The principal penalty which accompanies perpetual special penaltyofarrestomenorshallbefromone(1)daytothirty(30)days.
disqualification of the right of suffrage are the following;
1. Prisionmayor; PUBLIC CENSURE
2. Prision correccional; A principal and indivisible penalty that has no fixed duration.
Perpetual Absolute v. Temporary Absolute --xXx--

PERPETUAL ABSOLUTE TENMPORARY ABSOLUTE
Effectiveduringthelifetimeof Disqualification lasts during the PENALTIES COMMON TO THE THREE CLASSESS
theconvictandevenafterthe term of the sentence, and is
serviceofthesentence; removed after the service of FINE
the sentence, except: Apecuniarypenaltywhichisimposedbythecourtincaseofthe
1. Deprivation of the judgment of conviction. Instead of imprisonment, the penalty
Public imposed isfine.
office/employment;
2. Loss of all rights to BOND TO KEEP THE PEACE
retirement pay or UnderArticle35oftheRevisedPenalCode,Itshallbethedutyofany
pensionforanyoffice personsentencedtogivebondtokeepthepeace,topresenttwo
formerly held. sufficient sureties who shall undertake that such person will not
committheoffensesoughttobeprevented,andthatincasesuch
--xXx-- offensebecommittedtheywillpaytheamountdeterminedbythecou
rtinthejudgment,orotherwisetodepositsuchamountinthe
officeoftheclerkofthecourttoguaranteesaidundertaking.
Bond to keep the peace is a principal penalty.

Suchproceedsandinstrumentsortoolsshallbeconfiscatedand
Bond for Good Behavior forfeitedinfavoroftheGovernment,unlesstheybepropertyofa
Bondtokeepthepeaceisdifferentfrombondforgoodbehavior. thirdpersonnotliablefortheoffense,butthosearticleswhichare
notsubjectoflawfulcommerceshallbedestroyed.
UnderArticle284oftheRevisedPenalCode,incasesofgravethreats
andlightthreats,thepersonmakingthethreatsmayalsoberequired PAYMENT OF COST
togivebailnottomolestthepersonthreatened,orifheshallfailto Cost means the expenses of litigation.
givesuchbail,heshallbesentencedtodestierro.
Cost Includes
Bond to keep the peace v. Bond for good behavior UnderArticle7oftheRevisedPenalCode,costsshallincludefeesand
BOND TO KEEP THE PEACE BOND FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR indemnitiesinthecourseofthejudicialproceedings,whethertheybe
May be applied to all cases; Applicable only to cases of fixed or unalterable amounts previously determined by law or
gravethreatsandlightthreats; regulationsinforce,oramountsnotsubjecttoschedule.
Failuretopostabondtokeep Ifapersonfailstopostabond
the peace results to forgoodbehavior,heshallbe Q: Who shall pay the cost?
imprisonmenteitherforsix(6) sentenced todestierro; A:Ifanaccusedisconvictedofacrime,costshallbeadjudgedagainst
months or thirty (30) days him.However,incaseofacquittal,eachpartymustbearhisownlost.
depending on whether the --xXx--
felony committed is grave or
lessgraveononehand,ora PREVENTIVE IMPRISONMENT
light felony on the other; Preventive Imprisonment is the detention of accused while the case
against him is on going trial either because;
1. The crime he committed is a non-bailable offense and
evidenceofguiltisstrong;or
2. Thecrimecommittedisabailableoffensebuthedoesnot
have thefunds.
--xXx--
Q:Cantheperiodofpreventiveimprisonmentundergonebythe
ACCESSORY PENALTIES accusedbecreditedtohisfinalsentence?
A:YES.Asageneralrule,Article29oftheRevisedPenalCodestates
CIVIL INTERDICTION that offenders who have undergone preventive imprisonmentshall
UnderArticle34oftheRevisedpenalCode,Civilinterdictionshall becreditedintheserviceoftheirsentenceconsistingofdeprivation
deprivetheoffenderduringthetimeofhissentencethefollowing of liberty, with the full time during which they have undergone
rights; preventiveimprisonment,ifthedetentionprisoneragreesvoluntarily in
1. Rights of parentalauthority; writing to abide by the same disciplinary rules imposed upon
2. Guardianship,eitherastothepersonorpropertyofany convictedprisoners,exceptinthefollowingcases;
ward; 1. Whentheyarerecidivistsorhavebeenconvictedpreviously
3. Maritalauthority, twiceormoretimesofanycrime;and
4. Therighttomanagehisproperty;and 2. When upon being summoned for the execution oftheir
5. The right to dispose of such property by any act orany sentencetheyhavefailedtosurrendervoluntarily;
conveyance intervivos.
Q:Whatistheeffectifthedetentionprisonerdoesnotabidebythe
Theoffendersentencedtocivilinterdictionmamakealastwilland samedisciplinaryrulesimposeduponconvictedprisoners?
testamentbecausetheprohibitiontodisposepropertyextendsonly A: Under Article 29 of the Revised Penal Code, if the detention
tointervivosandnottomortiscausa. prisoner does not agree to abide by the same disciplinary rules
imposeduponconvictedprisoners,heshallbecreditedintheservice of
Donationmayalsobemadebytheoffenderprovidedthatitshalltake his sentence with four-fifths of the time during which he has
effectafterdeathormortiscausa. undergone preventiveimprisonment.
An accessory penalty Q:Whatistheeffectiftheaccusedhasundergoneimprisonmentfor

Civil Interdiction is always an accessory penalty in case of the aperiodequaltoormorethanthemaximumimprisonmentforthe
following principal penalties; offensecharged?
1. Death; A:UnderArticle29oftheRevisedPenalCode,wheneveranaccused
2. Reclusionperpetua; hasundergonepreventiveimprisonmentforaperiodequaltoor
3. Reclusiontemporal; more than the possible maximum imprisonment of the offense
charged to which he may be sentenced and his case is not yet
FORFEITURE AND CONFISCATION terminated,heshallbereleasedimmediatelywithoutprejudicetothe
UnderArticle45oftheRevisedpenalCode,everypenaltyimposedfor continuationofthetrialthereofortheproceedingonappeal,ifthe
thecommissionofafelonyshallcarrywithittheforfeitureofthe same is underreview.
proceedsofthecrimeandtheinstrumentsortoolswithwhichitwas
committed.
Preventive imprisonment for Destierro Q:WillthepardonofXinthecrimeofactslasciviousnessagainstY

Incasethemaximumpenaltytowhichtheaccusedmaybesentenced operatetodismissthecasealreadyinstituted?
isdestierro,heshallbereleasedafterthirty(30)daysofpreventive A:NO.AlthoughthecrimecommittedbyYisaprivatecrimeunder
imprisonment. Article344oftheRevisedPenalCode,thecasewillnotbedismissed
becauseitwasgivenaftertheinstitutionofthecriminalprosecution.
Q:Cantheperiodofpreventiveimprisonmentbedeductedincase
ofdestierro? Q:WhatistheeffectofpardongivenbyX?
A:YES.Becausedestierroalsoinvolvesdeprivationoflibertyandhas A:ThepardonofXwillonlyserveastoextinguishthecivilliabilityof
afixeddurationofsix(6)monthsandone(1)daytosix(6)years. Yinthecomplaintforactsoflasciviousness.
NOTE:Ifdetentionhasalreadyexceededthepossiblemaximum Regardlessofwhetherprivateorpubliccrimes,thepardongivenby the

imprisonment of the offense charged but his case is not yet private complainant must be prior to the institution of the
terminated,fileacaseforHabeasCorpusfortheimmediaterelease of criminalcase.
theaccused.
MaritalRape
--xXx-- Althoughthegeneralruleisthatpardonmustbegivenpriortothe
institutionofthecriminalcase,Article266-CoftheRevisedPenal
PARDON Code,thesubsequentvalidmarriagebetweentheoffendedparty
There are two kinds of pardon; shallextinguishthecriminalactionorthepenaltyimposed.
1. Pardonbytheoffendedparty;(Article23)
2. PardonbythePresident;(Article36) UnderArticle266-CoftherevisedpenalCode,incaseitisthelegal
husbandwhoistheoffender,thesubsequentforgivenessbythewife as
Pardon by the offended party the offended party shall extinguish the criminal action or the
UnderArticle23oftheRevisedPenalCode,apardonoftheoffended penalty:Provided,Thatthecrimeshallnotbeextinguishedorthe
partydoesnotextinguishcriminalactionexceptasprovidedinArticle penaltyshallnotbeabatedifthemarriageisvoidabinitio.
344ofthisCode;butcivilliabilitywithregardtotheinterestofthe
injuredpartyisextinguishedbyhisexpresswaiver. Pardon by the President
UnderArticle36oftheRevisedPenalCode,apardonshallnotwork
Example; the restoration of the right to hold public office, or the right of
XkilledY.TherelativesofYfiledacomplaintforhomicideagainstX. suffrage,unlesssuchrightsbeexpresslyrestoredbythetermsofthe
thereafter,XaskedforgivenessfromtherelativesofY.Therelatives pardon.
ofYacceptedtheapologyofXandtherebygrantedhimapardon.
Justlikeamnestyandparol,thepardonbythepresidentdoesnot
Q:Willthepardonoftheoffendedpartyextinguishthecriminal extinguishcivilliabilitybecausethesameispersonaltothevictim.
liabilityoftheoffenderinhomicide?
A:NO.Inthecrimeofhomicide,pardonbytheoffendedpartywillnot 2 kinds of pardon by the president;
extinguishthecriminalliabilityoftheoffender.Homicideisapublic 1. Absolutepardon;(Article89)
crimeanditisessentiallymoreofanoffenseagainstthestaterather 2. ConditionalPardon;(Article94)
than the offended party because it causes disturbance orpublic
disorder. Inaddition,PresidentialPardondoesnotautomaticallyrestorethe
followingrights,unlesstheyarespecificallystatedbythetermsofthe
Private Crimes pardon;
Pardonbytheoffendedpartydoeswillonlyoperatetoextinguishthe 1. To hold publicoffice;
criminalliabilityinprivatecrimesasmentionedunderunderArticle 2. Tovoteandbevoted;and
344oftheRevisedPenalCode; 3. Toexercisehisrightofsuffrage;
1. Adultery;
2. Concubinage; Pardon by the President v. Pardon by the Offended party
3. Seduction; PARDON BY THE PRESIDENT PARDON BY THE OFFENDED
4. Abduction; PARTY
5. Rape;and Extinguishes criminal liability; Does not extinguish criminal
6. Acts oflasciviousness; liability whether public or
private crime with the
Example; exception of Marital Rape
XfiledacomplaintforactsoflasciviousnessagainstY.duringthetrial, Y under Article 266-C;
asked for forgiveness from X. X accepted the apology of Y. Does not extinguish civil liability Extinguish civil liability as it is
Thereafter,XgrantedYapardon. of the offender; deemed as a waiver;
Pardon must be made before Pardonmayonlybemadeafter
Pardon prior to Criminal proceedings the institution of the criminal convictionbyfinaljudgment
Forpardontoextinguishthecriminalliabilityoftheoffender,itmust case; only in private crimes;
begivenpriortotheinstitutionofthecriminalaction.
--xXx--
Art.38.Pecuniaryliabilities;Orderofpayment.—Incase the Rate of Subsidiary Penalty

property of the offender should not be sufficient forthe UnderArticle39oftheRevisedPenalCode,iftheconvicthasno
paymentofallhispecuniaryliabilities,thesameshallbemetinthe propertywithwhichtomeetthefinementionedinparagraph3of
followingorder: Article 38 of the Revised Penal Code, he shall be subject to a
The reparation of the damage caused. subsidiarypersonalliabilityattherateofonedayforeachamount
Indemnification of consequential damages equivalent to the highest minimum wage rate prevailing in the
The fine. Philippinesatthetimeoftherenditionofjudgmentofconvictionby
The cost of the proceedings. thetrialcourtsubjecttothefollowingrules;
1. Iftheprincipalpenaltyimposedbeprisioncorreccionalor
PECUNIARY LIABILITIES PECUNIARY PENALITIES arrestoandfine,heshallremainunderconfinementuntil
(ARTICLE 38) (ARTICLE 25) hisfinereferredtointheprecedingparagraphissatisfied,
Imposedbythecourtincaseof Imposedbythecourtincaseof buthissubsidiaryimprisonmentshallnotexceedone-third
conviction but not as penalty; conviction as a penalty; ofthetermofthesentence,andinnocaseshallitcontinue
formorethanoneyear,andnofractionorpartofadayshall
--xXx-- becountedagainsttheprisoner;
2. When the principal penalty imposed be only a fine,the
Article39.Subsidiarypenalty.-Iftheconvicthasno subsidiaryimprisonmentshallnotexceedsixmonths,ifthe
propertywithwhichtomeetthefinementionedintheparagraph3 culpritshallhavebeenprosecutedforagraveorlessgrave
ofthenestprecedingarticle,heshallbesubjecttoasubsidiary felony,andshallnotexceedfifteendays,ifforalightfelony;
personalliabilityattherateofonedayforeacheightpesos,subject to 3. When the principal imposed is higher than prision
the followingrules: correccional,nosubsidiaryimprisonmentshallbeimposed
1. Iftheprincipalpenaltyimposedbeprisioncorreccional upon theculprit;
orarrestoandfine,heshallremainunderconfinementuntilhisfine 4. Iftheprincipalpenaltyimposedisnottobeexecutedby
referredtointheprecedingparagraphissatisfied,buthissubsidiary confinementinapenalinstitution,butsuchpenaltyisof
imprisonment shall not exceed one-third of the term of the fixed duration, the convict, during the period of time
sentence,andinnocaseshallitcontinueformorethanoneyear, establishedintheprecedingrules,shallcontinuetosuffer the
andnofractionorpartofadayshallbecountedagainstthe same deprivations as those of which the principal
prisoner. penaltyconsists;
2. Whentheprincipalpenaltyimposedbeonlyafine,the 5. Thesubsidiarypersonalliabilitywhichtheconvictmayhave
subsidiaryimprisonmentshallnotexceedsixmonths,iftheculprit sufferedbyreasonofhisinsolvencyshallnotrelievehim,
shallhavebeenprosecutedforagraveorlessgravefelony,andshall fromthefineincasehisfinancialcircumstancesshould
notexceedfifteendays,ifforalightfelony. improve.(AsamendedbyRA5465,April21,1969).
3. When the principal imposed is higher than prision
correccional, no subsidiary imprisonment shall be imposed upon the Limitations of Subsidiary Penalty
culprit. Subsidiary penalty cannot be imposed on the following instances;
4. Iftheprincipalpenaltyimposedisnottobeexecutedby 1. If the judgment of the court did not impose fine as a
confinement in a penal institution, but such penalty is of fixed penalty;
duration,theconvict,duringtheperiodoftimeestablishedinthe 2. Ifthejudgmentofthecourtdidnotexpresslystatethatin
precedingrules,shallcontinuetosufferthesamedeprivationsas case of nonpayment of fine, the convict shall suffer
thoseofwhichtheprincipalpenaltyconsists. subsidiarypenalty;
5. Thesubsidiarypersonalliabilitywhichtheconvictmay 3. Iftheprincipalpenaltythatgoeswithfineexceedsprision
havesufferedbyreasonofhisinsolvencyshallnotrelievehim,from correccionalorhigherthan6years;
thefineincasehisfinancialcircumstancesshouldimprove.(As 4. Iftheprincipalpenaltythatgoeswithfinedoesnothave
amendedbyRA5465,April21,1969). fixedduration;
5. Ifwhattheconvictthinkstopayisnotfinebutdamagesand
SUBSIDIARYPENALTY cost;
SubsidiaryPenaltyisasubstitutepenaltyforfineincaseofinsolvency by
theaccused. Example;
Xwasconvictedofrecklessimprudencecausingdamagetoproperty.
Q:Iftheaccusedisinsolventandcannotpaythefine,mayhebe Penaltyimposedonhimisfineandpubliccensure.Lowerportionof
imposedofasubsidiarypenaltyofimprisonment? thedecision“incaseofinsolvencytopaythefine,heshallsuffer
A:NO.Absentanyexpressstatementofsubsidiarypenaltybythe subsidiarypenalty”.
court,subsidiarypenaltycannotbeimposedeveniftheaccusedis
insolventandcannotpaythefine. Q: Is the court correct?
A:NO.Theprincipalpenaltythatgoeswithfineispubliccensureis
Q:Whymusttherebeanexpressstatementbythecourtimposing nottobeexecutedinapenalinstitutionandisanindivisiblepenalty.
subsidiarypenalty?
A:Becauseitisonlyasubstitutepenalty.Asubsidiarypenaltyisnota Example;
principal penalty nor an accessory penalty, but only asubstitute Accusedwasconvictedofprisionmayorandfine.Thedecisionofthe
penalty forfine. courtincludesastatementthatincaseofinsolvencytopaythefine,
heshallsuffersubsidiarypenalty.
Q: Is the court correct? Example; aberratio ictus

A:NO.Subsidiarypenaltycannotbeimposediftheprincipalpenalty AaimedthegunatB.Butbecauseofpooraim,itshotCapedestrian
ishigherthantheprisioncorreccional.Sinceprisionmayorismore walking. Treachery was attended. As to B, crime committed is
than6years,subsidiarypenaltycannotbeimposed. attemptedmurder.AstoC,murder.Crimecommittedisattempted
murder.
Example;
Xwasconvictedofafelony.Thepenaltyimposedonhimisfinealone. Example;
Thejudgmentbecamefinalandexecutory.Awritofexecutionwas ApoliticalrivalplacedabombonB’scar.Apersondied,several
issuedbythecourt,howeversuchwritwasunsatisfied.Thejudge personsinjured.Asingleactplacingthebombproducestwoormore
orderedforhisarresttosuffersubsidiarypenalty. lessgravefelonies.Crimeismurderwithmultiplefrustratedmurder.
Q: Is the court correct? Iftwopersonsdied,thechargeisdoublemurder.Ifthreeormore

A:NO.Failuretostatethatincaseofinsolvencytopaythefine, personsdied,thecrimeismultiplemurder.Thereisnocomplexcrime of
convictcannotbemadetosuffersubsidiarypenalty. triplemurder.
Example; Example;
Xwasconvictedofafinewithasubsidiarypenalty.However,Xwas XwantedtokillY.tokillY,XplacedabombunderthecarofY.When
insolventsohewasimprisoned.Whenhewasreleasedhebought Yandwifeand3childrenopenedthecar,thebombexploded.Asa
lottery tickets and won the lottery. X is now a multimillionaire. result,Yandhiswifedied.However,thechildrensurviveddueto
Thereafter,thecourtissuedawritofexecutionagainsthim.Xargues medicaltreatment.
thathisfineisnowsatisfiedbecausehewassubsidiarilyimprisoned in
lieuthereof. Q: Is X liable for a complex crime?
A:YES.ThesingleactofXinplacingthebombinthecarofYresulted
Q:CanthecourtissueawritofexecutionagainstXdespiteserving to5gravefelonies;themurderofYandhiswife,andthefrustrated
thesubsidiarypenaltyofimprisonment? murderofthechildren.Thechargeshouldbedoublemurderwith
A: YES. Even if X already served the prison term for subsidiary multiple frustratedmurder.
imprisonment, the court may still hold him liable for the fine
unsatisfied. Q:Inthesameproblem,whatisthecrimecommittedifallofthem
died?
--xXx-- A:Xwillbeliableformultiplemurderbecausethesingleactofplacing
abombresultingto5gravefelonies.Thereshouldonlybeonecharge
* MemorizetheRulesinArticles50–57. oroneinformationfiledincourt.
* ExceptiontoArticles50–57isArticle60.
Example;
--xXx-- XisarmedwithM-16highpoweredrifle,machinegun.Hewentinside
theconferenceroom.Onepulloftrigger,manybulletscameout
Article48.Penaltyforcomplexcrimes.-Whenasingleact hitting 5persons.
constitutestwoormoregraveorlessgravefelonies,orwhenan
offenseisanecessarymeansforcommittingtheother,thepenalty Q: is X liable for the complex crime of multiple murder?
forthemostseriouscrimeshallbeimposed,thesametobeapplied in A:NO.Iftheweaponusedisahighpoweredmachinegun,thefactor to
its maximumperiod. be considered is the number of bullets which came from the
machinegunandthenumberofpeoplewoundedorkilledratherthan
2 Kinds of Complex Crime thesingleactofpullingthetrigger.Thus,Xisliablefor5countsof
There are 2 kinds of complex crime; murder.
1. CompoundCrime;
2. Complex CrimeProper; COMPLEX CRIME PROPER
Complexcrimeproperispresentwhentheoffenseisanecessary
Inbothkinds,onlyone(1)informationisfiledandtheaccusedshall meanscommittheanotheroffense.
sufferthepenaltyforthemostseriouscrimeinitsmaximumperiod.
Elements
COMPOUND CRIME The following are the elements of complex crime proper;
CompoundCrimeispresentwhentheoffenderperformsasingleact 1. Two offensescommitted;
whichconstitutestotwoormoregraveorlessgravefelonies. 2. Offensesnecessarymeanstocommittheother;
3. Bothcrimesarepunishedbythesamestatute
Basis
Basisofcompoundcrimeisthesingularityofactoftheoffender. Example
The following are examples of complex crime proper;
Elements 1. Rapewithforcibleabduction-Awasontheladderofthe
The elements of compound crime are the following; house,Bawomanabductedheragainstherwillandwith
1. Offenderperformssingleact; lewddesign;
2. Resulted to two or more less grave felonies Basis: 2. Estafathrufalsificationofpublicdocument.Personfalsifies
Singularity ofact apublicdocument–Falsificationusedtodefraudanother;
Estafa through falsification of private document A:Crimecommittedisonechargeoftheft.Ximpelledbyasingle

Thereisnoestafabyfalsificationofprivatedocument.Inestafaand impulsecommittedovertactsleadingtotheft.
falsificationofprivatedocument,thereisonlyandthesamedamage
contemplatedbybothfelonies.Thus,onlychargecanbemade,either Santiagov.Garchtorena(G.R.No.109266,December2,1993)
falsificationorestafa,otherwisetheprohibitionagainstthetwice Petitioner Miriam Defensor-Santiago was charged in the
recoveryfordamageswillbeviolated. Sandiganbayan with the Anti-Graft & Corrupt Practices Act for
favoring 32 “unqualified” aliens with the benefits of the Alien
If estafa cannot be committed without falsification, the correct Legalization Program. Defender-Santiago moved for a bill of
charge is falsification. Estafa is merely a consequence. particulars,contendingthatunlessshebeprovidedwiththenames
andidentitiesofthe“aliens”shewouldnotbeabletoadequately
Ifestafacanbecommittedwithoutfalsifying,theproperchargeis prepare for trial. Initially, the public prosecutors stated that they
estafa.Falsificationismerelyanincidentofestafa. would file only one amended complaint, but they later filed 32
amendedinformations,separatelynamingeachofthealiensineach of
Ontheotherhand,infalsificationofpublicdocument,damageisnot the informations. The Sandiganbayan admitted the 32 amended
anelementoftheoffense.Thus,thechargeofestafathrufalsification informations.
ofpublicdocumentmayexist.
Q: Was it correct to admit the 32 amended informations?
SPECIAL COMPLEX CRIME A:NO.Fordelitocontinuadotoexistthereshouldbeapluralityof acts
Specialcomplexcrimesexistwhen,inreality,twoormorecrimesare performed during a period of time; unity of penal provision
committedbutintheeyesoflawonlyone. violated;andunityofcriminalintentorpurpose,whichmeansthat
twoormoreviolationsofthesamepenalprovisionsareunitedinone
Itisthelawwhichprovideswhatcrimeswouldbecomplexedand and same instant or resolution leading to the perpetration ofthe
what crimes gotogether; same criminal purpose or aim. In this case, the 32 Amended
1. Robberywithhomicide;(Article294) Informationsaverthattheoffenseswerecommittedonthesame
2. Kidnappingwithhomicide;(Article267asamendedbyR.A. period of time, i.e., on or about October 17, 1988. The strong
7659) probabilityevenexiststhattheapprovaloftheapplicationorthe
3. Rapewithhomicide;(Article266-B) legalizationofthestayofthe32alienswasdonebyasinglestrokeof
thepen,aswhentheapprovalwasembodiedinthesamedocument.
Special Complex Crime v. Compound Crime
SPECIAL COMPLEX CRIME COMPOUND CRIME CONTINUING CRIME OR TRANSITORY OFFENSE.
The law specifies the crimes Crimes are general; InContinuingcrime,theoffendermaybeprosecutedinanycourtsof
which are combined; theplacewhereanyofthecrimehasbeencommitted.Thisismore
Law provides for the penalty; The penalty for the most onremediallawnotincriminallaw.
serious crime is imposed in the
maximum period; Example;
Light felonies are absorbed; Light felonies committed is a X in payment of his obligation, issued a postdated check to Y in
separate and distinct charge; Manila,onthematuritydate,Ydepositedthechecktohisdepositary
bankinQuezonCity.Thecheckhoweverwasdishonoredbythe
DELITO CONTINUADO. draweebankinCaloocanCity.Noticeofdishonorwassent.Xfailedto
Delictocontinuadoorcontinuouscrimeispresentwhentheoffender makegoodthecheck.AcomplaintwasfiledagainstXforviolationof
isimpelledbyasinglecriminalimpulsecommitsaseriesofovertacts B.P. 22.
inaboutthesametimeandaboutthesameplaceviolatingoneand
thesameprovisionoflaw.Basisissingularityofimpulse. Q: Where may Y file the case for violation of BP 22?
A:Thecomplaintmaybefiledinanyofthecourtwheretheelements
Basis of the crimeoccurred.
The basis is the singularity of impulse of the offender.
IftheBP22casehasalreadybeenfiledintheMTCofManila,thesaid
Elements casecannolongerbefiledbeforetheMTCofQuezonCityorCaloocan
InthecaseofSantiagov.Garchtorena(G.R.No.109266,December2, City.
1993) the Supreme Court established the elements of delito
continuado; --xXx--
1. Pluralityofactsperformedduringaperiodoftime;
2. Unityofpenalprovisionsviolated; Art.46.Penaltytobeimposeduponprincipalsingeneral.
3. Unityofcriminalpurposeoraim; — Thepenaltyprescribedbylawforthecommissionofafelonyshall
beimposedupontheprincipalsinthecommissionofsuchfelony.
Example; Whenever the law prescribes a penalty for a felony is
A,B,C,Dlivesinonecompound.Allengagedinthebusinessofselling general terms, it shall be understood as applicable to the
rooster.Onenight,11:00intheeveningherecomesX.Whilethey consummated felony.
weresleeping,XtooktheroosterofA,thenofB,thenofC,thenofD.
Q: How many crimes will you file against X?

Penalty Imposed shallnotbetakenintoaccountforthepurposeofincreasingthe

UnderArticle46,whenthelawprescribesapenaltyforafelony,it penalty.
shallbeunderstoodtomeanthatsuchpenaltyshallbeimposedupon
principalsofaconsummatedfelony. 2. The same rule shall apply with respect to any
aggravatingcircumstanceinherentinthecrimetosuchadegreethat
--xXx-- itmustofnecessityaccompanythecommissionthereof.
PENALTY IMPOSED UPON ACCESSORIES AND ACCOMPLICES 3. Aggravating or mitigating circumstances which arise
(Articles 50-57) fromthemoralattributesoftheoffender,orfromhisprivate
Articles50-57providesforpenaltiesiftheoffenderisaprincipal, relationswiththeoffendedparty,orfromanyotherpersonalcause,
accompliceoraccessorywhetherornotthefelonyisconsummated, shall only serve to aggravate or mitigate the liability of the
frustrated,attempted. principals, accomplices and accessories as to whom such
circumstances areattendant.
CONSUMMATED FRUSTRATED ATTEMPTED
Penalty The penalty A penalty lower 4. The circumstances which consist in the material
prescribed by lowerbyone by two degrees executionoftheact,orinthemeansemployedtoaccomplishit,
law for the degreethan than that shallservetoaggravateormitigatetheliabilityofthosepersons
offense; that prescribed by law onlywhohadknowledgeofthematthetimeoftheexecutionofthe
prescribed for principal of a actortheircooperationtherein.
PRINCIPALS by law for consummated
theprincipal felony; 5. Habitualdelinquencyshallhavethefollowingeffects:
of a (Art. 51)
consummate (a) Uponathirdconvictiontheculpritshallbesentenced
dfelony; tothepenaltyprovidedbylawforthelastcrimeofwhichhebe
(Art.50) foundguiltyandtotheadditionalpenaltyofprisioncorreccionalin
A penalty lower The penalty A penalty lower itsmediumandmaximumperiods;
by one degree lower by one by one degree
than that degree than than that (b) Uponafourthconviction,theculpritshallbesentenced
prescribed by prescribed prescribed by law tothepenaltyprovidedforthelastcrimeofwhichhebefoundguilty
law for principal by law for for principals of andtotheadditionalpenaltyofprisionmayorinitsminimumand
ACCOMPLICES medium periods;and
of a the principal an attempted
consummated of a felony;
felony; frustrated (Art. 56) (c) Uponafifthoradditionalconviction,theculpritshall
(Art. 52) felony; besentencedtothepenaltyprovidedforthelastcrimeofwhichhe
(Art. 54) befoundguiltyandtotheadditionalpenaltyofprisionmayorinits
A penalty lower The penalty The penalty lower maximumperiodtoreclusiontemporalinitsminimumperiod.
by two degrees lower by two by two degrees
than that degrees than than that Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofthisarticle,thetotalof
prescribed by prescribed prescribed by law thetwopenaltiestobeimposedupontheoffender,inconformity
law for principal by law for for principals of herewith,shallinnocaseexceed30years.
ACCESSORIES
of a the an attempted
consummated principals of felony; (Art. 57) PARAGRAPH 1.
felony; a frustrated The following aggravating circumstance shall not be taken into
(Art. 53) felony; account for the purpose of increasing penalty;
(Art. 55 1. Aggravatingcircumstanceswhichinthemselvesconstitute
acrimespeciallypunishablebylaw;or
Exception 2. Aggravatingcircumstanceswhichareincludedbythelawin
Under Article 60, the provisions contained in Articles 50 to 57, definingacrimeandprescribingthepenaltytherefor;
inclusive,ofthisCodeshallnotbeapplicabletocasesinwhichthelaw 3. Aggravatingcircumstanceinherentinthecrimetosucha
expressly prescribes the penalty provided for a frustrated or degreethatitmustofnecessityaccompanythecommission
attemptedfelony,ortobeimposeduponaccomplicesoraccessories. thereof (Par.2);
--xXx-- Aggravating circumstances which in themselves constitute a crime

especially punishable by law.
Article 62. Effect of the attendance of mitigating or
aggravatingcircumstancesandofhabitualdelinquency.-Mitigating Example;
or aggravating circumstances and habitual delinquency shall be 1. That the crime be committed by means of fire is not
takenintoaccountforthepurposeofdiminishingorincreasingthe consideredasaggravatinginarson;(Art.14,par.2)
penaltyinconformitywiththefollowingrules: 2. The crime be committed by means of derailment of a
1. Aggravating circumstances which in themselves locomotive shall not be considered in damages and
constituteacrimespeciallypunishablebylaworwhichareincluded obstructiontomeansofcommunication;(Art.330)
bythelawindefiningacrimeandprescribingthepenaltytherefor
Aggravatingcircumstanceswhichareincludedbythelawindefining Example;
acrimeandprescribingthepenaltytherefor; A,asprincipalbyinduction,B,andCagreedtokillD.BandCkilledD
withtreachery,whichmodeofcommittingtheoffensehadnotbeen
Example; previouslyagreeduponbythemwithA.AwasnotpresentwhenB
1. Thecrimebecommittedinthedwellingoftheoffended andCkilledDwithtreachery.
partyisnotaggravatinginrobberywithforceuponthings;
(Art.299) Q:Howshouldtheaggravatingcircumstanceinthiscasebe
2. Abuseofconfidenceisnotqualifiedtheftcommittedwith appreciated?
graveabuseofconfidence;(Art.310) A:Theaggravatingcircumstanceoftreacheryshouldnotbetakeninto
accountagainstA,butagainstBandConly.ButifAwaspresentand
PARAGRAPH 2. hadknowledgeofthetreacherywithwhichthecrimewascommitted
The same rule shall apply with respect to anyaggravating byBandC,heisalsoliableformurder,qualifiedbytreachery.
circumstanceinherentinthecrimetosuchadegreethatitmustof
necessityaccompanythecommissionthereof. In the means employed to accomplish it
AorderedBtokillC.BinvitedCtoeatwithhim.Bmixedpoisonwith
Example; thefoodofC,whodiedafterhehadeatenthefood.Adidnotknow
Evident premeditation is inherent in robbery and theft; thatBusedpoisontokillC.
PARAGRAPH 3. Q:Istheaggravatingcircumstancethatthecrimethatthecrimebe
The following aggravating or mitigating circumstance shall serve to committedbymeansofpoisonapplicabletoA?
aggravateformitigatetheliabilityoftheprincipals,accomplices,and A:NO.Theaggravatingcircumstancethatthecrimebecommittedby
accessories; meansofpoisonisnotapplicabletoA.
1. Those which arise from the moral attributes of the
offender;or ORGANIZED OR SYNDICATED CRIME GROUP.
2. Fromhisprivaterelationswiththeoffendedparty;or An organized or syndicate crime group consists of two or more
3. Fromanyotherpersonalcause; persons collaborating, confederating and mutually helping another
for purposes of gain in the commission of the crime.
Those which arise from the moral attributes of the offender Themaximumpenaltyshallbeimposediftheoffensewascommitted
byanypersonwhobelongstoanorganized/syndicatedcrimegroup.
Example;
A and B killed C. A acted with evident premeditation, and B with TheinformationchargesA,B,C,Dascollaborating,confederatingand
passion and obfuscation. mutuallyhelpinganotherforpurposesofgaininthecommissionof
thecrime.Thisiswhattheinformationalleges.Trialfoundthisso.The
Q: How should the aggravating circumstance be appreciated? judgeconsideredconspiracyandconsideredthisspecialaggravating
A: Evident premeditation should affect and aggravate only the circumstance.
penalty for A, while passion and obfuscation will benefit B only
mitigate his liability. Q: Is the court correct?
A:NO.Beforethespecialaggravatingcircumstancebeconsideredthe
From his private relations with the offended party. court,evidencemustshowwasheldtocommitcrimesinvolvinggain.
AandCinflictedslightphysicalinjuriesonB.AisthesonofB.Cisthe
father ofB. HABITUAL DELINQUENCY
Apersonshallbedeemedtobehabitualdelinquent,iswithinaperiod
Q: How does A and C’s relationship with B affect their criminal oftenyearsfromthedateofhisreleaseorlastconvictionofthe
liability? crimesofseriousorlessseriousphysicalinjuries,robo,hurto,estafa
A:Thealternativecircumstanceofrelationship,asaggravatingshall orfalsification,heisfoundguiltyofanyofsaidcrimesathirdtimeor
betakenintoaccountagainstAonly,becauseheisarelativeofa oftener.
lowerdegreethantheoffendedparty,B.
Elements;
FromanyotherpersonalcauseInthematerialexecutionoftheact 1. Thecrimeisspecifiedshouldbeseriousphysicalinjuries,
AandBcommittedacrime.Awasunder16yearsofageandBwasa lessseriousphysicalinjuries,robbery,theft,estafa;
recidivist. 2. Thereshouldbeatleastthreeconvictions;
3. Eachconvictionsmustcomewithintenyearfromdateof
PARAGRAPH 4
releaseorlastconvictionofthepreviouscrime;
Thefollowingcircumstanceshallservetoaggravateormitigatethe
liabilityofthosepersonsonlywhohadknowledgeofthematthetime
Effect
oftheexecutionoftheactortheircooperationtherein;
Additionalpenaltyshallbeimposedinthemaximumperiodbeingan
1. Inthematerialexecutionoftheact;or
aggravatingcircumstance.
2. Inthemeansemployedtoaccomplishit;
NUMBER OF CONVICTION PENALTY PRESCRIBED No prescriptive period on the Prescribes in ten years;
Thepenaltyforthelastcrime commission of the offense;
ofwhichhebefoundguilty. No additional penalty; Provides additional penalty;
Third Conviction; ADDITIONAL PENALTY; QUASI RECIDIVISM

prision correccional in its UnderArticle160,apersonissaidtobeaquasi-recidivistifafter
medium and maximum havingbeenconvictedbyafinaljudgment,heshallcommitafelony
periods; beforeservingouthissentenceorwhileserviceofsentence.The
Thepenaltyprovidedforthe maximumperiodshallbeimposed.
last crime of which he be
foundguilty. Again it is a special aggravating circumstance.
Fourth Conviction;
ADDITIONAL PENALTY; * The first crime may be any crime. The second crime must be a
Prision mayor in its minimum felony.
and medium periods;
Theculpritshallbesentenced Example;
tothepenaltyprovidedforthe A,whileservingafinaljudgment,hewasfoundinpossessionofillegal
lastcrimeofwhichhebefound drugs.
guilty.
Q: Is A a quasi-recidivist?
Fifth Conviction;
ADDITIONAL PENALTY; A: NO. The second crime is not a felony, it is a special law.
prisionmayorinitsmaximum
periodtoreclusiontemporalin Example;
its minimumperiod. IfAwaswasservingsentenceforpossessionofillegaldrugsandthen
insideacrimehekilledaco-inmate.
Limitation Q: Is A a quasi-recidivist?
Thepenaltycommittedforthecrimeplusadditionalpenaltyshould A: YES. Maximum period prescribed by law shall be imposed.
not exceed thirtyyears.
--xXx--
Recidivism and Habitual Delinquency
Recidivism and Habitual Delinquency may be simultaneously Article 63. Rules for the application of indivisible penalties.
consideredbecausetheyhavedifferenteffectsoncriminalliabilityof -Inallcasesinwhichthelawprescribesasingleindivisiblepenalty,
theoffender.Recidivismeffectisonthetheftcommitted.Itmaybe itshallbeappliedbythecourtsregardlessofanymitigatingor
offsetbymitigatingcircumstances.Habitualdelinquencywillgivehim aggravatingcircumstancesthatmayhaveattendedthecommission
additionalpenalty. of thedeed.
Inallcasesinwhichthelawprescribesapenaltycomposed
Example; oftwoindivisiblepenalties,thefollowingrulesshallbeobservedin
Awaschargedandconvictedofrobberyheservedhissentence. the applicationthereof;
Within10yearsfromdateofreleasehecommittedtheft.Heserved 1. Wheninthecommissionofthedeedthereispresent
sentenceandagainreleased.Within10yearshecommittedanother onlyoneaggravatingcircumstance,thegreaterpenaltyshallbe
theft.Thejudgmentbecomefinalandexecutory.Heservedagainand applied.
outofprison.Within10yearsagainsthecommittedanothertheft.He is 2. When there are neither mitigating nor aggravating
now intrial. circumstancesandthereisnoaggravatingcircumstance,thelesser
penaltyshallbeapplied;
Q:Canthejudgeimposebothrecidivismandhabitualdelinquency? 3. Whenthecommissionoftheactisattendedbysome
A:YES.Heisrecidivistbecauseatthetimeheservedthefthewas mitigating circumstances and there is no aggravating circumstance,
previouslyconvictedofafinaljudgmentofrobberyembracedwithin thelesserpenaltyshallbeapplied;
thesametitleofthecode.Heisalsohabitualdelinquent,because 4. When both mitigating and aggravating circumstances
withinthetenyearsfromthedateofhislastreleasehecommitteda attendedthecommissionoftheact,thecourtshallreasonablyallow
theft the thirdtime. themtooffsetoneanotherinconsiderationoftheirnumberand
importance,forthepurposeofapplyingthepenaltyinaccordance
RECIDIVISM HABITUAL DELINQUENCY with the preceding rules, according to the result of such
Generic aggravating Cannot be offset by ordinary compensation;
circumstance - Can be offset; mitigating circumstance;
Requires at least two Requires at least three Outline of the rules.
conviction; convictions; 1. Whenthepenaltyissingleindivisible,itshallbeapplied
Felonyviolatedmustbewithin Thefelonyviolatedareserious regardlessofanymitigatingoraggravatingcircumstances.
thesametitleofthecode; physical injuries, lessserious 2. Whenthepenaltyiscomposedoftwoindivisiblepenalties,
physicalinjuries,robbery,theft, thefollowingrulesshallbeobserved;
estafa, falsification;
GARCIANOTES-CRIMINALLAWREVIEW[2018]
a. When there is only one aggravating circumstance. Since only one mitigating circumstance is left, the
circumstance, the greater penalty shall be lesser penalty of reclusion perpetua shall apply;
imposed;
b. Whenthereisneithermitigatingnoraggravating PRIVELEGE MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCE
circumstances, the lesser penalty shall be When there is a privileged mitigating circumstance, apply it first
imposed; before computing the penalties.
c. Whenthereisamitigatingcircumstanceandno
aggravating circumstance, the lesser penalty shall Example;
beimposed. A was charged with the information of Rape. At the time of the
d. When both mitigating and aggravating commissionoftheoffense,Awasonly16yearsold.Aftertrial,hewas
circumstances are present, the court shall allow sentenced to the indivisible penalty of reclusion perpetua. Inhis
themtooffsetoneanother; motion for reconsideration, A argues that his penalty should be
loweredbyonedegreebecauseheisaminor.Thejudgedeniedthe
Example; motiononthegroundthatreclusionperpetuaisanindivisiblepenalty
ThepenaltyforRapeisreclusionperpetua.Ifthepenaltyissingleand and cannot be offset by mitigating circumstance.
indivisible,itshallbeimposedasis,withoutconsiderationofany
AggravatingorMitigatingcircumstance Q: Is the judge correct?
A:NO.Minorityisaprivilegemitigatingcircumstancewhichlowers
Example; thepenaltybyonedegree.Indivisiblepenaltiesshallbeimposedasis
Thepenaltyforthecrimeofmurderisreclusionperpetuatodeath- regardless of mitigating or aggravating circumstance. However,
two indivisiblepenalties. privilege mitigating circumstance takes preference over prior to the
computationofpenalties.Inthiscase,sinceAwasaminoratthetime
Only one aggravating circumstance. ofthecommissionoftheoffense,hispenaltyshouldbeloweredby
Ifthemurderwascommittedwiththeaggravatingcircumstanceof onedegreetoreclusiontemporal.
trespasstodwelling,thegreaterpenaltyofdeathshallbeapplied;
--xXx--
Two or more aggravating circumstance and no mitigating
circumstance Article64.Rulesfortheapplicationofpenaltieswhich
Ifthemurderwascommittedwiththeaggravatingcircumstancesof containthreeperiods.-Incasesinwhichthepenaltiesprescribedby
trespasstodwellingandrecidivism,thegreaterpenaltyofdeathshall lawcontainthreeperiods,whetheritbeasingledivisiblepenaltyor
beapplied; composedofthreedifferentpenalties,eachoneofwhichformsa
periodinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofArticles76and77,the
No mitigating nor aggravating circumstance courtshallobservefortheapplicationofthepenaltythefollowing
Ifthereisnomitigatingoraggravatingcircumstanceinattendant, rules,accordingtowhetherthereareorarenotmitigatingor
applythelesserpenaltyofreclusionperpetua; aggravatingcircumstances:
1. When there are neither aggravating nor mitigating
One mitigating and no aggravating circumstance circumstances,theyshallimposethepenaltyprescribedbylawinits
Ifthemurderwascommittedwiththemitigatingcircumstanceof mediumperiod.
passionandobfuscation,thelesserpenaltyofreclusionperpetuashall 2. Whenonlyamitigatingcircumstancesispresentinthe
apply; commissionoftheact,theyshallimposethepenaltyinitsminimum
period.
Two or more mitigating circumstance and no aggravating 3. When an aggravating circumstance is present in the
circumstance commissionoftheact,theyshallimposethepenaltyinitsmaximum
Ifthemurderwascommittedwiththemitigatingcircumstancesof period.
passionandobfuscationandsufficientprovocationonthepartofthe 4. Whenbothmitigatingandaggravatingcircumstancesare
offendedparty,thelesserpenaltyofreclusionperpetuashallapply; present,thecourtshallreasonablyoffsetthoseofoneclassagainst
theotheraccordingtotheirrelativeweight.
If there are two aggravating circumstance and one mitigating 5. Whentherearetwoormoremitigatingcircumstancesand
circumstance noaggravatingcircumstancesarepresent,thecourtshallimpose
Ifthemurderwascommittedwiththeaggravatingcircumstancesof thepenaltynextlowertothatprescribedbylaw,intheperiodthat
trespasstodwellingandrecidivism,andthemitigatingcircumstance itmaydeemapplicable,accordingtothenumberandnatureofsuch
ofpassionandobfuscation,onemitigatingcircumstancewilloffset circumstances.
one aggravating circumstance. Since only one aggravating 6. Whatever may be the number and nature of the
circumstanceisleft,thegreaterpenaltyofdeathshallapply; aggravating circumstances, the courts shall not impose a greater
penaltythanthatprescribedbylaw,initsmaximumperiod.
If there are two mitigating circumstance and one aggravating 7. Withinthelimitsofeachperiod,thecourtshalldetermine
circumstance theextentofthepenaltyaccordingtothenumberandnatureofthe
Ifthemurderwascommittedwiththemitigatingcircumstancesof aggravating and mitigating circumstances and the greater and lesser
passionandobfuscationandsufficientprovocationonthepartofthe extentoftheevilproducedbythecrime.
offendedparty,andtheaggravatingcircumstanceoftrespassto
dwelling,onemitigatingcircumstancewilloffsetanotheraggravating
Degree of penalty previousrules.Thus,Xwillsufferthepenaltyofprisionmayorinits

Degree of penalty is a penalty prescribed by law for every crime minimumperiod.
committed whether divisible or indivisible.
Four mitigating circumstance.
Period of penalty Xcommittedhomicidewithpassionandobfuscationwhenhewas
Aperiodofpenaltyreferstothesubdivisionofeverysaiddivisible sufferingfromanillnesswhichwoulddiminishtheexerciseofhiswill-
penaltyintothreeportion,thefirstportionisminimum,secondis power,andthereaftervoluntarysurrenderedandthereisavoluntary
medium, third ismaximum pleaofguilt.Thepenaltyimposeduponhimcannotbeloweredby
twodegrees.Thus,Xwillsufferthepenaltyofprisionmayorinits
Indivisible penalty minimumperiod.
Indivisible penalties are penalties without fixed duration, death,
reclusion perpetua, perpetual absolute disqualification, perpetual *Inorderthatthepenaltywillbeloweredby1degree,itisnecessary
special disqualification, public censure, fine. thatthereabsolutelyisNOaggravatingcircumstance.
Divisible penalty EveniftherearemanyMitigatingcircumstances,aslongasthereis1

DivisiblePenaltiesarepenaltieswithfixeddurationandthereforecan aggravating circumstance, you will cannot lower the penalty by
bedividedintothreeperiod.thefirstportionisminimum,secondis degrees,itisonlybyperiods.
medium, third ismaximum
Privilege Mitigating Circumstance
*Memorize the rules under Article 64. Ifpresent,PrivilegeMitigatingCircumstancemustbeappliedfirst
priortotheapplicationofpenaltiesundertheRulesofArticles63and 64.
Example;
XandYhadafight.Inthecourseofthefight,XkilledY.Xwascharged Example;
andconvictedofhomicide.ThepenaltyforhomicideisReclusion X committed the crime of homicide. The penalty for homicide is
temporal. reclusion temporal.
No aggravating and no mitigating. One privilege mitigating circumstance.

Reclusion temporal shall be imposed in its medium period. X was a minor at the time he committed homicide. Minority is a
privilege mitigating circumstance which will lower theimposable
One mitigating and no aggravating. penaltybyonedegree.Thus,Xwillsufferthepenaltyofprisionmayor in
IfthereisvoluntarysurrenderinthepartofX,reclusiontemporalshall its mediumperiod.
beimposedinitsminimumperiod.
Two privilege mitigating circumstances.
One aggravating and no mitigating. Xwasaminoratthetimehecommittedthehomicide.Heargues
If X was a recidivist, reclusion temporal shall be imposed in its incomplete self-defense. Minority and Incomplete self-defense are
maximum period. bothprivilegemitigatingcircumstancewhichwilllowertheimposable
penaltybytwodegrees.Thus,Xwillsufferthepenaltyofprision
Both mitigating and aggravating are present. correccionalinitsmediumperiod.
IfthehomicidewascommittedinthedwellingofYandXactedon
passionandobfuscation,theaggravatingandmitigatingcircumstance Twoprivilegemitigatingcircumstanceandoneordinarymitigating
willoffsetoneanotherandreclusiontemporalshallbeimposedinits circumstance.
mediumperiod. X was a minor at the time he committed the homicide with
incompleteself-defense.Hevoluntarilysurrenderedtothepersonsin
Two mitigating circumstance and no aggravating circumstance. authority.MinorityandIncompleteself-defensearebothprivilege
ThehomicidewascommittedwithpassionandobfuscationandX mitigatingcircumstancewhichwilllowertheimposablepenaltyby
voluntarysurrendered.Apenaltyonedegreelowerthanreclusion two degrees. The remaining ordinary mitigating circumstance shall
temporalshallbeimposeduponX.Xshallsufferthepenaltyofprision operatetomakethepenaltyinitsminimumperiod.Thus,Xwillsuffer
mayorinitsmediumperiod. thepenaltyofprisioncorreccionalinitsminimumperiod.
Two or more aggravating circumstance. 2 privilege mitigating circumstance and 3 ordinary mitigating
Xcommittedthecrimeofhomicidewithtrespasstodwellingand circumstance.
disregardoftheageofY.regardlessofthenumberofaggravating Xwasaminorwhowassufferinganillnesswhichdiminishesthe
circumstancepresent,thecourtcannotimposeapenaltyhigherthan exerciseofhiswill-poweratthetimehecommittedthehomicidewith
themaximumperiodprescribedbylaw.Thus,Xwillsufferthepenalty incompleteself-defenseonhispart.Hevoluntarilysurrenderedtothe
ofreclusiontemporalinitsmaximumperiod. personsinauthorityandthereaftervoluntarilypleadguilty.Minority
andIncompleteself-defensewilllowertheimposablepenaltybytwo
Threemitigatingcircumstanceandnoaggravatingcircumstance. degrees.Thetwoordinarymitigatingcircumstanceswilloperateto
If there is sufficient provocation on the part of Y, and voluntarily lowerthepenaltyimposedaftertheapplicationofthetwoprivilege
surrendered and there voluntary plea of guilt, X shall suffer the mitigating circumstance. The remaining ordinary mitigating
penaltylowerbyonedegreethanreclusiontemporal.Thereafter,we circumstance shall operate to make the penalty in itsminimum
applytheremainingmitigatingcircumstanceinaccordancewiththe
period.Thus,Xwillsufferthepenaltyofarrestomayorinitsminimum IndeterminateSentenceLaw,itisafter'anyprisonershallhaveserved
period. the minimum penalty imposed on him, that the Board of
IndeterminateSentencemayconsiderwhethersuchprisonermaybe
--xXx-- grantedparole.Therebeingno'minimumpenaltyimposableonthose
convictedtoreclusionperpetua,itfollowsthatpersonssentencedby
INDETERMINATE SENTENCE LAW (R.A. 4103) finaljudgmenttoreclusionperpetuacouldnothaveavailedofparole
IndeterminateSentenceLawmodifiestheimpositionofpenalty.Itis undertheIndeterminateSentenceLaw.
appliedbothtotheRevisedPenalCodeandSpecialPenalLaws.It
providesforaminimumandmaxterm,suchthatthemomentthe Q: is the indeterminate sentence law applicable if the penalty
offenderservestheminimumofthesentence,heshallbeeligiblefor imposed is destierro?
parole.Ifgranted,hewillservetheremainderofthesentenceoutof A: NO. Destierro does not involve imprisonment.
prison,butsubjecttothesupervisionoftheparoleofficer
Effect of disqualification
OBJECTIVES Iftheoffenderisdisqualifiedfortheapplicationoftheindeterminate
ThefollowingaretheobjectivesoftheIndeterminateSentenceLaw; sentencelaw,heshallbegivenastraightpenalty.Theoffendermust
1. Upliftandredeemvaluablehumanmaterial; servetheentiretermofhissentenceandheisnoteligibleforparole.
2. Avoidunnecessaryandexcessivedeprivationofliberty;
Example;
These objectives are achieved when the moment the offender AfinaljudgmentwasrenderedagainstX.Hewasgrantedconditional
becomeseligibletoapplyforparoleandhemaybeabletoserve pardonbytheChiefExecutive.Heviolatedthetermsandconditions of
sentence out ofjail. the said pardon. He was charged with evasion of service of
sentence.Hewasfoundguiltybythecourt.
PAROLE
Paroleistheconditionalreleaseoftheoffenderformthecorrectional Q:Canthecourtimposeuponhimanindeterminatesentence?
institutionafterservingminimumsentenceaftershowingthathehas A:NO.Xisamongthosedisqualifiedunderthelaw.Byviolatingthe
reformed.Noteitdoesnotextinguishcriminalandcivilliability. conditionofhispardonhecannotavailofanindeterminatesentence
law.
Requisites;
1. Hemustbeplacedinprisonjailtoserveanindeterminate Example;
sentencepenaltywhichexceeds1year; Xhasbeenconvictedoffinaljudgmentofseriousphysicalinjuries,
2. Servedminimumtermofsentence; thereafterhecommittedhomicideandthejudgefoundhimguiltyof
3. Boardofpardonsandparolefoundthathisreleasedisfor homicide.
greater interest ofsociety
Q: Can the judge impose upon him an indeterminate sentence?
DISQUALIFICATIONSUNDERTHEINDETERMINATESENTENCELAW. A:YES.Xisarecidivist.UndertheIndeterminateSentenceLaw,only
ThegeneralruleisthateveryoneisentitledtotheIndeterminate habitualdelinquentsaredisqualifiedfromavailingindeterminate
Sentence law. However, this act shall not apply to the following sentence.Arecidivistisqualifiedunderthelawfromavailingthe
persons; Indeterminate SentenceLaw.
1. Convictedcrimepunishedbydeathorlifeimprisonment;
(ReclusionperpetuaiasheldbytheSupremeCourtinPeople Example;
v. Enriquez G.R. No.158797, July 29, 2005) Xisaminorwhowaschargedandconvictedforkidnappingwith
2. Those convicted of treason, conspiracy or proposal to ransom,thepenaltyofwhichisreclusionperpetuatodeath.Since
committreason,misprisionoftreason; minority is a privilege mitigating circumstance, we will lower the
3. Thoseconvictedofrebellion,sedition,orespionage; imposablepenaltybyonedegree.
4. Those convictedpiracy;
5. Thosewhoarehabitualdelinquents;(InPeoplev.Jaranilla, Q: is X qualified under for indeterminate sentence?
G.R.No.28547,Feb.22,1974,theSupremeCourtruledthat A: YES. In applying the indeterminate sentence law, we should
Recidivistareentitledtoanindeterminatesentencelaw) considertheimposablepenaltyratherthanthepenaltyprescribedby
6. Thosewhoshallhaveescapedfromconfinementorevaded law.Inthiscase,sincethepenaltyofreclusionperpetuawaslowered
sentence;(InPeoplev.Perez,44OG3884,aminorwho toreclusiontemporal,thenXisqualifiedforindeterminatesentence.
escapedfromconfinementinthereformatoryisentitledto
the benefits of the law because confinement is not Computation for Indeterminate Sentence Law
consideredimprisonment). Inordertoarriveatanindeterminatesentenceintheviolationofthe
7. Thosewhohavingbeengrantedconditionalpardonbythe RPC,thefollowingrulesmustbeconsidered;
Presidentshallhaveviolatedthetermsthereof; 1. Get first the maximum term of sentence with all the
8. Thosewhosemaximumperiodofimprisonmentdoesnot attendantcircumstanceinaccordancewithArticle64ofthe
exceed one year; RPC;
2. Lowerittheonedegree.DoNOTconsideranymorethe
Reclusion perpetua cannot Avail Indeterminate Sentence Law attendantcircumstance.Theminimumtermofsentence
IntheconcurringopinionofJusticeTingainthecaseof(Peoplev. dependsuponthesounddiscretionofthecourt.
Tubongbanua,G.R.No.171271,August31,2006)Paroleisextended
onlytothoseconvictedofdivisiblepenalties.UnderSection5ofthe
VIOLATION OF SPECIAL PENAL LAWS Q:Whatifthereisonlyoneaggravatingcircumstanceispresent?

Iftheoffenseispunishedbyspeciallaws,thecourtshallsentencethe A:Themaximumtermwillbereclusiontemporalinitsmaximum
accusedtoanindeterminatesentence,themaximumtermofwhich periodandtheminimumtermisPrisionmayorinanyofitsperiod
shallnotexceedthemaximumfixedbysaidlawandtheminimum accordingtothesounddiscretionofthecourt.
shallnotbelessthantheminimumtermprescribedbythesame.
Q:Whatifbothaggravatingandmitigatingcircumstanceare
Example; present?
Xcommittedwaschargedandconvictedoftheanti-carnappinglaw. A:Themaximumtermshallbereclusiontemporalinitsmedium
Section14ofR.A.6539(Anti-Carnappinglaw)providesapenaltyfor periodbecauseunderarticle64youshouldoffsetthecircumstances.
17yearsand4monthsto30yearsifapersoncommittedcarnapping Theminimumtermwillbeonedegreelowerthanreclusiontemporal
bymeansofviolenceagainstorintimidationofanyperson,orforce whichisPrisionmayorinanyofitsperiodaccordingtothesound
uponthings. discretion of thecourt.
Q:Undertheindeterminatesentencelaw,whatisthedurationof Q:Whatifthereare2aggravatingcircumstanceand1ordinary
thepenaltyfortheviolationoftheanti-carnappinglaw? mitigating circumstancepresent?
A:Undertheindeterminatesentencelaw,ifaspeciallawisviolated, A:Themaximumtermshallbereclusiontemporalinitsmaximum
thecourtsmaysentencetheaccusedtoanindeterminatesentence periodapplyingthelastaggravatingcircumstanceafteroffsettingthe
providedthatitshallnotbelessthantheminimumormorethanthe aggravatingcircumstanceandmitigatingcircumstance.Theminimum
maximum according to the sound discretion of the judge. Thus, termisPrisionmayorinanyofitsperiodaccordingtothesound
anywherefrom17yearsand4monthsto30yearsmaybeimposed discretion of thecourt.
uponX.
Q: What if there are two mitigating circumstances and no
Argoncillo v. CA, G.R. No. 118816, July 10, 1998 aggravating circumstance present?
Thecrimecommittedisillegalfishingwiththeuseofexplosives.The A:Themaximumtermshallbeprisionmayorinitsmediumperiod.
penaltyprescribedbylawis20yearstolifeimprisonment.Thejudge Sincetherearetwoordinarymitigatingcircumstances,welowerthe
imposedhimthepenaltyofstraight30years. imposable penalty by one degree. The minimum term is prision
correccionalinanyofitsperiodsaccordingtothesounddiscretionof
Q: Is the judge correct? thecourt.
A:NO.TheIndeterminatesentencelawstatesthataviolationof
specialpenallawandthesaidspecialpenallawdoesnotusethe Q: What if there are three mitigating circumstance with no
enumeration of penalties in the RPC, the maximum term of the aggravating circumstance present?
sentenceshallnotexceedthemaximumpenaltyprescribedbylaw A:Themaximumtermshallbeprisionmayorinitsminimumperiod.
and the minimum term of sentence shall not be less than the Thetwoordinarymitigatingcircumstancesshalloperatetolowerthe
minimumpenaltyprescribedbylaw.Inthiscase,sincethepenalty imposablepenaltybyonedegree,theremainingordinarymitigating
prescribedbylawis20yearstolifeimprisonment,itmeansthatthe circumstance shall operate to make the penalty in its minimum
penaltytobeimposedupontheconvictmustbeanindeterminate period.Theminimumtermisprisioncorreccionalinanyofitsperiods
sentence.SCsaidthepenaltymustbe20years(minimumterm)to25 accordingtothesounddiscretionofthecourt.
years (maximumterm)
Q: What if there are four mitigating circumstances and no
Article 64 and Indeterminate Sentence law aggravating circumstance?
The indeterminate sentence law did not repeal Article 34 of the A:Themaximumtermshallstillbeprisionmayorinitsminimum
Revised Penal Code. On the contrary, they are related. period.Incaseofordinarymitigatingcircumstance,youcanonly
lowerthepenaltybyonedegree.Youcannotlowerthepenaltyby
Example; twodegrees.Thetwoordinarymitigatingcircumstancesshalloperate
AabductedBwithlewddesign.Hisintentionwasrape.ButbeforeA tomakethepenaltyinitsminimumperiod.Theminimumtermis
rapedB,Awasarrested.Awaschargedwiththecrimeofforcible prision correccional in any of its periods according to the sound
abductionpunishablebyreclusiontemporal. discretion of thecourt.
Q: What is the penalty imposed if there is no mitigating or * In order that the penalty will be lowered by one degree, it is
aggravating circumstance? necessarythatthereisNOaggravatingcircumstance.
A:Themaximumtermwillbereclusiontemporalinmediumperiod
since there are no mitigating or aggravating circumstance. The Eveniftherearemanymitigatingcircumstances,foraslongasthere
minimumtermis1degreelowerinanyofitsperiodsaccordingtothe isoneaggravatingcircumstance,youcannotlowerthepenaltyby
sounddiscretionofthecourt.Thus,theimposablepenaltyisprsion degrees.Onlybyperiods.
mayorinanyofitsperiodtoreclusiontemporal.
Example;
Q:Whatifthereisonlyoneordinarymitigatingcircumstanceis A was charged with the information of rape with mitigating
present? circumstanceofpassionandobfuscation,againstB.thereafter,A
A:Maximumtermwillbereclusiontemporalinminimumperiodand voluntarilysurrendered.Aconvictedofrapeandwaspunishedwith
theminimumtermisPrisionmayorinanyofitsperiodaccordingto thepenaltyofreclusionperpetua.
thesounddiscretionofthecourt.
Q:sincetherearetwomitigatingcircumstance,shouldthejudge 3. To prevent further commission of crimes because the

lowerhispenaltybyonedegree? offenderisplacedunderanindividualizedtreatment;
A:NO.Reclusionperpetuaisanindivisiblepenalty.UnderArticle63 4. To decongestcases;
oftheRevisedPenalCode,ifthepenaltyprescribebylawisasingle 5. To save the Government from spendingmuch-needed
invisible penalty you shall impose it as it is regardless of any fundswhentheoffenderwillbeplacedbehindbars
aggravatingormitigatingcircumstance.
ThefirstthreeobjectivesarebasedonP.D.968.Thelasttwopurposes
Q:WhatisthepenaltyofAif,inaadditiontothe2mitigating arejurisprudential.
circumstancesabovementioned,Aisaminoratthetimeofthe
offense? Probation as a Privilege
A:privilegemitigatingcircumstancemustfirstbeappliedpriortothe Probationisnotarightbutaprivilege.Thus,evenifaconvictisnot
ordinary mitigating circumstance. Since minority is a privilege amongthosedisqualifiedofprobation,thejudgecanstilldenythe
mitigatingcircumstancewhichlowersthepenaltybyonedegree,the application. This denial is not appealable. The grant or denialof
maximum term is prision mayor in its medium period and the applicationisdependentsolelyonthesounddiscretionofthejudge.
minimumtermprisioncorreccionalinanyofitsrangeaccordingtothe
sounddiscretionofthecourt. DISQUALIFICATIONS
The following are disqualified to avail probation;
*Onlycircumstancethatcandefeatanindivisiblepenaltyisaprivilege 1. Thosewhosemaximumtermofimprisonmentismorethan
mitigatingcircumstance. 6years;
2. Thosewhohavebeenconvictedofsubversionandcrimes
Example; against nationalsecurity;
Xwaschargedwiththecrimeoffrustratedhomicide.Xvoluntarily 3. Those who have previously been convicted by final
surrendered to the authorities. In the trial, the mitigating judgmentofanoffensepunishedbyimprisonmentofmore
circumstanceofimmediatevindicationtoagraveoffensewasin thansix(6)monthsandone(1)dayand/orafineofmore
attendant. thanonethousandpesos(P1,000.00);
4. Thosewhohavealreadyavailedthebenefitofprobation;
Q: What should be the penalty imposed to X? 5. Thosewhohaveperfectedanappealfromjudgmentof
A:Sincethepenaltyforfrustratedhomicideisprisionmayorand conviction;
therearetwootherordinarymitigatingcircumstancepresent,the 6. ThoseconvictedofanelectionoffenseundertheOmnibus
maxiumtermofsentenceisPrisioncorreccionalinitsmediumperiod ElectionCode;
while the mimimum term of sentence. Arresto mayor within the 7. Thoseconvictedofdrugtraffickingordrugpushing;
rangeor. 8. Those who filed a malicious report that a person is
committingaviolationofAnti-moneylaunderinglawand
Q:Whatisthepenaltyif,inadditiontothefactsabovementioned, wasconvictedbecauseofsuchmaliciousfiling
Xisminorcommittingwithoutdiscernment?
A:SincethepenaltyalreadyimposeduponXisprisioncorreccional, we Example;
lower it by one degree more because minority is a privilege X was charged and convicted for alarms and scandals. He was
mitigatingcircumstance.Thus,accordingtoArticle64,themaximum sentenced to 30 days of arresto menor.
termisArrestomayorinitsmediumperiod.Indeterminatesentence
lawisnotapplicableifthepenaltyimposedupontheoffenderdoes Q: Can X avail probation?
not exceed one year. In this instance we cannot give him an A: If the felony was committed prior to the amendment of the
indeterminatesentencebecausethedurationofarrestomayoris1 probationlaw,Xcannotavailprobation.UnderP.D.968,aperson
month to 6months. whoisconvictedofacrimeinvolvingpublicdisordercannotavail
probation.ThefelonyofAlarmandScandalisacrimeagainstpublic
Ifthemaximumtermofsentencedoesnotexceedoneyear,astraight disorder.ThusXcannotavailprobation.However,ifthecrimewas
penaltyshallbeimposeduponhim. convictedaftertheamendment,Xmayavailprobation.UnderR.A.
1070, crimes against public disorder is removed from the
--xXx-- disqualifications.Thus,Xmayavailprobations
PROBATION LAW (P.D. 968 as Amended by R.A. 10707) Q:Mayprobationbeavailedevenifthepenaltyimposeduponthe

Probationisadispositionbywhichaconvictafterconvictionand offenderisonlyafine?
sentenceisreleasedsubjecttotheconditionsimposedbythecourt A:YES.UnderSection4ofP.D.968asAmendedbyR.A.10707,
underthesupervisionofaprobationofficer. Probationmaybegrantedwhetherthesentenceimposesatermof
imprisonmentorafineonly.
Objectives
The following are the objectives of probation law; APPEAL AND PROBATION
1. To promote the correction and rehabilitation of the Generally, under P.D 968, appeal and probation are mutually
offender because he is placed under a personalized exclusiveremedies.Thisisbecausethereasonbehindappealandthe
treatment; reasonbehindprobationarediametricallyopposed.
2. Toprovideanopportunityforthereformationofpenitent
offender; Ifapersonappeals,itmeansthatheisquestioningthedecisionofthe
court.Heisinsistingonhisinnocence.Ontheotherhand,ifaperson
appliesforprobation,itmeansthatheisacceptingthejudgmentof A:AgrantofprobationisappliedbeforetheTrialCourtwhichheard
thecourt.He,however,doesnotwanttoservehissentencebehind thecasewithintheperiodofperfectinganappealorwithin15days
bars. from promulgation ofjudgment.
Exceptions; CONDITIONS IMPOSED UPON OFFENDER UNDER PROBATION

1. However, Section 4 of R.A. 10707 which amended the Therearetwoconditionsimposeduponapersonseekingprobation;
probationlaw,statesthatwhenajudgmentofconviction 1. Mandatory/Ordinary;
imposing a non-probationable penalty is appealed or 2. Discretionary/Special;
reviewed, and such judgment is modified through the
imposition of a probationable penalty, thedefendant shall Mandatory
beallowedtoapplyforprobationbasedonthemodified Thefollowingaremandatoryconditionsimposedbythecourttothe
decisionbeforesuchdecisionbecomesfinal.Theapplication probationer;
forprobationbasedonthemodifieddecisionshallbefiled 1. Appear before the probationary officer within 72 hours
in the trial court where the judgment of conviction fromthereceiptoftheorder;
imposinganon-probationablepenaltywasrendered,orin 2. Report once amonth;
thetrialcourtwheresuchcasehassincebeenre-raffled.
Discretionary
Thisnotwithstanding,theaccusedshalllosethebenefitof Discretionaryorspecialconditionsaredependentuponthesound
probationshouldheseekareviewofthemodifieddecision discretionofthecourt.Usuallyinvolvesengaginginavocation,not
whichalreadyimposesaprobationablepenalty. drinkingalcohol,notgoingtohouseofill-reputes.
2. Section42oftheJuvenileJusticeandWelfareactprovides
that the court may, after it shall have convicted and Theonlylimitationonthediscretionaryconditionsisthattheymust
sentenced a child in conflict with the law, and upon notbesorestrictivetotherightsoftheaccusedsuchthattheywillno
applicationatanytime,placethechildonprobationinlieu longerbeinconsonancewithhisfreedom.
ofserviceofhis/hersentencetakingintoaccountthebest
interest of the child. For this purpose, Section 4 of Example;
Presidential Decree No. 968, otherwise known as the InthecaseofBaclayonv.Mutia(G.R.No.L-59298,April30,1984)the
"ProbationLawof1976",isherebyamendedaccordingly. trialcourtprohibitedtheoffender,whoisateacherbyprofession,to
teach as a condition during the period of probation. This is a
Colinares v. People (G.R. No. 182748, December 13, 2011) restrictivecondition.Itdeprivestheoffenderhismeansoflivelihood.
Colinares hit Rufino twice in the head with a stone. Thereafter,
Colinares was charged and convicted for frustrated homicide inthe PERIOD OF PROBATION:
regionaltrialcourt.Hewassentencedto2yearsand4monthsof SENTENCE PERIOD OF PROBATION
prisioncorrecionalto6yearsand1dayofprisionmayor.Colinares Imprisonment of not more
Will not exceed two years;
appealedtotheCourtofAppealsforthepurposeofmodifyinghis than 1 year;
convictionfromfrustratedhomicidetoattemptedhomicidethereby All other cases of
loweringthepenaltysothathecanavailprobation.TheCourtof Will not exceed 6 years;
imprisonment;
AppealsaffirmedthedecisionoftheRTC.Thus,Colinareselevatedthe Notlessthannorbemorethan
casetotheSupremeCourt.TheSupremeCourtheldthatColinaresis 2x than the total number of
onlyliableforattemptedhomicidebecausetheprosecutionfailedto days of subsidiary
provethatthewoundofRufinoisfatal.Thusthepenaltyimposedon Fine subsidiary imprisonment
imprisonment, taking into
himshouldbeloweredtoimprisonmentoffourmonthsofarresto in case of insolvency;
accountthehighestminimum
mayor, as minimum, to two years and four months of prision wagerateatthetimeofthe
correccional, asmaximum. rendition of the judgment.
Q:CanColinaresavailprobationaftertheperfectionofappealto EFFECT OF PROBATION

modify hisconviction? Probationwillsuspendtheexecutionofthesentence.However,itwill
A:YES.Colinaresdidnotappealfromajudgmentthatwouldhave not extinguish civil liability.
allowedhimtoapplyforprobation.Hedidnothaveachoicebetween
appealandprobation.Hewasnotinapositiontosay,"Bytakingthis UnderSection16ofP.D.968asamendedbyR.A.10707,thefinal
appeal,Ichoosenottoapplyforprobation."Thestiffpenaltythatthe dischargeoftheprobationershalloperatetorestoretohimallcivil
trial court imposed on him denied him that choice. Besides, in rightslostorsuspendedasaresultofhisconvictionandtototally
appealinghiscase,Colinaresraisedtheissueofcorrectnessofthe extinguishhiscriminalliabilityastotheoffenseforwhichprobation
penalty imposed on him. He claimed that the evidence at best wasgranted.
warranted his conviction only for attempted, not frustrated,
homicide,whichcrimecalledforaprobationablepenalty.Inaway, Moreno v. COMELEC (G.R. No. 168550, August 10, 2006)
therefore,Colinaressoughtfromthebeginningtobringdownthe Morenoranforthepublicofficeofpunongbarangay.However,a
penalty to the level where the law would allow him to apply for petitionfordisqualificationwasfiledagainsthimbecausehewas
probation. convictedbyfinaljudgmentofthecrimeofArbitraryDetentionand
wassentencedtosufferimprisonmentofFour(4)MonthsandOne
Q: When and where do you apply for probation? (1) DaytoTwo(2)YearsandFour(4)Months.Morenoarguesthatthe
disqualificationundertheLocalGovernmentCodeisforthoseho
haveservedsentenceformorethan1year.SinceMorenoappliedand Factors to consider in imposing fines;

wasgrantedofprobation,hedidnotservehissentencebecause 1. Aggravatingandmitigatingcircumstance;
probationsuspendstheserviceoftheoffender. 2. Wealthandmeansoftheoffender
Q:Canapersonwhowasconvictedbyfinaljudgmentbutwas Scale of Penalty in case of Fine

grantedprobationrunforpublicoffice? Article26oftheRevisedPenaldetermineswhetherafineisafflictive,
A:YES.Thephraseserviceofsentence,understoodinitsgeneraland correctional, or lightpenalty.
commonsense,meanstheconfinementofaconvictedpersonina SCALE OF PENALTY AMOUNT OF FINE
penalfacilityfortheperiodadjudgedbythecourt.Duringtheperiod Afflictive Penalty; Exceeds P6,000.00
ofprobation,theprobationerdoesnotservethepenaltyimposed Correctional Penalty From P200.00 to P6,000.00
uponhimbythecourtbutismerelyrequiredtocomplywithallthe Light Penalty; Less than P200.00
conditions prescribed in the probation order. Furthermore, he
accessorypenaltiesofsuspensionfrompublicoffice,fromtherightto --xXx--
follow a profession or calling, and that of perpetual special
disqualificationfromtherightofsuffrage,attendanttothepenaltyof Art.75.Increasingorreducingthepenaltyoffinebyone
arrestomayorinitsmaximumperiodtoprisioncorreccionalinits ormoredegrees.—Wheneveritmaybenecessarytoincreaseor
minimumperiodimposeduponMorenoweresimilarlysuspended reducethepenaltyoffinebyoneormoredegrees,itshallbe
uponthegrantofprobation. increasedorreduced,respectively,foreachdegree,byone-fourth of
the maximum amount prescribed by law, without however,
Example; changing theminimum.
Lindsay Lohan, after conviction, applied for probation and was
grantedthesame.Thereafter,shefiledanappealquestioningthecivil Ifafineisimposedtoanaccompliceoranaccessory,thefineshallbe
indemnityimposeduponher.Thejudgedeniedtheappealonthe reducedorincreased,respectivelyforeeachdegree,byonefourthof
groundthatLindsayalreadyappliedforprobation.Therefore,the themaximumamountprescribedbylaw.
appealcannotbegranted.
Example;
Q: Is the judge correct? If A prevented the meetings of congress by means of fraud, the
A:NO.Theonlyeffectofprobationistosuspendtheexecutionofthe penalty imposed upon him is P200 – P2000. If he is merely an
sentence.Ithasnothingtodowiththecivilaspectofthecase.Insofar accomplice,thefinewillbeloweredbyonedegreeandadecreaseof
asthecivilaspectisconcerned,theconvictcanstillappealit. ¼ofthemaximumamountprescribedbylaw.Since ¼ofP2,000.00is
P500.00,thepenaltyimposedupontheaccompliceisP200.00to
Example; P,500.00.
D,undertheprobationfortwoyears,wasimposedtheconditionthat
hecouldnotchangehisresidence.Fortwoyears,hecompliedwith Example;
this condition. After the lapse of two years, D now changed his A,B,andC,waschargedandconvictedofanimpossiblecrime.Aas
residence.Theprobationofficerlearnedaboutthisandfiledfora theprincipal,Bastheaccomplice,andCastheaccessory.Thecourt
Motion to Revoke the probation. D contended that the period of imposeduponthemafineofP200.00toP500.00asprescribedbylaw.
probation(2years)hasalreadybeencompleted,soheisalready
allowedtochangeresidence.Thetrialcourtgrantedtherevocation. Q: How much would A, B, and C, pay?
A: A, as the principal, is liable for a fine ranging from P200.00–
Q: Is the trial court correct? P500.00.TogettheliabilityofBasanaccomplicewetake¼ofthe
A:YES.Theexpirationoftheperiodofprobationdoesnotipsofacto maximumamountoffineanddeductittherefrom.Sothemaximum
mean the termination of probation. Probation is only terminated amountoffineisP500.00¼ofP500.00is125.DeductP125.00from
upontheissuanceofthecourtofafinaldischargeofprobation.This P500.00.ThiswillnowbeP375.00Thus,B,asanaccomplice,isliable
happens when after the lapse of the period of probation, the forP200-P375.Letussaytheoffenderisamereaccessory,deduct¼
probation officer will file a Motion before the court with a orP125.00fromthemaximumfine.ThesumisP250.00.Thus,Cas
recommendation stating that the convict has complied with the theaccompliceisliableforP200.00-P250.00
conditionsimposedandtherefore,heshouldbedischarged.The
courtwillthenissueafinaldischargeofprobation.Onlythenwill --xXx--
probation beterminated.
Article70.Successiveserviceofsentence.-Whenthe
--xXx-- culprithastoservetwoormorepenalties,heshallservethem
simultaneously if the nature of the penalties will so permit
Art.66.Impositionoffines.—Inimposingfinesthecourts otherwise,thefollowingrulesshallbeobserved:
mayfixanyamountwithinthelimitsestablishedbylaw;infixing Intheimpositionofthepenalties,theorderoftheir
theamountineachcaseattentionshallbegiven,notonlytothe respectiveseverityshallbefollowedsothattheymaybeexecuted
mitigatingandaggravatingcircumstances,butmoreparticularlyto successivelyorasnearlyasmaybepossible,shouldapardonhave
thewealthormeansoftheculprit. beengrantedastothepenaltyorpenaltiesfirstimposed,orshould
theyhavebeenservedout.
FINE
Fineisapecuniarypenaltyimposedbycourtincaseofjudgmentof
conviction.
Forthepurposeofapplyingtheprovisionsofthenext Order of Severity.

precedingparagraphtherespectiveseverityofthepenaltiesshallbe Intheimpositionofpenalties,theconvictshallfirstservethemost
determinedinaccordancewiththefollowingscale: severe penalty imposed upon him in accordance with the scale
providedforinArticle70.
1. Death,
THREE-FOLD RULE
2. Reclusionperpetua, Thethree-foldruleprovidesthatwhenmultiplesuccessivepenalties
are imposed upon the offender, the maximum duration of the
3. Reclusiontemporal, convict'ssentenceshallnotbemorethanthree-foldthelengthof
timecorrespondingtothemostsevereofthepenaltiesimposedupon
4. Prisionmayor, him.However,suchmaximumperiodshallinnocaseexceedforty
years.
5. Prisioncorreccional,
Example;
6. Arrestomayor, Xrapedherdaughter5times.Hewaschargedandconvictedof5
countsofrape.Thepenaltyfor1countofrapeisreclusionperpetua.
7. Arrestomenor,
Q: What penalty shall the court impose on him?
8. Destierro, A: 5 counts of reclusion perpetua.
9. Perpetualabsolutedisqualification, Q:Sincereclusionperpetuais20-40years,doesthatmeanXwill
serve200yearsinprison?
10Temporalabsolutedisqualification. A:NO.Underthethree-foldrulethewhentheoffenderisserving
multiple successive sentences, the maximum duration of the
11. Suspensionfrompublicoffice,therighttovoteandbe offender’ssentenceshallnotexceedthreefoldsofthelengthofthe
votedfor,therighttofollowaprofessionorcalling,and mostseverepenalty,providedthatsuchpenaltywillnotbemorethan
40years.Inthiscase,sincethepenaltyimposeduponXis5reclusion
12. Publiccensure. perpetua,hisserviceofsentencewillnotbemorethanthree-foldsof
thelengthofreclusionperpetuawhichisthemostseverepenalty
Notwithstandingtheprovisionsoftherulenextpreceding, imposeduponhim.However,sincethreecountsofreclusionperpetua
themaximumdurationoftheconvict'ssentenceshallnotbemore is120yearswhichexceedsthemaximumpenaltyof40years,Xwill
thanthree-foldthelengthoftimecorrespondingtothemostsevere servethemaximumsentenceof40years.
ofthepenaltiesimposeduponhim.Nootherpenaltytowhichhe
maybeliableshallbeinflictedafterthesumtotalofthoseimposed Example;
equalsthesamemaximumperiod. X was charged and convicted of 5 counts of rape punishableby
Suchmaximumperiodshallinnocaseexceedfortyyears.In reclusion perpetua and a civil liability of P50,000.00. Thejudge,
applying the provisions of this rule thedurationof applyingthethree-foldrule,sentencedXof40yearsofimprisonment
perpetualpenalties(penaperpetua)shallbecomputedatthirty andacivilliabilityofP50,000.00.
years. (As amended).
Q: Is the judge correct?
SIMULTANEOUS SERVICE OF SENTENCE A:NO.Thethree-foldruleisnotforthejudgetoimpose.The40years
UnderArticle70,asarule,whentheconvicthastoservetwoormore imprisonmentinaccordancetothree-foldrulereferstoserviceof
penalties,heshallservethemsimultaneouslyifthenatureofthe sentence,NOTtotheimpositionofpenalties.
penalties will sopermit.
Q:Ifthejudgewillnotimposethethree-foldrule?Whowillimpose
Penalties that allow simultaneous service of sentence; it?
1. Improvement andfine; A: The three-fold rule is for the Director of Prisons to apply and
2. Imprisonment andsuspension; compute, and not for the judge to impose.
3. Imprisonmentandpubliccensure;
Q: What penalties cannot be served at the same time? Q: How should the judge impose 5 counts of rape?
A: All forms of imprisonment. A:Thejudgeshallimposeuponhimapenaltyofreclusionperpetua
foreachcountofrape,thepenaltyprescribedbylawforthecrimeof
SUCCESSIVE SERVICE OF SENTENCE rape. Likewise, the judge shall impose upon the convict thecivil
All forms of imprisonment cannot be served simultaneously. liabilityofP50,000.00foreachcountofrape.
Example; Q:doesthethree-foldrulealsoapplytocivilliabilitiesofthe
Xwasconvictedoftwocountsofhomicide.Apenaltyofreclusion offender?
temporal was imposed upon him for each count of homicide. A:NO.Eachcountofrapeisaviolationofthepersonofthevictim
Reclusiontemporalhasadurationof12-20years.Xwillsatisfythe therefore,civilindemnityisseparateanddistinctfromthecriminal
first12-20yearsofimprisonment.Thereafter,heshallserveanother 12- offenseofrape.Thecivilindemnityshallbethenumberoftimesthe
20yearsofreclusiontemporalforthesecondcountofhomicide. victim wasraped.
Inansweringquestionsregardingpenalties,youneednotstatethe SUBSIDIARY PENALTIES

equivalentduration.Itsufficesthatyoustatethedesignation,i.e. Subsidiary penalties are deemed imposed.
prisionmayor,prisioncorrecional,etc.
SUBSIDIARY IMPRISONMENT
--xXx-- Unlike subsidiary penalties, the subsidiary imprisonment must be
expressly stated in the decision.
Article71.Graduatedscales.-Inthecaseinwhichthelaw
prescribedapenaltylowerorhigherbyoneormoredegreesthan --xXx--
anothergivenpenalty,therulesprescribedinArticle61shallbe
observedingraduatingsuchpenalty. Art.74.Penaltyhigherthanreclusionperpetuaincertain
The lower or higher penalty shall be taken from the cases.—Incasesinwhichthelawprescribesapenaltyhigherthan
graduated scale in which is comprised the given penalty. another given penalty, without specially designating the name of
Thecourts,inapplyingsuchlowerorhigherpenalty,shall theformer,ifsuchhigherpenaltyshouldbethatofdeath,thesame
observethefollowinggraduatedscales: penaltyandtheaccessorypenaltiesofArticle40,shallbeconsidered
as the next higherpenalty.
SCALENO.1
IfthedecisionorlawsayshigherthanReclusionperpetuaor2degrees
1. Death, thanReclusiontemporal,thenthepenaltyimposedisReclusion
2. Reclusionperpetua, perpetuaorReclusiontemporalasthecasemaybe.
3. Reclusiontemporal,
4. Prisionmayor, Deathmustbedesignatedbyname.However,fortheotherpenalties,
5. Prisioncorreccional, this does notapply.
6. Arrestomayor,
7. Destierro, Example;
8. Arrestomenor, The penalty for crime X is 2 degrees lower than RP. The penalty
9. Publiccensure, imposed is prision mayor.
10. Fine.
--xXx--
SCALE NO. 2
Art.75.Increasingorreducingthepenaltyoffinebyone
1. Perpetual absolutedisqualification, ormoredegrees.—Wheneveritmaybenecessarytoincreaseor
2. Temporal absolutedisqualification reducethepenaltyoffinebyoneormoredegrees,itshallbe
3. Suspensionfrompublicoffice,therighttovoteandbe increasedorreduced,respectively,foreachdegree,byone-fourth of
votedfor,therighttofollowaprofessionorcalling, the maximum amount prescribed by law, without however,
4. Publiccensure, changing theminimum.
5. Fine.
Thesamerulesshallbeobservedwithregardoffinesthat
Q:Whatistheimportanceof1dayinthedurationoftheperiod(6 donotconsistofafixedamount,butaremadeproportional.
yrsand1DAY-12years)?
A:The1dayseparatesthedifferentdegreesofthepenalty.Italso --xXx--
separates a divisible penalty from an indivisible penalty. It also
determineswhethersubsidiaryimprisonmentmaybeimposedonthe Art.76.Legalperiodofdurationofdivisiblepenalties.—
offender. Thelegalperiodofdurationofdivisiblepenaltiesshallbeconsidered
asdividedintothreeparts,formingthreeperiods,theminimum,the
--xXx-- medium,andthemaximuminthemannershowninthefollowing
table:
Art.72.Preferenceinthepaymentofthecivilliabilities.—
Thecivilliabilitiesofapersonfoundguiltyoftwoormoreoffenses --xXx--
shallbesatisfiedbyfollowingthechronologicalorderofthedates Art.77.Whenthepenaltyisacomplexonecomposedof
ofthejudgmentsrenderedagainsthim,beginningwiththefirstin threedistinctpenalties.—Incasesinwhichthelawprescribesa
order oftime. penaltycomposedofthreedistinctpenalties,eachoneshallforma
period;thelightestofthemshallbetheminimumthenextthe
The penalties shall be satisfied according to the scale of Art 70 medium,andthemostseverethemaximumperiod.
--xXx-- Wheneverthepenaltyprescribeddoesnothaveoneofthe
forms specially provided for in this Code, the periods shall be
Art. 73. Presumption in regard to the imposition of distributed,applyingbyanalogytheprescribedrules.
accessorypenalties.—Wheneverthecourtsshallimposeapenalty
which,byprovisionoflaw,carrieswithitotherpenalties,according --xXx--
totheprovisionsofArticles40,41,42,43and44ofthisCode,itmust
beunderstoodthattheaccessorypenaltiesarealsoimposedupon
theconvict.
EXECUTION AND SERVICE OF PENALTIES

--xXx--
Art.78.Whenandhowapenaltyistobeexecuted.—No
penaltyshallbeexecutedexceptbyvirtueofafinaljudgment. Art. 86. Reclusion perpetua, reclusion temporal, prision
Apenaltyshallnotbeexecutedinanyotherformthan mayor,prisioncorreccionalandarrestomayor.—Thepenaltiesof
thatprescribedbylaw,norwithanyothercircumstancesor reclusion perpetua, reclusion temporal, prision mayor,prision
incidentsthanthoseexpresslyauthorizedthereby. correccionalandarrestomayor,shallbeexecutedandservedinthe
In addition to the provisions of the law, the special places and penal establishments provided by the Administrative
regulationsprescribedforthegovernmentoftheinstitutionsin Codeinforceorwhichmaybeprovidedbylawinthefuture.
whichthepenaltiesaretobesufferedshallbeobservedwithregard to
the character of the work to be performed, the time ofits --xXx--
performance, and other incidents connected therewith, the
relationsoftheconvictsamongthemselvesandotherpersons,the Art.87.Destierro.—Anypersonsentencedtodestierro
reliefwhichtheymayreceive,andtheirdiet. shallnotbepermittedtoentertheplaceorplacesdesignatedinthe
Theregulationsshallmakeprovisionfortheseparationof sentence,norwithintheradiusthereinspecified,whichshallbenot
the sexes in different institutions, or at least into different morethan250andnotlessthan25kilometersfromtheplace
departmentsandalsoforthecorrectionandreformoftheconvicts. designated.
--xXx-- DESTIERRO
Destierro is considered as a principal correctional and divisible
Art.79.Suspensionoftheexecutionandserviceofthe penalty.Therefore,jurisdictionovercrimespunishablewithdestierro
penaltiesincaseofinsanity.—Whenaconvictshallbecomeinsane or lieswiththeMetropolitanTrialCourt.
an imbecile after final sentence has been pronounced, the
executionofsaidsentenceshallbesuspendedonlywithregardto Destierro shall be imposed in the following cases;
thepersonalpenalty,theprovisionsofthesecondparagraphof 1. Deathorseriousphysicalinjuriesiscausedorareinflicted
circumstance number 1 of article 12 being observed in the under exceptionalcircumstance;
correspondingcases. 2. Personfailstogivebondforgoodbehavioringraveand
If at any time the convict shall recover hisreason, his lightthreats;
sentenceshallbeexecuted,unlessthepenaltyshallhaveprescribed 3. Concubine’spenaltyforthecrimeofconcubinage;
inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthisCode. 4. Whenafterreducingthepenaltybyoneormoredegree,
Therespectiveprovisionsofthissectionshallalsobe destierroistheproperpenalty
observediftheinsanityorimbecilityoccurswhiletheconvictis
serving hissentence. Execution of Destierro
1. Convictshallnotbepermittedtoentertheplacedesignated
INSANITYATTHETIMEOFTRIALORAFTERTHECONVICTIONOFTHE inthesentencenorwithintheradiusspecified,whichshall
ACCUSEDBYFINALJUDGMENT notbemorethan250andnotlessthan25kmfromthe
Therewillbeasuspensionofsentence.Theaccusedcannotbemade to placedesignated;
suffer thesentence. 2. If the convict enters the prohibited area, he commits
evasion ofsentence
Themomentheregainshissanityheisrequiredtoservehissentence.
Provided,thattheperiodofpenaltyhasnotyetprescribed. --xXx--
--xXx-- Art.88.Arrestomenor.—Thepenaltyofarrestomenor
shallbeservedinthemunicipaljail,orinthehouseofthedefendant
Art80(asamendedbyPD603:ChildandYouthWelfareCode) himselfunderthesurveillanceofanofficerofthelaw,whenthe
Note:refertoR.A.9344(Minority) courtsoprovidesinitsdecision,takingintoconsiderationthehealth
oftheoffenderandotherreasonswhichmayseemsatisfactoryto it.
--xXx--
--xXx--
Art. 81. When and how the death penalty is to be executed.
Art.82.Notificationandexecutionofthesentenceandassistanceto
theculprit.
Art. 83. Suspension of the execution of the death sentence.
Art.84.Placeofexecutionandpersonswhomaywitnessthesame.
Art.85.Provisionsrelativetothecorpseofthepersonexecutedand
itsburial.
Asofwriting,thedeathpenaltyissuspendedbyvirtueofR.A.9346.
UnderRA9346,theprohibitionpertainsonlytotheimpositionof
deathpenalty.Butforheinouscrimes,thepenaltyshallstillbedeath.
Onlythatitcannotbeimposed.
1. Death of the accused pending appeal of his conviction

extinguisheshiscriminalliabilityaswellasthecivilliability
based solelythereon;
2. 2. Corollarily, the claim for civil liability survives
notwithstandingthedeathofaccused,ifthesamemayalso
bepredicatedonasourceofobligationotherthandelict.
Article 1157 of the Civil Code enumerates these other
sourcesofobligationfromwhichthecivilliabilitymayarise
CRIMINAL LAW REVIEW asaresultofthesameactoromission:
a. Law;
PART II b. Contracts;
EXTINCTION OF CRIMINAL c. Quasi-contracts;
d. (delict);
LIABILITY e. Quasi-delicts;
3. Wherethecivilliabilitysurvives,asexplainedinNumber2
above,anactionforrecoverythereformaybepursuedbut
onlybywayoffilingaseparatecivilactionandsubjectto
Section1,Rule111ofthe1985RulesonCriminalProcedure
asamended.Thisseparatecivilactionmaybeenforced
eitheragainsttheexecutor/administratorortheestateof
Art.89.Howcriminalliabilityistotallyextinguished.—
theaccused,dependingonthesourceofobligationupon
Criminalliabilityistotallyextinguished;
whichthesameisbasedasexplainedabove.
1. Bythedeathoftheconvict,astothepersonalpenalties
4. Finally,theprivateoffendedpartyneednotfearaforfeiture
andastopecuniarypenalties,liabilitythereforisextinguishedonly
ofhisrighttofilethisseparatecivilactionbyprescription,
whenthedeathoftheoffenderoccursbeforefinaljudgment;
incaseswhereduringtheprosecutionofthecriminalaction
2. Byserviceofthesentence;
and prior to its extinction, the private-offended party
3. Byamnesty,whichcompletelyextinguishesthepenalty
institutedtogethertherewiththecivilaction.Insuchcase,
and all itseffects;
the statute of limitations on the civil liability is deemed
4. By absolutepardon;
interrupted during the pendency of the criminal case,
5. Byprescriptionofthecrime;
conformably with provisions of Article 1155 of the Civil
6. Byprescriptionofthepenalty;
Code,thatshouldtherebyavoidanyapprehensionona
7. Bythemarriageoftheoffendedwoman,asprovidedin
possible privation of right by prescription. (Citations
Art344ofthisCode;
omitted.)
MODES OF EXTINGUISHING CRIMINAL LIABILITY
SERVICE OF SENTENCE
Article89isincomplete.Thefollowingarethemodesofextinguishing
Serviceofsentencemeanssatisfactionofthepenaltyimposed.Ifitis
criminalliability;
imprisonment,itmeansthathehasservedhissentencebehindbars.
1. Death;
Ifitisfine,itmeansthathehaspaidtheamount.
2. Service ofSentence;
3. Amnesty; AMNESTY
4. Absolutepardon; Amnesty is an act of grace from the power entrusted with the
5. Prescription ofcrime;
executionofthelawwhichdoesnotonlyexempttheoffenderfrom
6. Prescription ofpenalty;
theserviceofpenaltyforthecrimecommitted,butalsoobliterates
7. Validmarriageoftheoffendedwiththeoffender;
theeffectsofthecrime.Itdoesnotonlysuspendtheexecutionofthe
8. Expressrepealofthepenallaw;(Decriminalizationofthe
sentence.Italsoobliteratestheeffectsofthecrime.
act)
9. ProbationunderPD.986asamendedbyR.A.10707;
ABSOLUTE PARDON
AbsolutePardonisanactofgracereceivedfromthepowerentrusted
DEATH
withtheexecutionofthelawwhichexemptstheoffenderfromthe
Death is the permanent cessation of life.
penaltyprescribedbylawforthecrimecommitted.
Q: When does death extinguish criminal liability?
PARDON AMNEST
A: Death extinguishes criminal liability at any stage of the
Merely suspends the execution Obliterates all effects of crime
proceedings,beitbeforeorafterconviction.Thisisbecausethe
of sentence, erases the penalty as if no crime was committed;
moment the offender dies, there is no one to serve thepersonal
to be imposed;
penalty.
Granted only after conviction Granted at any stage of
Extinguishment of Civil liability through Death by final judgment; proceedings, before during or
after final judgment;
InPeoplev.Amistoso(G.R.No.201447,August28,2013)theSupreme
Courtlaiddownrulesincasetheaccuseddiespriortofinaljudgment; Private act of President.As PublicactofPresident.Granted
such, the person pardoned with the concurrence of
mustpleadandproveitbefore Congress. Courts take judicial PRESCRIPTION OF CRIME

thecourts.Nojudicialnoticeof notice of it; PrescriptionofCrimeisthelossorforfeitureoftherightofStateto
Pardon; prosecuteanactprohibitedbylaw.Themomentthatacrimehas
May be given to all kinds of Generallygrantedtoaclassor alreadyprescribed,thecourthastodismissthecaseevenifthe
offenders; groupofpersonswhohave accused has not moved for its dismissal. The courts lose their
committed political offenses; jurisdictiontotrythecase.
VALID MARRIAGE Period of Prescription of Crimes

A valid marriage between the offender and the offended party PENALTY OF CRIMES PRESCRIPTION PERIOD
extinguishescriminalliabilityonlyinrelationtoprivatecrimes;i.e. Death, Reclusion perpetua, 20 years;
seduction,abduction,actsoflasciviousnessandonepubliccrime reclusion temporal;
which isrape. Other afflictive penalties; 15 years;
Correctional penalties; 10 years;
* UnderArt266,thevalidmarriageoftheoffendedwiththeoffender Arresto mayor; 5 years;
extinguishescriminalliabilityaswellasthepenalty. Libelandothersimilaroffenses; 1 year
Oraldefamationandslanderby 6 months;
Example; deed
JackrapedRose.RosefiledacaseofrapeagainstJack.Trialonthe Light felonies; 2 month.
meritsensued.Duringtrial,JackandRosewouldoftenseeeachother
andbecauseofthis,theyfellinlovewitheachother.Lateron,they COMPUTATION OF PRESCRIPTIVE PERIOD
gotmarried.Thisvalidmarriagewillextinguishthecriminalliabilityof Therunningoftheprescriptiveperiodshallbefromthetimeofthe
Jack. commissionofthecrime,ifknown.Ifnotknown,fromdiscoveryby
offendedparty,authoritiesandagents.
Q:ISthecriminalliabilityextinguishedifthemarriagetookplace
aftertheoffenderwasconvictedbyfinaljudgment? Example;
A:YES.Evenifthereisalreadyafinalandexecutoryjudgment,such XandYhadaquarrel.Inthecoursethereof,XkilledY.Thereafter,X
aswhentheoffenderisalreadybehindbars,avalidmarriagebetween buried the body of Y in his backyard. Unknown to X, neighborA
theoffenderandtheoffendedwillstillextinguishcriminalliabilityand the witnessesAburrythebodyinhisbackyard.After25yearsfromthe
penaltyimposed. commissionofthecrime,theneighborbecameoldandsickly.Hethen
toldthepolicewhathewitnessed25yearsago.Thepolicethenwent
--xXx-- tothebackyard,dugthegroundandsawthebonesofY.
Art.90.Prescriptionofcrime.—Crimespunishableby Q: Can the State still prosecute H for parricide?

death, reclusion perpetua or reclusion temporal shall prescribein A:YES.Thecrimehasnotyetprescribed.Theauthoritiesandtheir
twentyyears. agentsonlycametoknowthecrime25yearsfromitscommission.
Crimes punishable by other afflictive penalties shall Thisistheonlytimewhentheprescriptiveperiodforthecrimeshall
prescribe in fifteen years. commencetorun.Also,theneighborwhoknewthecommissionof
Thosepunishablebyacorrectionalpenaltyshallprescribe thecrimeisnotthepersonrequiredbylawtodiscoverthecrimein
intenyears;withtheexceptionofthosepunishablebyarresto ordertostarttherunningoftheprescriptiveperiod.Therefore,the
mayor,whichshallprescribeinfiveyears. Statecanstillfilethecaseofparricide.
Thecrimeoflibelorothersimilaroffensesshallprescribe in
oneyear. Example;
Thecrimeoforaldefamationandslanderbydeedshall NikiandMariahwerefriends.Niki,beforegoingtoMindanao,leftthe
prescribe insix months. titlesofherpropertiestoMariahforsafekeeping.Mariahbecame
Light offenses prescribe in two months. interested in one of the properties. While Niki was in Mindanao,
Whenthepenaltyfixedbylawisacompoundone,the MariahfalsifiedaDeedofAbsoluteSaleforgingthesignatureofNiki,
highestpenaltyshallbemadethebasisoftheapplicationofthe making it appear that Niki sold the property to her. Mariah then
rulescontainedinthefirst,secondandthirdparagraphsofthis registered the Deed before the Registry of Deeds. The title was
article.(AsamendedbyRA4661,approvedJune19,1966.) thereaftertransferredtothenameofMariah.20yearsthereafter,
NikicamebacktoManilaandacquiredthetitlesshelefttoMariah.
Art.91.Computationofprescriptionofoffenses.—The Nikinoticedthatonetitlewasmissing.Sheeventuallydiscoveredthat
periodofprescriptionshallcommencetorunfromthedayonwhich thepropertycoveredbysuchmissingtitlewasalreadytransferredto the
thecrimeisdiscoveredbytheoffendedparty,theauthorities,or name ofMariah.
theiragents,andshallbeinterruptedbythefilingofthecomplaint
orinformation,andshallcommencetorunagainwhensuch Q:CanNikifilecaseoffalsificationofpublicdocumentpunishable
proceedingsterminatewithouttheaccusedbeingconvictedor byPrisionmayor,againstMariah?
acquitted,orareunjustifiablystoppedforanyreasonnotimputable A:NO.Thecrimehasalreadyprescribed.Ifadocumentortransaction
tohim. involvesrealproperties(sale,lease,attachment),themomentthe
Thetermofprescriptionshallnotrunwhentheoffender documentisregisteredbeforetheRegistryofDeeds,suchregistration
isabsentfromthePhilippineArchipelago. constitutesconstructivenotice.Assuch,thelawpresumesthatthe
wholeworld,includingNiki,knowsabouttheregistration.Theperiod
ofprescriptioncommencestorunfromthattime.Since20yearshave purposesofpreliminaryinvestigation.Itremainssuspendeduntilthe
alreadylapsedinthiscase,thecrimehasalreadyprescribed.This accusedisconvictedoracquittedorthecaseisterminatedwithout
concernsonlycriminalliability.ButNikicanstillfileacivilcasefor the fault ofaccused.
damagesoranycivilactiontorecovertheproperty.
The term shall not run when the offender is absent from the
VIOLATION OF SPECIAL PENAL LAWS Philippine Archipelago.
InthecaseofPeoplev.Pangilinan(G.R.No.152662,June13,2012),
theSupremeCourtsaidwhetheritisaviolationofaspecialpenallaw Situations which do not follow Art. 91;
liketheBP22oraviolationoftheRPC,thefilingofacomplaintbefore 1. In continuing crimes-prescriptive period will start torun
theofficeofthepublicprosecutorsuspendsorinterruptstherunning onlyattheterminationoftheintendedresult;
oftheprescriptiveperiod.Itremainssuspendeduntilthecasehas 2. Incrimesagainstfalsetestimony,prescriptiveperiodis
beendecidedtheaccusedbeingacquittedorconvictedorthecase reckonedfromthedayfinaljudgmentisrenderedinthe
hasbeendismissedforanyreasonnotimputabletohim. proceedingwheresuchfalsetestimonyisutilizednotwhen
thefalsetestimonyismade;
Herethecheckswereissued,andthenoticeofdishonorwasreceived 3. In Electionoffenses;
bythemakerin1995.Thecaseswerefiledbeforetheprosecutorsin a. ifdiscoveryoftheoffenseisincidentaltojudicial
1997,andtheyfiledtheinformationintheMTCin2000.TheMTCand proceedings, prescription begins when such
RTCruledthatthecrimedidnotprescribe.TheCAheldthatthecrime had proceedings terminate;or
prescribed, and that the filing of the complaint before the b. Fromthedateofthecommissionoftheoffense.
prosecutorsdidnotsuspendtherunningoftheprescriptiveperiod.
--xXx--
TheCAcitedthecaseofZaldiviav.Reyesandruledthattheviolation
ofBP22hasalreadyprescribedbecauseaccordingtotheCA,incase of Art.92.Whenandhowpenaltiesprescribe.—Thepenalties
violation of special penal laws, the running of the prescriptive imposedbyfinalsentenceprescribeasfollows;
period is only interrupted upon the filing of the case before the 1. Deathandreclusionperpetua,intwentyyears;
appropriate court because the Supreme Court interpreted theword 2. Otherafflictivepenalties,infifteenyears;
“proceedings”asjudicialproceedingsinZaldiviav.Reyes. 3. Correctionalpenalties,intenyears;withtheexceptionof
the penalty of arresto mayor, which prescribes infive
TheSCsaidthattheinterpretationoftheCAiserroneous.SCsaiditis years;
nowsettledinjurisprudencethatwhetheritisaviolationofaspecial 4. Lightpenalties,inoneyear.
penallaworaviolationoftheRPC,thefilingofthecomplaintwiththe
publicprosecutorinterruptstherunningoftheprescriptiveperiod. Art.93.Computationoftheprescriptionofpenalties.—The
periodofprescriptionofpenaltiesshallcommencetorunfromthe
Violation of Municipal Ordinance datewhentheculpritshouldevadetheserviceofhissentence,and
InZaldiviav.Reyes(G.R.No.102342,July3,1992),whatisinvolvedis itshallbeinterruptedifthedefendantshouldgivehimselfup,be
aviolationofamunicipalordinance.Itisonlyincaseofviolationof captured,shouldgotosomeforeigncountrywithwhichthis
municipalordinancewhereintherunningoftheprescriptiveperiodis Governmenthasnoextraditiontreaty,orshouldcommitanother
interrupteduponthefilingofthecomplaintbeforethepropercourt. crimebeforetheexpirationoftheperiodofprescription.
The filing of the information in 1997 suspended the prescriptive
periodandthesameremainssuspended;thusthecrimehasnotyet PRESCRIPTION OF PENALTY
prescribed PrescriptionofpenaltyisthelossoftherightoftheStatetoexecute
thesentence.
Example;
GeraldandKimwerespouses.Gerald,asamedicalrepresentative, Prescription Period
wasassignedinVisayasleavinghiswife,Kim,inManila.20years PENALTY PRESCRIPTION PERIOD
thereafter,KimwhilewatchingTVsawGeraldpresentinganother Death, Reclusion perpetua; 20 years;
woman,Maja,ashiswife.Furious,KimwenttoVisayasandtherein Afflictive penalties; 15 years;
discoveredthattherewasaregisteredmarriagecertificatebetween Correctional penalties; 10 years;
GeraldandMaja,thewomanshesawonTV. Arresto mayor; 5 years;
Light penalties; 1 year
Q: Can Kim file a case of bigamy?
A:YES.Thecrimehasnotyetprescribed.Theruleonconstructive COMMENCEMENT PERIOD
noticebyregistrationisapplicableonlyifthetransactioninvolvesreal Therunningoftheperiodshallcommencefromthetimetheconvict
properties.Registrationastootherdocumentsortransactionswith evadedtheserviceofhissentence.Itisnecessarythereforethatthe
theOfficeoftheCivilRegistrydoesnotconstituteconstructivenotice convictisservinghissentenceandwhileserving,heescaped.Itis
tothewholeworld.Sincethewifehereindiscoveredthebigamous fromthetimeofescapethattheprescriptiveperiodruns.
marriageonly20yearsthereafter,thisshallbethestartingpointfor
therunningoftheprescriptiveperiodofthecrime. Example;
Garcia was convicted of homicide. The judgment became finaland
PRESCRIPTIVE PERIOD SUSPENDED executory.HewasbroughttoservesentenceinMuntinlupa.While
ThePrescriptiveperiodshallbesuspendeduponfilingofcomplaintor servingsentence,heescaped.Policefailedtocaptureandfindhim.It
infobeforethefiscal’sofficeorbeforethecourt/publicprosecutorfor
wasonlyafter20yearsthatGarciawaslocatedandbroughtbehind 3. Forgoodconductallowanceswhichtheculpritmayearn
bars.Garcia’scounselfiledaPetitionforHabeasCorpuscontending whileheisservinghissentence.
that the penalty prescribed and therefore, Garcia could not be
imprisoned. MODES FOR PARTIALLY EXTINGUISHING CRIMINAL LIABILITY
The following are the modes for extinguishing criminal liability;
Q: Is the counsel correct? 1. ConditionalPardon;
A:YES.Thepenaltyhasprescribed.Homicideprescribesin15years. 2. Commutation ofsentence;
Here,Garciawascaptured20yearsfromescape. 3. Good conduct ofallowance;
4. SpecialTimeAllowanceforLoyalty;
Example; 5. ParoleundertheIndeterminateSentenceLaw;
Cuencawaschargedwithhomicide.Beingabailableoffense,Cuenca 6. Impliedrepealoramendmentofpenallawloweringthe
postedbail.Duringthearraignmentandpretrial,Cuencaappeared penalty;
beforethecourt.However,duringthetrialproper,hedidnotappear.
Trialinabsentiaensued.Judgmentwasforconviction.Warrantof CONDITIONAL PARDON
arrestwasissuedagainstCuenca.Itwasonly20yearsthereafterthat ConditionalPardonisanactofgracereceivedfromapowerentrusted
thepolicewereabletoarrestCuencaandbringhimbehindbars. withtheauthoritytoexecutethelaw,butthepardonhereinissubject
Cuenca’scounselfiledapetitionforhabeascorpuscontendingthat the to strictconditions.
penaltyhas prescribed.
Becauseofthisstrictconditions,theremustbeacceptanceonthe
Q: Is the counsel correct? partoftheoffender.Themomentheaccepts,itbecomesincumbent
A:NO.Thepenaltyhasnotprescribed.Infact,prescriptionhasnot upon him to comply with the strict terms and conditions of the
evencommencedtorun.Fortheperiodtorun,itisnecessarythatthe pardon.
offenderisservingsentenceandwhileservingsentence,heescaped.
Therunningofprescriptiveperiodonlystartsfromtheescapeof Failuretocomplywithanyofthestrictconditions,theStatecanfilea
offender.Inthiscase,theoffenderhasnotevenservedhissentence. criminal case under Art 159- evasion of service of sentence. In
addition,theChiefExecutivecanordertheimmediateincarceration
SUSPENSION OF PRESCRIPTIVE PERIOD OF PENALTY oftheoffenderundertheAdministrativeCode.
Thefollowingarethegroundswhentheprescriptiveperiodofpenalty
issuspended; COMMUTATION OF SENTENCE
1. Whenoffendersurrenders; Incommutationofsentence,anewsentenceimposedshallbeinlieu of
2. Whenoffenderwenttoacountrywhichhasnoextradition the originalsentence.
treaty with thePhilippines;
3. When convict commits a crime before the expirationof Example;
period ofprescription; Death penalty commuted to Reclusion perpetua.
4. Whentheoffenderiscaptured;
--xXx--
Prescription of Crimes v. Prescription of Penalty ART.97.Allowanceforgoodconduct.–Thegoodconduct
PRESCRIPTION OF CRIMES PRESCRIPTION OF PENALTY ofanyoffenderqualifiedforcreditforpreventiveimprisonment
Lossorforfeitureoftheright Lossorforfeitureoftheright pursuanttoArticle29ofthisCode,orofanyconvictedprisonerin
oftheStatetoprosecute; oftheStatetoenforcefinal anypenalinstitution,rehabilitationordetentioncenteroranyother
judgment; local jail shall entitle him to the following deductions from the
Starts counting upon the Starts counting upon the periodofhissentence;
discovery of the commission of escapeorevasionofserviceof 1. Duringthefirsttwoyearsofimprisonment,heshallbe
the crime. sentence. allowedadeductionoftwentydaysforeachmonthofgood
Mere absence from the Absence from the Philippines behavior duringdetention;
Philippines interrupts the interrupts the period only 2. During the third to the fifth year, inclusive, ofhis
running of the prescription; when the convict goes to a imprisonment,heshallbeallowedareductionoftwenty-threedays
foreign country without an foreachmonthofgoodbehaviorduringdetention;
extradition treaty with the 3. During the following years until the tenth year,
Philippines; inclusive, of his imprisonment, he shall be allowed a deductionof
Commission of another crime Commission of another crime twenty-fivedaysforeachmonthofgoodbehaviorduringdetention;
before the expiration of the before the expiration of the 4. During the eleventh and successive years of his
prescriptive period does not period interrupts the imprisonment,heshallbeallowedadeductionofthirtydaysfor
interrupt prescription. prescription. eachmonthofgoodbehaviorduringdetention;and
5. Atanytimeduringtheperiodofimprisonment,heshall be
--xXx-- allowed another deduction of fifteen days, in additionto
numbersonetofourhereof,foreachmonthofstudy,teachingor
Art.94.PartialExtinctionofcriminalliability.—Criminalliabilityis mentoringservicetimerendered.(AsamendedbyR.A.10592)
extinguishedpartially;
1. By conditionalpardon; An appeal by the accused shall not deprive him of
2. Bycommutationofthesentence;and entitlement to the above allowances for good conduct.
GOOD CONDUCT ALLOWANCE

Goodconductallowanceisawardedtotheoffenderifhehasbeen
behavingproperlyinprison.TheDirectorofPrisonsshallcomputethe
goodconductallowanceinfavoroftheoffendersothathewillbe
immediatelyreleased.
PERIOD OF IMPRISONMENT DEDUCTION CRIMINAL LAW REVIEW

First two years; 20daysforeachmonthofgood
behavior during detention; PART III
Third to fifth year, inclusive, of 23daysforeachmonthofgood
his imprisonment; behavior during detention;
CIVIL LIABILITY
Sixth until the tenth year, 25daysforeachmonth
inclusive, of his imprisonment; ofgoodbehaviorduring
detention;
Eleventh and successive years 30daysforeachmonth
of his Imprisonment; ofgoodbehaviorduring
detention;
At any time during the anotherdeductionof15days,
period of imprisonment; in addition to numbers oneto Art.100.Civilliabilityofapersonguiltyoffelony.—Every
four hereof for each monthof personcriminallyliableforafelonyisalsocivillyliable.
servicetimerenderedfor;
1. Study; CIVIL LIABILITY
2. Teaching;or Asageneralrule,everypersoncriminallyliableisalsocivillyliable.For
3. Mentoring; everycriminalactionfiledincourt,thecivilactionfortherecoveryof
civilliabilityisdeemedimpliedlyinstituted.
--xXx--
Reason
ART.98.Specialtimeallowanceforloyalty.–Adeduction The commission of a crime, 2 injuries are inflicted;
ofonefifthoftheperiodofhissentenceshallbegrantedtoany 1. SocialinjuryagainsttheStateforthedisturbanceofsocial
prisoner who, having evaded his preventive imprisonment or the order;and
service of his sentence under the circumstances mentionedin 2. PersonalInjuryagainsttheoffendedpartyandhisheirs;
Article158ofthisCode,giveshimselfuptotheauthoritieswithin48
hoursfollowingtheissuanceofaproclamationannouncingthe Thesocialinjuryagainstthestatewillbeansweredbyreparation.The
passingawayofthecalamityorcatastrophereferredtoinsaid personalinjurywillbeansweredbythecivilindemnity.
article.Adeductionoftwo-fifthsoftheperiodofhissentenceshall
begrantedincasesaidprisonerchosetostayintheplaceofhis Exceptions to Implied Institution of Civil Action
confinement notwithstanding the existence of a calamityor Thefollowingaretheexemptiontothegeneralthatacivilactionis
catastropheenumeratedinArticle158ofthisCode.(Asamendedby impliedlyinstitutedinacriminalcase;
R.A. 10592) 1. Whenoffendedpartywaivesthecivilaction;
2. When the offended party reserves the right to file a
Example; separate civil action, which must be made prior to the
DuringthetimeBinLadenwasservinghissentencebehindbars,an presentationofevidenceoftheprosecution;
8.9 magnitudeearthquakesuddenlyoccurredpromptingBinLadento 3. Whentheoffendedpartyfilesthecivilactionpriortothe
escape.Hethenwenttothehouseofhismother.WhileBinLaden criminalaction
waswatchingTVinthehouseofhismother,hesawthePresident
announcing that the earthquake subsided. Within 48 hoursfrom ACQUITTAL; EFFECT ON CIVIL LIABILITY:
announcement, Bin Laden surrendered. Becauseof this surrender, Inthefollowingcases,acquittalinacriminalactionbarsrecoveryina
BinLadenisentitledtothespecialallowanceforloyaltyforbeingso civilaction;
loyal to thegovernment. 1. Ifthejudgmentofacquittalstatesthattheallegedcriminal
actsoftheoffenderwerenotcommittedbyhim;
If Bin Laden remained in prison despite the 8.9 magnitude 2. Ifthejudgmentofacquittalstatesthattheaccusedisnot
earthquake,heisentitledtoadeductionof2/5fromtheperiodofhis guiltyofcriminalorcivildamages;
sentence.
Inthefollowingcases,theacquittaloftheaccusedinacriminalcase
However,ifBinLadendidnotreturn,therewillbeanadditional1/5 isnotabartorecovercivilliability;
tothetermofhissentence.IfBinLadenmerelyremainedinprison, 1. Whenjudgmentofacquittalisbasedonreasonabledoubt-
therewillbeneitherdeductionnoradditiontohissentence. Thisisbecausecivilactionsrequiremerepreponderanceof
evidence;
--xXx-- 2. When judgment of acquittal states that the liability of
accused is not criminal but civil in nature - Thisusually
happenswhenthecaseisestafaandthereisacontract
betweentheaccusedandcomplainant,uponwhichthe
accusedfailedtocomplywiththetermsofthecontract. istheonewhoactedunderthecompulsionofirresistibleforceor
Thereisbreachofcontract; uncontrollablefear.
3. Whenthejudgmentofacquittalstatesthatthecivilliability
doesnotarisefromthecrimebutfromothersourcesof --xXx--
obligations;
Art. 102. Subsidiary civil liability of innkeepers,
--xXx-- tavernkeepers and proprietors of establishments. — In default of
the persons criminally liable, innkeepers, tavernkeepers, and any
Art.101.Rulesregardingcivilliabilityincertaincases.— other persons or corporations shall be civilly liable for crimes
Theexemptionfromcriminalliabilityestablishedinsubdivisions1, committedintheirestablishments,inallcaseswhereaviolationof
2,3,5and6ofarticle12andinsubdivision4ofarticle11ofthis municipalordinancesorsomegeneralorspecialpoliceregulation
Codedoesnotincludeexemptionfromcivilliability,whichshallbe shallhavebeencommittedbythemortheiremployees.
enforcedsubjecttothefollowingrules: Innkeepersarealsosubsidiarilyliablefortherestitutionof
First.Incasesofsubdivisions1,2,and3ofArticle12,the goodstakenbyrobberyortheftwithintheirhousesfromguests
civilliabilityforactscommittedbyanimbecileorinsaneperson,and lodgingtherein,orforthepaymentofthevaluethereof,provided
byapersonundernineyearsofage,orbyoneoverninebutunder that such guests shall have notified in advance the innkeeper
fifteen years of age, who has acted without discernment, shall himself,orthepersonrepresentinghim,ofthedepositofsuch
devolveuponthosehavingsuchpersonundertheirlegalauthority goods within the inn; and shall furthermore have followed the
orcontrol,unlessitappearsthattherewasnofaultornegligenceon directionswhichsuchinnkeeperorhisrepresentativemayhave
theirpart. giventhemwithrespecttothecareandvigilanceoversuchgoods.
Shouldtherebenopersonhavingsuchinsane,imbecileor Noliabilityshallattachincaseofrobberywithviolenceagainstor
minorunderhisauthority,legalguardianshiporcontrol,orifsuch intimidation of persons unless committed by the innkeeper's
personbeinsolvent,saidinsane,imbecile,orminorshallrespond employees.
with their own property, excepting property exempt from
execution,inaccordancewiththecivillaw. Art.103.Subsidiarycivilliabilityofotherpersons.—The
Second.Incasesfallingwithinsubdivision4ofArticle11, subsidiaryliabilityestablishedinthenextprecedingarticleshallalso
thepersonsforwhosebenefittheharmhasbeenpreventedshallbe applytoemployers,teachers,persons,andcorporationsengagedin
civillyliableinproportiontothebenefitwhichtheymayhave anykindofindustryforfeloniescommittedbytheirservants,pupils,
received. workmen, apprentices, or employees in the discharge of their
The courts shall determine, in sound discretion, the duties.
proportionate amount for which each one shall be liable.
When the respective shares cannot be equitably SUBSIDIARY CIVIL LIABILITY
determined,evenapproximately,orwhentheliabilityalsoattaches Parents,teacher,employers,andproprietorsshallbesubsidiarily
totheGovernment,ortothemajorityoftheinhabitantsofthe liable for the crimes committed by their children, students,
town,and,inallevents,wheneverthedamageshavebeencaused employees,servants.
withtheconsentoftheauthoritiesortheiragents,indemnification
shall be made in the manner prescribed by special laws or Subsidiary Liability of employers
regulations. Employers may be held subsidiarily liable for the acts of their
Third.Incasesfallingwithinsubdivisions5and6ofArticle employees provided the following requisites are present;
12,thepersonsusingviolenceorcausingthefearsshallbeprimarily 1. Employermustbeengagedinsomekindofindustry;
liableandsecondarily,or,iftherebenosuchpersons,thosedoing 2. Employerandemployeerelationship;
theactshallbeliable,savingalwaystothelatterthatpartoftheir 3. Employeecommittedacrimeintheexerciseofhisdutiesas
propertyexemptfromexecution. employee;
4. Theremustbeconvictionofthecrimeandtheemployee
INSANE, IMBECILE, MINOR wasfoundinsolventtopaycivilindemnity;
Incasetheoffenderisinsane,imbecileorminor,thecivilliability
arisingfromtheiractsshallbeshoulderedbythepersonswhohave Themomenttheemployeewasfoundinsolvent,theliabilityofthe
custodyoftheinsane,imbecileorminor. employernowbecomesabsolute.Amotionfortheissuanceofa
subsidiarywritofexecutionmustthenbefiledbythecomplainant
Secondaryliabilityfallsonthepropertyoftheinsane,imbecileor
minor, except those properties which are prohibited from being Example;
attached. ParisHilton,aguestinahotel,toldtherepresentativeofthehotel
thatshecarriesvaluables.TherepresentativeofthehoteltoldParis
STATE OF NECESSITY abouttherulesregardingthecareandvigilanceofthevaluables.
Allpersonswhohavebeenbenefittedduringthestateofnecessity However, during nighttime, a robbery occurred inside the hotel.
shallbearthecivilliability.Iftherearemanypersonsbenefitted,the AmongthosetakenwerethevaluablesofParis.Theoffenderwas
liabilityshallbedividedbythecourtproportionately. arrested,convictedandcivilliabilitywasimposeduponhim.
IRRESISTIBLE FORCE OR UNCONTROLLABLE FEAR Q:Incaseofinsolvencyoftheoffender,doestheproprietorofthe

Borne by the person who enforced the threats to the offender. hotelorestablishmenthavesubsidiarycivilliability?
Secondaryliabilityfallsupontheprincipalbydirectparticipation,who
A:YES.Theguestcompliedwiththerulesandregulationsastothe Q: Is the proprietor of the establishment liable?

careandvigilanceofthegoods.Healsoinformedtherepresentative A:YES.Therewasaviolationoftheordinance.Anycrimescommitted
ofthehotelofthepresenceofhisvaluables. intheestablishmentwillmaketheproprietorsubsidiarilyliablefor
civilliabilityonly,notforcriminalliability.
Example;
Samesituationasabove.Theguardofthehoteltriedtofightthe Example;
robbers.Oneoftherobbersshottheguard.Prosecutedforrobbery VinDieselwasadriverofXYZCorporationengagedinthebusinessof
withhomicideandwasconvicted. distributinggoodstosupermarkets.VinDieselwasdrivingrecklessly
ashewasheadedtoonesupermarket.Inthecoursethereof,Vin
Q:Incaseofinsolvency,istheproprietorofthehotelsubsidiarily Dieselhitacar.Thecarwasdamaged.Becauseofthis,acrimefor
liable? reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property was filed
A:NO.Thecrimecommittedisrobberywithhomicide,whichisa againstVinDiesel.Courtfoundhimguilty.Thepenaltiesimposed
crimeunderrobberywithviolenceagainstorintimidationofpersons. If were fine and payment of damage caused. When the judgment
the crime committed is robbery with violence against or becamefinalandexecutory,awritofexecutionwasissuedbutwas
intimidation of persons, the proprietor is not liable, except if the returnedunsatisfiedduetotheinsolvencyofVinDiesel.
offenderistheemployeeofthehotelorestablishment.
Q: Is there need to file a separate civil action?
A:NO.Thereisnoneedtofileaseparatecivilaction.Intheverysame
Solidum v. People (G.r. No. 192123, March 10, 2014) actionforrecklessimprudenceresultingtodamagetoproperty,the
GeraldGercayowasbornwithanimperforatedanus.Twodaysafter momenttheemployeeisfoundtobeinsolvent,theliabilityofthe
hisbirth,Geraldunderwentcolostomy,asurgicalproceduretobring one employerbecomesabsolute.However,evenifitisabsolute,itisnot
end of the large intestine out through the abdominal wall, automatic.ThecomplainanthastofileaMotionfortheIssuanceofa
enablinghimtoexcretethroughacolostomybagattachedtotheside SubsidiaryWritofExecution.Thisisnotanexpartemotion,buta
ofhisbody.WhenGeraldwasthreeyearsold,hewasadmittedatthe litigatedone.Thus,theotherparty(XYZCOrpo)mustbeinformedfor
Ospital ng Maynila for a pull-through operation. Dr. Leandro dueprocess.
Resurreccion headed the surgical team along with the
anesthesiologists which includes petitioner Dr. Fernando Solidum. --xXx--
Duringtheoperation,Geraldexperiencedbradycardia,andwentinto a
coma. His coma lasted for two weeks,9 but he regained Art. 104. What is included in civil liability. — The civil liability
consciousnessonlyafteramonth.Hecouldnolongersee,hearor establishedinArticles100,101,102,and103ofthisCodeincludes;
move.Thus,themotherlodgedacomplaintforrecklessimprudence 1. Restitution;
resultinginseriousphysicalinjuriesagainsttheattendingphysicians 2. Reparationofthedamagecaused;
and Ospital ngMaynila. 3. Indemnificationforconsequentialdamages.
Q: Is Dr. Solidum civilly or criminally liable? Art.105.Restitution.—Howmade.—Therestitutionof

A:NO.TheProsecutionpresentednowitnesseswithspecialmedical thethingitselfmustbemadewheneverpossible,withallowancefor
qualificationsinanesthesiatoprovideguidancetothetrialcourton any deterioration, or diminution of value as determined by the
whatstandardofcarewasapplicable.Itwouldconsequentlybetruly court.
difficult, if not impossible, to determine whether the first three Thethingitselfshallberestored,eventhoughitbefound
elementsofanegligenceandmalpracticeactionwereattendant. inthepossessionofathirdpersonwhohasacquireditbylawful
means,savingtothelatterhisactionagainsttheproperperson,who
Q: Is Ospital ng Maynila subsidiarily liable? maybeliabletohim.
A: NO. For one, Ospital ng Maynila was not at all a party in the Thisprovisionisnotapplicableincasesinwhichthething
proceedings. Hence, its fundamental right to be heard was not hasbeenacquiredbythethirdpersoninthemannerandunderthe
respectedfromtheoutset.Second,grantingforthesakeofargument requirementswhich,bylaw,baranactionforitsrecovery.
thatOspitalngMaynilawasimpleaded,stillitcannotbesubsidiarily
liable because the requisites for the subsidiary liability of the RESTITUTION
employersarenotpresent.First,thereisnoemployer-employee Restitution is the return of the very thing taken.
relationship because based on the evidence, Dr. Solidum is a
consultantandnotanemployeeofOM.Second,OMisnotengaged in Exception
some kind of industry, it is a charitable institution that caters Exception:iftheinnocentpurchaseracquiredthesaidpropertyina
hospitalservicestopoorpatients;thereisnoprofit.Also,Dr.Solidum publicsale.Then,itcannolongerbetakenawayfromhim.
wasnotcriminallyliable.Lastly,grantingthatDr.Solidumwasheld
liable for civil liability, there was no proof that Dr. Solidum was Q:Whatistheremedyoftheoffendedpartyifthethingcanno
insolventsuchthatOMwillbesubsidiarilyliable. longer bereturned?
A: The remedy of the offended party is reparation.
Example;
AmunicipalordinanceprovidesthatEstablishmentXYZshouldonly --xXx--
beopenduringweekdays.However,thisestablishmentviolatedthe
ordinanceasitopenedonaSunday.Acrimewascommittedduring Art. 106. Reparation. — How made. — The court shall
the Sundayit opened. determinetheamountofdamage,takingintoconsiderationthe
price of the thing, whenever possible, and its special sentimental shallhavearightofactionagainsttheothersfortheamountoftheir
valuetotheinjuredparty,andreparationshallbemadeaccordingly. respectiveshares.
Reparation Example;
Incaseofinabilitytoreturnthepropertystolen,theculpritmustpay X,YandZwerechargedinthecaseofrobbery.Theywereallcharged as
thevalueofthepropertystolen.Thecourtshalldeterminethevalue principals. But the judge ruled that X is a principal, Y is an
ofthethingtakenincludingitssentimentalvalue. accompliceandZisamereaccessory.Thejudgedividedthecivil
liabilityproportionately.Theirliabilitiesamongthemselvesarein
--xXx-- solidum.
Art. 107. Indemnification — What is included. — Q:Againstwhomcantheprivatecomplainantrecoversaidcivil

Indemnification for consequential damages shall include not only liability?
thosecausedtheinjuredparty,butalsothosesufferedbyhisfamily A:Theprivatecomplainantcanrecovertheentirecivilliabilityfrom
orbyathirdpersonbyreasonofthecrime. X,theprincipalbutXnowhasarightofactionagainstYandZinsofar
astheirrespectivecivilliabilitiesareconcerned.IfXcannotpay,the
INDEMNIFICATION privatecomplainantcangoagainstY.YcannowgoagainstXandZ
Indemnificationincludesmoraldamages,civilindemnity,exemplary becausetheirliabilitiesareinsolidumbutsubsidiaryinsofarasthe
damages. privatecomplainantisconcerned
Moral Damages --xXx--

Moraldamagesincaseofrapeormurderneednotbeproved.It
sufficesthatthecrimehasbeencommitted.Thelawpresumesthat Art.111.Obligationtomakerestitutionincertaincases.—
thevictimsufferedmoralindemnitybecauseofthecrimecommitted. Anypersonwhohasparticipatedgratuitouslyintheproceedsofa
felonyshallbeboundtomakerestitutioninanamountequivalent
Exemplary Damages totheextentofsuchparticipation.
Exemplarydamagescanonlybegrantedifthereareaggravating
circumstancesinthecommissionofthecrime. Art. 112. Extinction of civil liability. — Civil liability
establishedinArticles100,101,102,and103ofthisCodeshallbe
--xXx-- extinguishedinthesamemannerasobligations,inaccordancewith
theprovisionsoftheCivilLaw.
Article108.Obligationtomakerestoration,reparationfor
damages, or indemnification for consequential damages and actions EXTINGUISHMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITY:
todemandthesame;Uponwhomitdevolves.-Theobligationto Civil Liability shall be extinguished by the following acts;
makerestorationorreparationfordamagesandindemnificationfor 1. Bypardonoftheoffendedparty;
consequentialdamagesdevolvesupontheheirsofthepersonliable. 2. OthermodesforextinguishingcivilliabilityunderCivilCode;
(payment, Condonation,etc)
Theactiontodemandrestoration,reparation,andindemnification
likewisedescendstotheheirsofthepersoninjured. Civil liability is personal and cannot be extinguished by pardon,
amnesty, probation, commutation of sentence, etc. Civil liability can
Article109.Shareofeachpersoncivillyliable.-Ifthereare only be extinguished in the same manner as in Civil Law, by the
twoormorepersonscivillyliableforafelony,thecourtsshall extinguishment of obligations, i.e., payment, loss of the thing,
determinetheamountforwhicheachmustrespond. remuneration, compensation, etc.
If there were 2 accused convicted, insofar as the civil liability is --xXx--

concerned,itisthecourtwhichshalldeterminethecivilliabilityofthe
2accused Art.113.Obligationtosatisfycivilliability.—Exceptin
caseofextinctionofhiscivilliabilityasprovidedinthenext
--xXx-- precedingarticletheoffendershallcontinuetobeobligedtosatisfy
thecivilliabilityresultingfromthecrimecommittedbyhim,
Art. 110. Several and subsidiary liability ofprincipals, notwithstandingthefactthathehasservedhissentenceconsisting
accomplicesandaccessoriesofafelony—Preferenceinpayment. ofdeprivationoflibertyorotherrights,orhasnotbeenrequiredto
— Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofthenextprecedingarticle,the servethesamebyreasonofamnesty,pardon,commutationof
principals, accomplices, and accessories, each within their sentenceoranyotherreason.
respective class, shall be liable severally (in solidum) among
themselvesfortheirquotas,andsubsidiariesforthoseoftheother --END--
personsliable.
Thesubsidiaryliabilityshallbeenforced,firstagainstthe
propertyoftheprincipals;next,againstthatoftheaccomplices,
and,lastly,againstthatoftheaccessories.
Whenevertheliabilityinsolidumorthesubsidiaryliability
hasbeenenforced,thepersonbywhompaymenthasbeenmade

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GARCIANOTES-CRIMINALLAWREVIEW[2018] 1

Limitations to the Power of Congress to enact Penal Laws:

Characteristics of Penal Laws

Example: Generally Accepted Principles of PIL;

Generally,consulsaresubjecttopenallawsofthecountrywherethey 2.1 Basis of criminal liability is man’s social environment;

Q: Should Magno should be convicted of violation of B.P. 22? --xXx--

Lenity Rule --xXx--

Q: May Pres. X be prosecuted? Exception;

1st:ThosewhoshouldcommitanoffensewhileonaPhilippineshipor English Rule

Q:Wherecanhefileacase?BeforecourtsofJapanorPhilippines? A: Q: Can A, B, C, D, and E be tried in the Philippines?

Kinds of Felonies Ifthepersonactedwithoutintelligence,thereisnocriminalliability.

DECEIT (DOLO) UnderArt.12,theyareexemptingcircumstances,heisfreeofboth

2. Thenature,location,andnumberofwoundssustainedby Therefore, it must be proven

Example; immediately after the

Q: Will his defense of mistake of facts lie in his favor? Example;

A:NO. InthecaseofLoneyv.PeopletheSupremeCourtheldthat ProximateCause-Proximatecauseisthecausethatsetsintomotion

Q:IsGliableforthedeathofthepedestrianbyvirtueofthe Q: Is X criminally liable for the death of the boy?

orlessgravefelonies,wehavecompoundcrimeoracomplexcrime. ERROR IN PERSONAE

Q: What is the liability of the accused to Bulanan? Inthecasetheintendedfelonyishomicidebuttheactualfelonyis

Art.5.Dutyofthecourtinconnectionwithactswhich External Act

There are no common law crimes in the Philippines. ATTEMPTED STAGE

Overt Act Q: Was there attempted rape?

Q: Is X liable for any crime? Example;

Q: Is A liable of attempted parricide? A:Thesonisliableofphysicalinjuriesdependingontherequired

Q: Is the woman liable of any crime? Intent to have carnal

General Rule – not punishable as an act; Direct or Express Conspiracy

Q: What is or are the criminal liabilities of A, B and C? Example;

UnderArt.294itisrobberywithhomicide.Sincetheresultingfelony Q: Was there conspiracy between Z and X?

Example; 2 KINDS OF MULTIPLECONSPIRACY

Inverted Trial Imminentunlawfulaggressionmeansanattackthatisimpendingor

Ifhoweverthedefenseinvokeanyofthejustifyingcircumstances,the Test for unlawful aggression

Kinds of Unlawful Aggression Allofthesewoulddetermineifthemeansemployedoftheperson

Sufficient Provocation A:NO.Therewasnoself-defense.Theunlawfulaggressionalready

Intheexample,Bwasonlywalkingwithagunonhishandanditwas Q: Is there self-defense?

DEFENSE OF A RELATIVE Example;

convict. Likewise, the injury caused to X was the necessary Ontheotherhand,thebatteredwomanalsotriestoconvinceherself

BATTERED WOMAN SYNDROME No Criminal Liability and Civil Liability

Imbecile Criminal Liability

Presumption of Sanity Suspension of Sentence

suspendedthesentencebecauseatthattimethelawwasenacted A: NO. Although the police officer is performing a lawful act in

ACCIDENT UNCONTROLLABLE FEAR

Q: Is the police officer liable for homicide?

MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCE INCOMPLETE JUSTIFYING OR EXEMPTING CIRCUMSTANCE

Mitigatingcircumstancesneednotbeallegedintheinformationin Privilege Mitigating or Ordinary Mitigating

PRAETER INTENTIONEM Provocation

issuance of a warrant of arrest will not automatically make the Q:Iftheoffendervoluntaryconfessedhisguilttoacourtwhichhas

diamond earrings, diamond necklace, diamond watch, diamond 10. Thattheoffenderhasbeenpreviouslypunishedbyan

hispublicpositionasameanstofacilitatethecommissionofthe disrespected the said person as a public authority if he has no

DISRESPECT OF RANK, AGE OR SEX, OR DWELLING OFTHE Ifthecrimeiscommittedinsidethedwellingoftheoffendedparty,it

Example; ABUSE OF CONFIDENCE OR OBVIOUS UNGRATEFULNESS.

Q: Is the aggravating circumstance of dwelling present? Abuse of Confidence

Example; Q: Is the aggravating circumstance of by a band present?

Example; imprescriptible. There is no time limit between the first crimefor

Armed men v. By a band Q:Istheaggravatingcircumstanceofrecidivismpresentinthiscase? A:

Recidivism v. Reiteracion A:NO.Slightphysicalinjurieswhichcarrieswithitthepenaltyof

are used in killing a person, it is not a generic aggravating Fraud

Theessenceoftreacheryisthesuddennessandunexpectednessof The Offender Adopted Particular Means

Q: Is the aggravating circumstance of Abuse of superior strength Example;