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CriminalLawBook1Articles110
DEC20
PostedbyMagz
CriminalLawAbranchofmunicipallawwhichdenescrimes,treatsoftheirnatureandprovidesfor
theirpunishment.
LimitationsonthepowerofCongresstoenactpenallaws(ON)
1.Mustbegeneralinapplication.
2.Mustnotpartakeofthenatureofanexpostfactolaw.
3.Mustnotpartakeofthenatureofabillofaainder.
4.Mustnotimposecruelandunusualpunishmentorexcessivenes.
CharacteristicsofCriminalLaw:
1.GeneralthelawisbindingtoallpersonswhoresideinthePhilippines
2.TerritorialthelawisbindingtoallcrimescommiedwithintheNationalTerritoryofthe
Philippines
ExceptiontoTerritorialApplication:InstancesenumeratedunderArticle2.
3.Prospectivethelawdoesnothaveanyretroactiveeect.
ExceptiontoProspectiveApplication:whennewstatuteisfavorabletotheaccused.
Eectofrepealofpenallawtoliabilityofoender
Totalorabsolute,orpartialorrelativerepeal.Astotheeectofrepealofpenallawtotheliabilityof
oender,qualifyyouranswerbysayingwhethertherepealisabsoluteortotalorwhethertherepealispartialor
relativeonly.
Arepealisabsoluteortotalwhenthecrimepunishedundertherepealedlawhasbeendecriminalizedbythe
repeal.Becauseoftherepeal,theactoromissionwhichusedtobeacrimeisnolongeracrime.Anexampleis
RepublicActNo.7363,whichdecriminalizedsubversion.
Arepealispartialorrelativewhenthecrimepunishedundertherepealedlawcontinuestobeacrimeinspiteof
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Arepealispartialorrelativewhenthecrimepunishedundertherepealedlawcontinuestobeacrimeinspiteof
therepeal.Thismeansthattherepealmerelymodiedtheconditionsaectingthecrimeundertherepealedlaw.
Themodicationmaybeprejudicialorbenecialtotheoender.Hence,thefollowingrule:
Consequencesifrepealofpenallawistotalorabsolute
(1)Ifacaseispendingincourtinvolvingtheviolationoftherepealedlaw,thesameshallbe
dismissed,eventhoughtheaccusedmaybeahabitualdelinquent.
(2)Ifacaseisalreadydecidedandtheaccusedisalreadyservingsentencebynaljudgment,ifthe
convictisnotahabitualdelinquent,thenhewillbeentitledtoareleaseunlessthereisareservationclauseinthe
penallawthatitwillnotapplytothoseservingsentenceatthetimeoftherepeal.Butifthereisnoreservation,
thosewhoarenothabitualdelinquentseveniftheyarealreadyservingtheirsentencewillreceivethebenetofthe
repealinglaw.Theyareentitledtorelease.
Iftheyarenotdischargedfromconnement,apetitionforhabeascorpusshouldbeledtotestthelegalityof
theircontinuedconnementinjail.
Iftheconvict,ontheotherhand,isahabitualdelinquent,hewillcontinueservingthesentenceinspiteofthe
factthatthelawunderwhichhewasconvictedhasalreadybeenabsolutelyrepealed.Thisissobecausepenallaws
shouldbegivenretroactiveapplicationtofavoronlythosewhoarenothabitualdelinquents.
Consequencesifrepealofpenallawispartialorrelative
(1)Ifacaseispendingincourtinvolvingtheviolationoftherepealedlaw,andtherepealinglawis
morefavorabletotheaccused,itshallbetheoneappliedtohim.Sowhetherheisahabitualdelinquentornot,
ifthecaseisstillpendingincourt,therepealinglawwillbetheonetoapplyunlessthereisasavingclauseinthe
repealinglawthatitshallnotapplytopendingcausesofaction.
(2)Ifacaseisalreadydecidedandtheaccusedisalreadyservingsentencebynaljudgment,even
iftherepealinglawispartialorrelative,thecrimestillremainstobeacrime.Thosewhoarenothabitual
delinquentswillbenetontheeectofthatrepeal,sothatiftherepealismorelenienttothem,itwillbe
therepealinglawthatwillhenceforthapplytothem.
UnderArticle22,eveniftheoenderisalreadyconvictedandservingsentence,alawwhichisbenecialshallbe
appliedtohimunlessheisahabitualdelinquentinaccordancewithRule5ofArticle62.
Consequencesifrepealofpenallawisexpressorimplied
(1)Ifapenallawisimpliedlyrepealed,thesubsequentrepealoftherepealinglawwillrevivetheoriginal
law.Sotheactoromissionwhichwaspunishedasacrimeundertheoriginallawwillberevivedandthesame
shallagainbecrimesalthoughduringtheimpliedrepealtheymaynotbepunishable.
(2)Iftherepealisexpress,therepealoftherepealinglawwillnotrevivetherstlaw,sotheactor
omissionwillnolongerbepenalized.
Theseeectsofrepealdonotapplytoselfrepealinglawsorthosewhichhaveautomatictermination.Anexample
istheRentControlLawwhichisrevivedbyCongresseverytwoyears.
TheoriesofCriminalLaw
1.ClassicalTheoryManisessentiallyamoralcreaturewithanabsolutefreewilltochoosebetween
goodandevilandthereforemorestressisplacedupontheresultofthefeloniousactthanuponthe 2/24
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goodandevilandthereforemorestressisplacedupontheresultofthefeloniousactthanuponthe
criminalhimself.
1.PositivistTheoryManissubduedoccasionallybyastrangeandmorbidphenomenonwhich
conditionshimtodowronginspiteoforcontrarytohisvolition.
EclecticorMixedPhilosophy
Thiscombinesbothpositivistandclassicalthinking.Crimesthatareeconomicandsocialandnatureshouldbe
dealtwithinapositivistmanner;thus,thelawismorecompassionate.Heinouscrimesshouldbedealtwithina
classicalmanner;thus,capitalpunishmen
BASICMAXIMSINCRIMINALLAW
DoctrineofProReo
Wheneverapenallawistobeconstruedorappliedandthelawadmitsoftwointerpretationsonelenienttothe
oenderandonestricttotheoenderthatinterpretationwhichislenientorfavorabletotheoenderwillbe
adopted.
Nullumcrimen,nullapoenasinelege
Thereisnocrimewhenthereisnolawpunishingthesame.Thisistruetocivillawcountries,butnottocommon
lawcountries.
Becauseofthismaxim,thereisnocommonlawcrimeinthePhilippines.Nomaerhowwrongful,evilorbadthe
actis,ifthereisnolawdeningtheact,thesameisnotconsideredacrime.
Actusnonfacitreum,nisimenssitrea
Theactcannotbecriminalwherethemindisnotcriminal.Thisistruetoafelonycharacterizedbydolo,butnota
felonyresultingfromculpa.Thismaximisnotanabsoluteonebecauseitisnotappliedtoculpablefelonies,or
thosethatresultfromnegligence.
UtilitarianTheoryorProtectiveTheory
Theprimarypurposeofthepunishmentundercriminallawistheprotectionofsocietyfromactualandpotential
wrongdoers.Thecourts,therefore,inexactingretributionforthewrongedsociety,shoulddirectthepunishmentto
potentialoractualwrongdoers,sincecriminallawisdirectedagainstactsandomissionswhichthesocietydoesnot
approve.Consistentwiththistheory,themalaprohibitaprinciplewhichpunishesanoenseregardlessofmaliceor
criminalintent,shouldnotbeutilizedtoapplythefullharshnessofthespeciallaw.
SourcesofCriminalLaw
1.TheRevisedPenalCode
2.SpecialPenalLawsActsenactedofthePhilippineLegislaturepunishingoensesoromissions.
ConstructionofPenalLaws
1.CriminalStatutesareliberallyconstruedinfavoroftheoender.Thismeansthatnopersonshallbe
broughtwithintheirtermswhoisnotclearlywithinthem,norshouldanyactbepronounced
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broughtwithintheirtermswhoisnotclearlywithinthem,norshouldanyactbepronounced
criminalwhichisnotclearlymadesobystatute.
2.Theoriginaltextinwhichapenallawisapprovedincaseofaconictwithanocialtranslation.
3.Interpretationbyanalogyhasnoplaceincriminallaw
MALAINSEANDMALAPROHIBITA
ViolationsoftheRevisedPenalCodearereferredtoasmaluminse,whichliterallymeans,thattheactis
inherentlyevilorbadorpersewrongful.Ontheotherhand,violationsofspeciallawsaregenerally
referredtoasmalumprohibitum.
Note,however,thatnotallviolationsofspeciallawsaremalaprohibita.Whileintentionalfeloniesare
alwaysmalainse,itdoesnotfollowthatprohibitedactsdoneinviolationofspeciallawsarealways
malaprohibita.Evenifthecrimeispunishedunderaspeciallaw,iftheactpunishedisonewhichis
inherentlywrong,thesameismaluminse,and,therefore,goodfaithandthelackofcriminalintentisa
validdefense;unlessitistheproductofcriminalnegligenceorculpa.
Likewisewhenthespeciallawsrequiresthatthepunishedactbecommiedknowinglyandwillfully,
criminalintentisrequiredtobeprovedbeforecriminalliabilitymayarise.
Whentheactpenalizedisnotinherentlywrong,itiswrongonlybecausealawpunishesthesame.
DistinctionbetweencrimespunishedundertheRevisedPenalCodeandcrimespunishedunder
speciallaws
1.Astomoraltraitoftheoender
IncrimespunishedundertheRevisedPenalCode,themoraltraitoftheoenderisconsidered.Thisis
whyliabilitywouldonlyarisewhenthereisdoloorculpainthecommissionofthepunishableact.
Incrimespunishedunderspeciallaws,themoraltraitoftheoenderisnotconsidered;itisenoughthat
theprohibitedactwasvoluntarilydone.
2.Astouseofgoodfaithasdefense
IncrimespunishedundertheRevisedPenalCode,goodfaithorlackofcriminalintentisavaliddefense;
unlessthecrimeistheresultofculpa
Incrimespunishedunderspeciallaws,goodfaithisnotadefense
3.Astodegreeofaccomplishmentofthecrime
IncrimespunishedundertheRevisedPenalCode,thedegreeofaccomplishmentofthecrimeistaken
intoaccountinpunishingtheoender;thus,thereareaempted,frustrated,andconsummatedstagesin
thecommissionofthecrime.
Incrimespunishedunderspeciallaws,theactgivesrisetoacrimeonlywhenitisconsummated;there
arenoaemptedorfrustratedstages,unlessthespeciallawexpresslypenalizethemereaemptor
frustrationofthecrime.
4.Astomitigatingandaggravatingcircumstances
IncrimespunishedundertheRevisedPenalCode,mitigatingandaggravatingcircumstancesaretaken4/24
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IncrimespunishedundertheRevisedPenalCode,mitigatingandaggravatingcircumstancesaretaken
intoaccountinimposingthepenaltysincethemoraltraitoftheoenderisconsidered.
Incrimespunishedunderspeciallaws,mitigatingandaggravatingcircumstancesarenottakeninto
accountinimposingthepenalty.
5.Astodegreeofparticipation
IncrimespunishedundertheRevisedPenalCode,whenthereismorethanoneoender,thedegreeof
participationofeachinthecommissionofthecrimeistakenintoaccountinimposingthepenalty;thus,
oendersareclassiedasprincipal,accompliceandaccessory.
Incrimespunishedunderspeciallaws,thedegreeofparticipationoftheoendersisnotconsidered.All
whoperpetratedtheprohibitedactarepenalizedtothesameextent.Thereisnoprincipaloraccomplice
oraccessorytoconsider.
Testtodetermineifviolationofspeciallawismalumprohibitumormaluminse
Analyzetheviolation:Isitwrongbecausethereisalawprohibitingitorpunishingitassuch?Ifyouremovethe
law,willtheactstillbewrong?
Ifthewordingofthelawpunishingthecrimeusesthewordwillfully,thenmalicemustbeproven.Wheremalice
isafactor,goodfaithisadefense.
Inviolationofspeciallaw,theactconstitutingthecrimeisaprohibitedact.Thereforeculpaisnotabasisof
liability,unlessthespeciallawpunishesanomission.
Whengivenaproblem,takenoteifthecrimeisaviolationoftheRevisedPenalCodeoraspeciallaw.
Art.1.ThisCodeshalltakeeectonJanuary1,1932.
Art.2.Exceptasprovidedinthetreatiesandlawsofpreferentialapplication,theprovisionsofthis
CodeshallbeenforcednotonlywithinthePhilippineArchipelagoincludingitsatmosphere,its
interiorwatersandMaritimezone,butalsooutsideofitsjurisdiction,againstthosewho:
1.ShouldcommitanoensewhileonaPhilippineshiporairship;
2.ShouldforgeorcounterfeitanycoinorcurrencynoteofthePhilippineIslandsorobligationsand
securitiesissuedbytheGovernmentofthePhilippineIslands;
3.Shouldbeliableforactsconnectedwiththeintroductionintotheseislandsoftheobligationsand
securitiesmentionedintheprecedingnumber;
4.Whilebeingpublicocersoremployees,shouldcommitanoenseintheexerciseoftheir
functions;or(Someofthesecrimesarebribery,fraudagainstnationaltreasury,malversationofpublicfundsor
property,andillegaluseofpublicfunds;e.g.,AjudgewhoacceptsabribewhileinJapan.)
5.Shouldcommitanycrimesagainstthenationalsecurityandthelawofnations,denedinTitle
OneofBookTwoofthisCode.(Thesecrimesincludetreason,espionage,piracy,mutiny,andviolationof
neutrality)
Rulesastocrimescommiedaboardforeignmerchantvessels:
1.FrenchRuleSuchcrimesarenottriableinthecourtsofthatcountry,unlesstheircommission
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1.FrenchRuleSuchcrimesarenottriableinthecourtsofthatcountry,unlesstheircommission
aectsthepeaceandsecurityoftheterritoryorthesafetyofthestateisendangered.
1.EnglishRuleSuchcrimesaretriableinthatcountry,unlesstheymerelyaectthingswithinthe
vesselortheyrefertotheinternalmanagementthereof.(ThisisapplicableinthePhilippines)
twosituationswheretheforeigncountrymaynotapplyitscriminallawevenifacrimewascommiedonboarda
vesselwithinitsterritorialwatersandtheseare:
(1)Whenthecrimeiscommiedinawarvesselofaforeigncountry,becausewarvesselsarepartofthe
sovereigntyofthecountrytowhosenavalforcetheybelong;
(2)WhentheforeigncountryinwhoseterritorialwatersthecrimewascommiedadoptstheFrenchRule,
whichappliesonlytomerchantvessels,exceptwhenthecrimecommiedaectsthenationalsecurityorpublic
orderofsuchforeigncountry.
RequirementsofanoensecommiedwhileonaPhilippineShiporAirship
1.RegisteredwiththePhilippineBureauofCustoms
2.Shipmustbeinthehighseasortheairshipmustbeininternationalairspace.
Underinternationallawrule,avesselwhichisnotregisteredinaccordancewiththelawsofanycountryis
consideredapiratevesselandpiracyisacrimeagainsthumanityingeneral,suchthatwhereverthepiratesmaygo,
theycanbeprosecuted.
USv.Bull
Acrimewhichoccurredonboardofaforeignvessel,whichbeganwhentheshipwasinaforeign
territoryandcontinuedwhenitenteredintoPhilippinewaters,isconsideredacontinuingcrime.Hence
withinthejurisdictionofthelocalcourts.
Asageneralrule,theRevisedPenalCodegovernsonlywhenthecrimecommiedpertainstotheexerciseofthe
publicocialsfunctions,thosehavingtodowiththedischargeoftheirdutiesinaforeigncountry.Thefunctions
contemplatedarethose,whichare,underthelaw,tobeperformedbythepublicocerintheForeignServiceofthe
Philippinegovernmentinaforeigncountry.
Exception:TheRevisedPenalCodegovernsifthecrimewascommiedwithinthePhilippineEmbassyorwithin
theembassygroundsinaforeigncountry.Thisisbecauseembassygroundsareconsideredanextensionof
sovereignty.
Paragraph5ofArticle2,usethephraseasdenedinTitleOneofBookTwoofthisCode.
Thisisaveryimportantpartoftheexception,becauseTitleIofBook2(crimesagainstnationalsecurity)doesnot
includerebellion.
Art3.Actsandomissionspunishablebylawarefelonies.
Actsanovertorexternalact
Omissionfailuretoperformadutyrequiredbylaw.Exampleofanomission:failuretorender
assistancetoanyonewhoisindangerofdyingorisinanuninhabitedplaceoriswounded
abandonment.
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abandonment.
FeloniesactsandomissionspunishablebytheRevisedPenalCode
Crimeactsandomissionspunishablebyanylaw
Whatrequisitesmustconcurbeforeafelonymaybecommied?
Theremustbe(1)anactoromission;(2)punishablebytheRevisedPenalCode;and(3)theactisperformedorthe
omissionincurredbymeansofdoloorculpa.
Howfeloniesarecommied:
1.bymeansofdeceit(dolo)Thereisdeceitwhentheactisperformedwithdeliberateintent.
Requisites:
1.freedom
2.intelligence
3.intent
Examples:murder,treason,androbbery
Criminalintentisnotnecessaryinthesecases:
(1)Whenthecrimeistheproductofculpaornegligence,recklessimprudence,lackofforesightorlackof
skill;
(2)Whenthecrimeisaprohibitedactunderaspeciallaworwhatiscalledmalumprohibitum.
Incriminallaw,intentiscategorizedintotwo:
(1)Generalcriminalintent;and
(2)Speciccriminalintent.
Generalcriminalintentispresumedfromthemeredoingofawrongact.Thisdoesnotrequireproof.The
burdenisuponthewrongdoertoprovethatheactedwithoutsuchcriminalintent.
Speciccriminalintentisnotpresumedbecauseitisaningredientorelementofacrime,likeintenttokillinthe
crimesofaemptedorfrustratedhomicide/parricide/murder.Theprosecutionhastheburdenofprovingthesame.
Distinctionbetweenintentanddiscernment
Intentisthedeterminationtodoacertainthing,anaimorpurposeofthemind.Itisthedesigntoresolveor
determinationbywhichapersonacts.
Ontheotherhand,discernmentisthementalcapacitytotellrightfromwrong.Itrelatestothemoralsignicance
thatapersonascribestohisactandrelatestotheintelligenceasanelementofdolo,distinctfromintent.
Distinctionbetweenintentandmotive
Intentisdemonstratedbytheuseofaparticularmeanstobringaboutadesiredresultitisnotastateofmindor
areasonforcommiingacrime.
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Ontheotherhand,motiveimpliesmotion.Itisthemovingpowerwhichimpelsonetodoanact.Whenthereis
motiveinthecommissionofacrime,italwayscomesbeforetheintent.Butacrimemaybecommiedwithout
motive.
Ifthecrimeisintentional,itcannotbecommiedwithoutintent.Intentismanifestedbytheinstrumentusedby
theoender.Thespeciccriminalintentbecomesmaterialifthecrimeistobedistinguishedfromtheaemptedor
frustratedstage.
1.bymeansoffault(culpa)Thereisfaultwhenthewrongfulactresultsfromimprudence,
negligence,lackofforesight,orlackofskill.
1.Imprudencedeciencyofaction;e.g.Awasdrivingatruckalongaroad.HehitBbecauseitwas
rainingrecklessimprudence.
2.Negligencedeciencyofperception;failuretoforeseeimpendingdanger,usuallyinvolveslackof
foresight
3.c.Requisites:
1.Freedom
2.Intelligence
3.Imprudence,negligence,lackofskillorforesight
4.Lackofintent
Theconceptofcriminalnegligenceistheinexcusablelackofprecautiononthepartofthepersonperformingor
failingtoperformanact.Ifthedangerimpendingfromthatsituationisclearlymanifest,youhaveacaseof
recklessimprudence.Butifthedangerthatwouldresultfromsuchimprudenceisnotclear,notmanifestnor
immediateyouhaveonlyacaseofsimplenegligence.
Mistakeoffactisamisapprehensionoffactonthepartofthepersonwhocausedinjuryto
another.Heisnotcriminallyliable.
a.Requisites:
1.thattheactdonewouldhavebeenlawfulhadthefactsbeenastheaccusedbelievedthemtobe;
2.intentionoftheaccusedislawful;
3.mistakemustbewithoutfaultofcarelessness.
Example:UnitedStatesv.AhChong.
AhChongbeingafraidofbadelements,lockedhimselfinhisroombyplacingachairagainstthedoor.
Afterhavinggonetobed,hewasawakenedbysomebodywhowastryingtoopenthedoor.Heasked
theidentityoftheperson,buthedidnotreceivearesponse.Fearingthatthisintruderwasarobber,he
leapedoutofbedandsaidthathewillkilltheintrudershouldheaempttoenter.Atthatmoment,the
chairstruckhim.Believingthathewasaacked,heseizedaknifeandfatallywoundedtheintruder.
Mistakeoffactwouldberelevantonlywhenthefelonywouldhavebeenintentionalorthroughdolo,butnotwhen
thefelonyisaresultofculpa.Whenthefelonyisaproductofculpa,donotdiscussmistakeoffact.
Art.4.Criminalliabilityshallbeincurred:
1.Byanypersoncommiingafelony,althoughthewrongfulactdonebedierentfromthat
whichheintended.
Article4,paragraph1presupposesthattheactdoneistheproximatecauseoftheresultingfelony.It
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Article4,paragraph1presupposesthattheactdoneistheproximatecauseoftheresultingfelony.It
mustbethedirect,natural,andlogicalconsequenceofthefeloniousact.
Causeswhichproduceadierentresult:
1.Mistakeinidentityofthevictiminjuringonepersonwhoismistakenforanother(thisisacomplex
crimeunderArt.48)e.g.,AintendedtoshootB,butheinsteadshotCbecausehe(A)mistookCforB.
Inerrorinpersonae,theintendedvictimwasnotatthesceneofthecrime.Itwastheactualvictimupon
whomtheblowwasdirected,buthewasnotreallytheintendedvictim.
Howdoeserrorinpersonaeaectcriminalliabilityoftheoender?
Errorinpersonaeismitigatingifthecrimecommiedisdierentfromthatwhichwasintended.Ifthecrime
commiedisthesameasthatwhichwasintended,errorinpersonaedoesnotaectthecriminalliabilityofthe
oender.
Inmistakeofidentity,ifthecrimecommiedwasthesameasthecrimeintended,butonadierentvictim,errorin
personadoesnotaectthecriminalliabilityoftheoender.Butifthecrimecommiedwasdierentfromthe
crimeintended,Article49willapplyandthepenaltyforthelessercrimewillbeapplied.Inaway,mistakein
identityisamitigatingcircumstancewhereArticle49applies.Wherethecrimeintendedismoreseriousthanthe
crimecommied,theerrorinpersonaisnotamitigatingcircumstance
2.Mistakeinblowhiingsomebodyotherthanthetargetduetolackofskillorfortuitousinstances
(thisisacomplexcrimeunderArt.48)e.g.,BandCwerewalkingtogether.AwantedtoshootB,but
heinsteadinjuredC.
Inaberratioictus,apersondirectedtheblowatanintendedvictim,butbecauseofpooraim,thatblowlanded
onsomebodyelse.Inaberratioictus,theintendedvictimaswellastheactualvictimarebothatthesceneofthe
crime.
aberratioictus,generallygivesrisetoacomplexcrime.Thisbeingso,thepenaltyforthemoreseriouscrimeis
imposedinthemaximumperiod.
3.Injuriousresultisgreaterthanthatintendedcausinginjurygraverthanintendedorexpected(this
isamitigatingcircumstanceduetolackofintenttocommitsograveawrongunderArt.13)e.g.,A
wantedtoinjureB.However,Bdied.
praeterintentionemismitigating,particularlycoveredbyparagraph3ofArticle13.Inorderhowever,that
thesituationmayqualifyaspraeterintentionem,theremustbeanotabledisparitybetweenthemeansemployed
andtheresultingfelony
Inalltheseinstancestheoendercanstillbeheldcriminallyliable,sinceheismotivatedbycriminal
intent.
Requisites:
1.thefelonywasintentionallycommied
2.thefelonyistheproximatecauseofthewrongdone
DoctrineofProximateCausesuchadequateandecientcauseas,inthenaturalorderofevents,
andundertheparticularcircumstancessurroundingthecase,whichwouldnecessarilyproducethe
event.
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event.
Requisites:
1.thedirect,natural,andlogicalcause
2.producestheinjuryordamage
3.unbrokenbyanysucientinterveningcause
4.withoutwhichtheresultwouldnothaveoccurred
ProximateCauseisnegatedby:
1.Activeforce,distinctact,orfactabsolutelyforeignfromthefeloniousactoftheaccused,whichserves
asasucientinterveningcause.
2.Resultinginjuryordamageisduetotheintentionalactofthevictim.
proximatecausedoesnotrequirethattheoenderneedstoactuallytouchthebodyoftheoendedparty.Itis
enoughthattheoendergeneratedinthemindoftheoendedpartythebeliefthatmadehimriskhimself.
RequisiteforPresumptionblowwascauseofthedeathWheretherehasbeenaninjuryinictedsucient
toproducedeathfollowedbythedemiseoftheperson,thepresumptionarisesthattheinjurywas
thecauseofthedeath.Provided:
1.victimwasinnormalhealth
2.deathensuedwithinareasonabletime
Theonewhocausedtheproximatecauseistheoneliable.Theonewhocausedtheimmediatecauseisalso
liable,butmerelycontributoryorsometimestotallynotliable.
2.Byanypersonperforminganactwhichwouldbeanoenseagainstpersonsorproperty,wereit
notfortheinherentimpossibilityofitsaccomplishmentoronaccountoftheemploymentof
inadequateorineectualmeans.
Requisites:(IMPOSSIBLECRIME)
1.Actwouldhavebeenanoenseagainstpersonsorproperty
2.ActisnotanactualviolationofanotherprovisionoftheCodeorofaspecialpenallaw
3.Therewascriminalintent
4.Accomplishmentwasinherentlyimpossible;orinadequateorineectualmeanswereemployed.
Notes:
1.Oendermustbelievethathecanconsummatetheintendedcrime,amanstabbinganotherwhohe
knewwasalreadydeadcannotbeliableforanimpossiblecrime.
2.Thelawintendstopunishthecriminalintent.
3.Thereisnoaemptedorfrustratedimpossiblecrime.
Feloniesagainstpersons:parricide,murder,homicide,infanticide,physicalinjuries,etc.
Feloniesagainstproperty:robbery,theft,usurpation,swindling,etc.
Inherentimpossibility:AthoughtthatBwasjustsleeping.Bwasalreadydead.AshotB.Aisliable.
IfAknewthatBisdeadandhestillshothim,thenAisnotliable.
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Whenwesayinherentimpossibility,thismeansthatunderanyandallcircumstances,thecrimecouldnothave
materialized.Ifthecrimecouldhavematerializedunderadierentsetoffacts,employingthesamemeanorthe
sameact,itisnotanimpossiblecrime;itwouldbeanaemptedfelony.
Employmentofinadequatemeans:AusedpoisontokillB.However,BsurvivedbecauseAusedsmall
quantitiesofpoisonfrustratedmurder.
Ineectualmeans:AaimedhisgunatB.Whenheredthegun,nobulletcameoutbecausethegun
wasempty.Aisliable.
Wheneveryouareconfrontedwithaproblemwherethefactssuggestthatanimpossiblecrimewas
commied,becarefulaboutthequestionasked.Ifthequestionaskedis:Isanimpossiblecrimecommied?,then
youjudgethatquestiononthebasisofthefacts.Ifreallythefactsconstituteanimpossiblecrime,thenyou
suggestthananimpossiblecrimeiscommied,thenyoustatethereasonfortheinherentimpossibility.
IfthequestionaskedisIsheliableforanimpossiblecrime?,thisisacatchingquestion.Eventhoughthe
factsconstituteanimpossiblecrime,iftheactdonebytheoenderconstitutessomeothercrimesundertheRevised
PenalCode,hewillnotbeliableforanimpossiblecrime.Hewillbeprosecutedforthecrimeconstitutedsofarby
theactdonebyhim.
thisideaofanimpossiblecrimeisaoneoflastresort,justtoteachtheoenderalessonbecauseofhis
criminalperversity.Ifhecouldbetaughtofthesamelessonbycharginghimwithsomeothercrimeconstitutedby
hisact,thenthatwillbetheproperway.Ifyouwanttoplaysafe,youstatetherethatalthoughanimpossiblecrime
isconstituted,yetitisaprincipleofcriminallawthathewillonlybepenalizedforanimpossiblecrimeifhecannot
bepunishedundersomeotherprovisionoftheRevisedPenalCode.
Art5.Wheneveracourthasknowledgeofanyactwhichitmaydeempropertorepressandwhichis
notpunishablebylaw,itshallrendertheproperdecisionandshallreporttotheChiefExecutive,
throughtheDepartmentofJustice,thereasonswhichinducethecourttobelievethatsaidactshouldbe
madesubjectoflegislation.
InthesamewaythecourtshallsubmittotheChiefExecutive,throughtheDepartmentofJustice,
suchstatementasmaybedeemedproper,withoutsuspendingtheexecutionofthesentence,whena
strictenforcementoftheprovisionsofthisCodewouldresultintheimpositionofaclearlyexcessive
penalty,takingintoconsiderationthedegreeofmaliceandtheinjurycausedbytheoense.
Whenapersonischargedincourt,andthecourtndsthatthereisnolawapplicable,thecourtwillacquit
theaccusedandthejudgewillgivehisopinionthatthesaidactshouldbepunished.
Paragraph2doesnotapplytocrimespunishablebyspeciallaw,includingproteering,andillegal
possessionofrearmsordrugs.Therecanbenoexecutiveclemencyforthesecrimes.
Art.6.Consummatedfelonies,aswellasthosewhicharefrustratedandaempted,arepunishable.
Afelonyisconsummatedwhenalltheelementsnecessaryforitsexecutionandaccomplishmentare
present;anditisfrustratedwhentheoenderperformsalltheactsofexecutionwhichwould
producethefelonyasaconsequencebutwhich,nevertheless,donotproduceitbyreasonofcauses
independentofthewilloftheperpetrator.
Thereisanaemptwhentheoendercommencesthecommissionofafelonydirectlybyovertacts,
anddoesnotperformalltheactsofexecutionwhichshouldproducethefelonybyreasonofsome
causeoraccidentotherthanhisownspontaneousdesistance.
Developmentofacrime
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Developmentofacrime
1.Internalactsintentandplans;usuallynotpunishable
2.Externalacts
1.PreparatoryActsactstendingtowardthecrime
2.ActsofExecutionactsdirectlyconnectedthecrime
StagesofCommissionofaCrime
Overtactsofexecutionare
started
Notallactsofexecution
arepresent
Duetoreasonsotherthan
thespontaneous
desistanceofthe
perpetrator
Allactsofexecutionare
present
Crimesoughttobe
commiedisnotachieved
Duetointerveningcauses
independentofthewillof
theperpetrator
Alltheactsofexecution
arepresent
Theresultsoughtis
achieved
StagesofaCrimedoesnotapplyin:
1.OensespunishablebySpecialPenalLaws,unlesstheotherwiseisprovidedfor.
2.Formalcrimes(e.g.,slander,adultery,etc.)
3.ImpossibleCrimes
4.Crimesconsummatedbymereaempt.Examples:aempttoeetoanenemycountry,treason,
corruptionofminors.
5.Feloniesbyomission
6.Crimescommiedbymereagreement.Examples:beinginsports(endingsinbasketball),
corruptionofpublicocers.
Desistance
Desistanceonthepartoftheoendernegatescriminalliabilityintheaemptedstage.Desistanceistrueonly
intheaemptedstageofthefelony.Ifunderthedenitionofthefelony,theactdoneisalreadyinthefrustrated
stage,noamountofdesistancewillnegatecriminalliability.
Thespontaneousdesistanceoftheoendernegatesonlytheaemptedstagebutnotnecessarilyallcriminal12/24
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Thespontaneousdesistanceoftheoendernegatesonlytheaemptedstagebutnotnecessarilyallcriminal
liability.Eventhoughtherewasdesistanceonthepartoftheoender,ifthedesistancewasmadewhenactsdone
byhimalreadyresultedtoafelony,thatoenderwillstillbecriminallyliableforthefelonybroughtabouthisact
Indecidingwhetherafelonyisaemptedorfrustratedorconsummated,therearethreecriteriainvolved:
(1)Themannerofcommiingthecrime;
(2)Theelementsofthecrime;and
(3)Thenatureofthecrimeitself.
Applications:
1.AputpoisoninBsfood.Bthrewawayhisfood.Aisliableaemptedmurder.[1]
2.AstoleBscar,buthereturnedit.Aisliable(consummated)theft.
3.AaimedhisgunatB.CheldAshandandpreventedhimfromshootingBaemptedmurder.
4.AinictedamortalwoundonB.Bmanagedtosurvivefrustratedmurder.
5.AintendedtokillBbyshootinghim.Amissedaemptedmurder.
6.AdousedBshousewithkerosene.Butbeforehecouldlightthematch,hewascaughtaempted
arson.
7.Acauseablaze,butdidnotburnthehouseofBfrustratedarson.
8.BshousewassetonrebyA(consummated)arson.
9.AtriedtorapeB.Bmanagedtoescape.Therewasnopenetrationaemptedrape.
10.AgotholdofBspainting.AwascaughtbeforehecouldleaveBshousefrustratedrobbery.[2]
Theaemptedstageissaidtobewithinthesubjectivephaseofexecutionofafelony.Onthesubjective
phase,itisthatpointintimewhentheoenderbeginsthecommissionofanovertactuntilthatpointwherehe
losescontrolofthecommissionofthecrimealready.Ifhehasreachedthatpointwherehecannolongercontrolthe
ensuingconsequence,thecrimehasalreadypassedthesubjectivephaseand,therefore,itisnolongeraempted.
Themomenttheexecutionofthecrimehasalreadygonetothatpointwherethefelonyshouldfollowasa
consequence,itiseitheralreadyfrustratedorconsummated.Ifthefelonydoesnotfollowasaconsequence,itis
alreadyfrustrated.Ifthefelonyfollowsasaconsequence,itisconsummated.
althoughtheoendermaynothavedonetheacttobringaboutthefelonyasaconsequence,ifhecouldhave
continuedcommiingthoseactsbuthehimselfdidnotproceedbecausehebelievedthathehaddoneenoughto
consummatethecrime,SupremeCourtsaidthesubjectivephasehaspassed
NOTESONARSON;
Theweightoftheauthorityisthatthecrimeofarsoncannotbecommiedinthefrustratedstage.Thereason
isbecausewecanhardlydeterminewhethertheoenderhasperformedalltheactsofexecutionthatwouldresultin
arson,asaconsequence,unlessapartofthepremiseshasstartedtoburn.Ontheotherhand,themomenta
particleoramoleculeofthepremiseshasblackened,inlaw,arsonisconsummated.Thisisbecauseconsummated
arsondoesnotrequirethatthewholeofthepremisesbeburned.Itisenoughthatanypartofthepremises,no
maerhowsmall,hasbeguntoburn.
ESTAFAVS.THEFT
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Inestafa,theoenderreceivestheproperty;hedoesnottakeit.Butinreceivingtheproperty,therecipient
maybecommiingtheft,notestafa,ifwhatwastransferredtohimwasonlythephysicalormaterialpossessionof
theobject.Itcanonlybeestafaifwhatwastransferredtohimisnotonlymaterialorphysicalpossessionbut
juridicalpossessionaswell.
Whenyouarediscussingestafa,donottalkaboutintenttogain.Inthesamemannerthatwhenyouare
discussingthecrimeoftheft,donottalkofdamage.
Natureofthecrimeitself
Incrimesinvolvingthetakingofhumanlifeparricide,homicide,andmurderinthedenitionofthe
frustratedstage,itisindispensablethatthevictimbemortallywounded.Underthedenitionofthefrustrated
stage,toconsidertheoenderashavingperformedalltheactsofexecution,theactsalreadydonebyhimmust
produceorbecapableofproducingafelonyasaconsequence.Thegeneralruleisthattheremustbeafatalinjury
inicted,becauseitisonlythenthatdeathwillfollow.
Ifthewoundisnotmortal,thecrimeisonlyaempted.Thereasonisthatthewoundinictedisnotcapable
ofbringingaboutthedesiredfelonyofparricide,murderorhomicideasaconsequence;itcannotbesaidthatthe
oenderhasperformedalltheactsofexecutionwhichwouldproduceparricide,homicideormurderasaresult.
Anexceptiontothegeneralruleisthesocalledsubjectivephase.TheSupremeCourthasdecidedcaseswhich
appliedthesubjectivestandardthatwhentheoenderhimselfbelievedthathehadperformedalltheactsof
execution,eventhoughnomortalwoundwasinicted,theactisalreadyinthefrustratedstage.
Thecommonnotionisthatwhenthereisconspiracyinvolved,theparticipantsarepunishedasprincipals.
Thisnotionisnolongerabsolute.InthecaseofPeoplev.Nierra,theSupremeCourtruledthateventhoughthere
wasconspiracy,ifacoconspiratormerelycooperatedinthecommissionofthecrimewithinsignicantorminimal
acts,suchthatevenwithouthiscooperation,thecrimecouldbecarriedoutaswell,suchcoconspiratorshouldbe
punishedasanaccompliceonly.
Art.7.Lightfeloniesarepunishableonlywhentheyhavebeenconsummatedwiththeexceptionof
thosecommiedagainstpersonsorproperty.
Examplesoflightfelonies:slightphysicalinjuries;theft;alterationofboundarymarks;malicious
mischief;andintriguingagainsthonor.
Incommissionofcrimesagainstpropertiesandpersons,everystageofexecutionispunishablebut
onlytheprincipalsandaccomplicesareliableforlightfelonies,accessoriesarenot.
Art.8.Conspiracyandproposaltocommitfelonyarepunishableonlyinthecasesinwhichthelaw
speciallyprovidesapenaltytherefore.
Aconspiracyexistswhentwoormorepersonscometoanagreementconcerningthecommissionofa
felonyanddecidetocommitit.
Thereisproposalwhenthepersonwhohasdecidedtocommitafelonyproposesitsexecutionto
someotherpersonorpersons.
Conspiracyispunishableinthefollowingcases:treason,rebellionorinsurrection,sedition,and
monopoliesandcombinationsinrestraintoftrade.
Conspiracytocommitacrimeisnottobeconfusedwithconspiracyasameansofcommiingacrime.Inboth
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Conspiracytocommitacrimeisnottobeconfusedwithconspiracyasameansofcommiingacrime.Inboth
casesthereisanagreementbutmereconspiracytocommitacrimeisnotpunishedEXCEPTin
treason,rebellion,orsedition.Eventhen,ifthetreasonisactuallycommied,theconspiracywillbe
consideredasameansofcommiingitandtheaccusedwillallbechargedfortreasonandnotfor
conspiracytocommittreason.
ConspiracyandProposaltoCommitaCrime
Conspiracy Proposal
Elements Agreementamong2ormore
personstocommitacrime
Theydecidetocommitit
Apersonhasdecidedto
commitacrime
Heproposesitscommission
toanother
Crimes 1.Conspiracytocommit
sedition
2.Conspiracytocommit
rebellion
3.Conspiracytocommittreason
4.Proposaltocommittreason
5.Proposaltocommitrebellion
Mereconspiracyincombinationinrestraintoftrade(Art.186),andbrigandage(Art.306).
Twowaysforconspiracytoexist:
(1)Thereisanagreement.
(2)Theparticipantsactedinconcertorsimultaneouslywhichisindicativeofameetingofthemindstowards
acommoncriminalgoalorcriminalobjective.Whenseveraloendersactinasynchronized,coordinatedmanner,
thefactthattheiractscomplimentedeachotherisindicativeofthemeetingoftheminds.Thereisanimplied
agreement.
Twokindsofconspiracy:
(1)Conspiracyasacrime;and
(2)Conspiracyasamannerofincurringcriminalliability
Whenconspiracyitselfisacrime,noovertactisnecessarytobringaboutthecriminalliability.Themere
conspiracyisthecrimeitself.Thisisonlytruewhenthelawexpresslypunishesthemereconspiracy;otherwise,
theconspiracydoesnotbringaboutthecommissionofthecrimebecauseconspiracyisnotanovertactbutamere
preparatoryact.Treason,rebellion,sedition,andcoupdetataretheonlycrimeswheretheconspiracyandproposal
tocommittothemarepunishable.
Whentheconspiracyisonlyabasisofincurringcriminalliability,theremustbeanovertactdonebeforethe
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Whentheconspiracyisonlyabasisofincurringcriminalliability,theremustbeanovertactdonebeforethe
coconspiratorsbecomecriminallyliable.Foraslongasnoneoftheconspiratorshascommiedanovertact,there
isnocrimeyet.Butwhenoneofthemcommitsanyovertact,allofthemshallbeheldliable,unlessaco
conspiratorwasabsentfromthesceneofthecrimeorheshowedup,buthetriedtopreventthecommissionofthe
crime.
Asageneralrule,iftherehasbeenaconspiracytocommitacrimeinaparticularplace,anyonewhodidnot
appearshallbepresumedtohavedesisted.Theexceptiontothisisifsuchpersonwhodidnotappearwasthe
mastermind.
Foraslongasnoneoftheconspiratorshascommiedanovertact,thereisnocrimeyet.Butwhenoneof
themcommitsanyovertact,allofthemshallbeheldliable,unlessacoconspiratorwasabsentfromthesceneofthe
crimeorheshowedup,buthetriedtopreventthecommissionofthecrime
Asageneralrule,iftherehasbeenaconspiracytocommitacrimeinaparticularplace,anyonewhodidnot
appearshallbepresumedtohavedesisted.Theexceptiontothisisifsuchpersonwhodidnotappearwasthe
mastermind.
Whentheconspiracyitselfisacrime,thiscannotbeinferredordeducedbecausethereisnoovertact.Allthat
thereistheagreement.Ontheotherhand,ifthecoconspiratororanyofthemwouldexecuteanovertact,the
crimewouldnolongerbetheconspiracybuttheovertactitself.
conspiracyasacrime,musthaveaclearandconvincingevidenceofitsexistence.Everycrimemustbeproved
beyondreasonabledoubt.itmustbeestablishedbypositiveandconclusiveevidence,notbyconjecturesor
speculations.
Whentheconspiracyisjustabasisofincurringcriminalliability,however,thesamemaybededucedor
inferredfromtheactsofseveraloendersincarryingoutthecommissionofthecrime.Theexistenceofa
conspiracymaybereasonablyinferredfromtheactsoftheoenderswhensuchactsdiscloseorshowacommon
pursuitofthecriminalobjective.
mereknowledge,acquiescenceto,orapprovaloftheact,withoutcooperationoratleast,agreementto
cooperate,isnotenoughtoconstituteaconspiracy.Theremustbeanintentionalparticipationinthecrimewitha
viewtofurtherthecommonfeloniousobjective.
Whenseveralpersonswhodonotknoweachothersimultaneouslyaackthevictim,theactofoneistheactof
all,regardlessofthedegreeofinjuryinictedbyanyoneofthem.Allwillbeliablefortheconsequences.A
conspiracyispossibleevenwhenparticipantsarenotknowntoeachother.Donotthinkthatparticipantsare
alwaysknowntoeachother.
Conspiracyisamaerofsubstancewhichmustbeallegedintheinformation,otherwise,thecourtwillnot
considerthesame.
Proposalistrueonlyuptothepointwherethepartytowhomtheproposalwasmadehasnotyetacceptedthe
proposal.Oncetheproposalwasaccepted,aconspiracyarises.Proposalisunilateral,onepartymakesa
propositiontotheother;conspiracyisbilateral,itrequirestwoparties.
SEDITION;
Proposaltocommitseditionisnotacrime.ButifUnionBacceptstheproposal,therewillbeconspiracytocommit
seditionwhichisacrimeundertheRevisedPenalCode.
Compositecrimes
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Compositecrimes
Compositecrimesarecrimeswhich,insubstance,consistofmorethanonecrimebutintheeyesofthelaw,
thereisonlyonecrime.Forexample,thecrimesofrobberywithhomicide,robberywithrape,robberywithphysical
injuries.
Incasethecrimecommiedisacompositecrime,theconspiratorwillbeliableforalltheactscommied
duringthecommissionofthecrimeagreedupon.Thisisbecause,intheeyesofthelaw,allthoseactsdonein
pursuanceofthecrimeagreeduponareactswhichconstituteasinglecrime.
Asageneralrule,whenthereisconspiracy,theruleisthattheactofoneistheactofall.Thisprinciple
appliesonlytothecrimeagreedupon.
Theexceptionisifanyofthecoconspiratorwouldcommitacrimenotagreedupon.Thishappenswhenthe
crimeagreeduponandthecrimecommiedbyoneofthecoconspiratorsaredistinctcrimes.
Exceptiontotheexception:Inactsconstitutingasingleindivisibleoense,eventhoughthecoconspirator
performeddierentactsbringingaboutthecompositecrime,allwillbeliableforsuchcrime.Theycanonlyevade
responsibilityforanyothercrimeoutsideofthatagreeduponifitisprovedthattheparticularconspiratorhadtried
topreventthecommissionofsuchotheract.
Art.9.Gravefeloniesarethosetowhichthelawaachesthecapitalpunishmentorpenaltieswhichin
anyoftheirareaictive,inaccordancewithArticle25ofthisCode.
Lessgravefeloniesarethosewhichthelawpunisheswithpenaltieswhichintheirmaximumperiod
arecorrectional,inaccordancewiththeabovementionedarticle.
Lightfeloniesarethoseinfractionsoflawforthecommissionofwhichhepenaltyofarrestomayoror
anenotexceeding200pesos,orbothisprovided.
Capitalpunishmentdeathpenalty.
Penalties(imprisonment):Gravesixyearsandonedaytoreclusionperpetua(life);Lessgraveone
monthandonedaytosixyears;Lightarrestomenor(onedayto30days).
CLASSIFICATIONOFFELONIES
Thisquestionwasaskedinthebarexamination:Howdoyouclassifyfeloniesorhowarefeloniesclassied?
WhattheexaminerhadinmindwasArticles3,6and9.DonotwritetheclassicationoffeloniesunderBook2of
theRevisedPenalCode.Thatwasnotwhattheexaminerhadinmindbecausethequestiondoesnotrequirethe
candidatetoclassifybutalsotodene.Therefore,theexaminerwasaftertheclassicationsunderArticles3,6and
9.
Feloniesareclassiedasfollows:
(1)Accordingtothemanneroftheircommission
UnderArticle3,theyareclassiedas,intentionalfeloniesorthosecommiedwithdeliberateintent;andculpable
feloniesorthoseresultingfromnegligence,recklessimprudence,lackofforesightorlackofskill.
(2)Accordingtothestagesoftheirexecution
UnderArticle6.,feloniesareclassiedasaemptedfelonywhentheoendercommencesthecommissionofa
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UnderArticle6.,feloniesareclassiedasaemptedfelonywhentheoendercommencesthecommissionofa
felonydirectlybyovertacts,anddoesnotperformalltheactsofexecutionwhichshouldproducethefelonyby
reasonofsomecauseoraccidentotherthanhisownspontaneousdesistance;frustratedfelonywhentheoender
commencesthecommissionofafelonyasaconsequencebutwhichwouldproducethefelonyasaconsequencebut
whichneverthelessdonotproducethefelonybyreasonofcausesindependentoftheperpetrator;and,consummated
felonywhenalltheelementsnecessaryforitsexecutionarepresent.
(3)Accordingtotheirgravity
UnderArticle9,feloniesareclassiedasgravefeloniesorthosetowhichaachesthecapitalpunishmentor
penaltieswhichinanyoftheirperiodsareaictive;lessgravefeloniesorthosetowhichthelawpunisheswith
penaltieswhichintheirmaximumperiodwascorreccional;andlightfeloniesorthoseinfractionsoflawforthe
commissionofwhichthepenaltyisarrestomenor.
Whyisitnecessarytodeterminewhetherthecrimeisgrave,lessgraveorlight?
Todeterminewhetherthesefeloniescanbecomplexedornot,andtodeterminetheprescriptionofthecrimeandthe
prescriptionofthepenalty.Inotherwords,thesearefeloniesclassiedaccordingtotheirgravity,stagesandthe
penaltyaachedtothem.TakenotethatwhentheRevisedPenalCodespeaksofgraveandlessgravefelonies,the
denitionmakesareferencespecicallytoArticle25oftheRevisedPenalCode.DonotomitthephraseIn
accordancewithArticle25becausethereisalsoaclassicationofpenaltiesunderArticle26thatwasnotapplied.
IfthepenaltyisneandexactlyP200.00,itisonlyconsideredalightfelonyunderArticle9.
Iftheneisimposedasanalternativepenaltyorasasinglepenalty,theneofP200.00isconsideredacorrectional
penaltyunderArticle26.
IfthepenaltyisexactlyP200.00,applyArticle26.Itisconsideredascorrectionalpenaltyanditprescribesin10
years.Iftheoenderisapprehendedatanytimewithintenyears,hecanbemadetosuerthene.
Thisclassicationoffelonyaccordingtogravityisimportantwithrespecttothequestionofprescriptionofcrimes.
Inthecaseoflightfelonies,crimesprescribeintwomonths.Ifthecrimeiscorrectional,itprescribesintenyears,
exceptarrestomayor,whichprescribesinveyears.
Art.10.Oenseswhichareorinthefuturemaybepunishableunderspeciallawsarenotsubjectto
theprovisionsofthisCode.ThisCodeshallbesupplementarytosuchlaws,unlessthelaershould
speciallyprovidethecontrary.
ForSpecialLaws:Penaltiesshouldbeimprisonment,andnotreclusionperpetua,etc.
Oensesthatareaemptedorfrustratedarenotpunishable,unlessotherwisestated.
Pleaofguiltyisnotmitigatingforoensespunishablebyspeciallaws.
Nominimum,medium,andmaximumperiodsforpenalties.
Nopenaltyforanaccessoryoraccomplice,unlessotherwisestated.
ProvisionsofRPCapplicabletospeciallaws:
1.Art.16ParticipationofAccomplices
2.Art.22RetroactivityofPenallawsiffavorabletotheaccused
3.Art.45Conscationofinstrumentsusedinthecrime
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3.Art.45Conscationofinstrumentsusedinthecrime
SUPPLETORYAPPLICATIONOFTHEREVISEDPENALCODE
InArticle10,thereisareservationprovisionoftheRevisedPenalCodemaybeappliedsuppletorilytospecial
laws.YouwillonlyapplytheprovisionsoftheRevisedPenalCodeasasupplementtothespeciallaw,orsimply
correlatetheviolatedspeciallaw,ifneededtoavoidaninjustice.Ifnojusticewouldresult,donotgivesuppletorily
applicationoftheRevisedPenalCodetothatofspeciallaw.
Forexample,aspeciallawpunishesacertainactasacrime.Thespeciallawissilentastothecivilliabilityofone
whoviolatesthesame.Hereisapersonwhoviolatedthespeciallawandhewasprosecuted.Hisviolationcaused
damageorinjurytoaprivateparty.Maythecourtpronouncethatheiscivillyliabletotheoendedparty,
consideringthatthespeciallawissilentonthispoint?Yes,becauseArticle100oftheRevisedPenalCodemaybe
givensuppletoryapplicationtopreventaninjusticefrombeingdonetotheoendedparty.Article100statesthat
everypersoncriminallyliableforafelonyisalsocivillyliable.Thatarticleshallbeappliedsuppletorytoavoidan
injusticethatwouldbecausedtotheprivateoendedparty,ifhewouldnotbeindemniedforthedamagesor
injuriessustainedbyhim.
InPeoplev.Rodriguez,itwasheldthattheuseofarmsisanelementofrebellion,soarebelcannotbefurther
prosecutedforpossessionofrearms.Aviolationofaspeciallawcanneverabsorbacrimepunishableunderthe
RevisedPenalCode,becauseviolationsoftheRevisedPenalCodearemoreseriousthanaviolationofaspeciallaw.
ButacrimeintheRevisedPenalCodecanabsorbacrimepunishablebyaspeciallawifitisanecessaryingredient
ofthecrimeintheRevisedPenalCode
Inthecrimeofsedition,theuseofrearmsisnotaningredientofthecrime.Hence,twoprosecutionscanbehad:
(1)sedition;and(2)illegalpossessionofrearms.
ButdonotthinkthatwhenacrimeispunishedoutsideoftheRevisedPenalCode,itisalreadyaspeciallaw.For
example,thecrimeofcalerustlingisnotamalaprohibitumbutamodicationofthecrimetheftoflargecale.
SoPresidentialDecreeNo.533,punishingcalerustling,isnotaspeciallaw.Itcanabsorbthecrimeofmurder.
Ifinthecourseofcalerustling,murderwascommied,theoendercannotbeprosecutedformurder.Murder
wouldbeaqualifyingcircumstanceinthecrimeofqualiedcalerustling.ThiswastherulinginPeoplev.
Martinada.
TheamendmentsofPresidentialDecreeNo.6425(TheDangerousDrugsActof1972)byRepublicActNo.7659,
whichadoptedthescaleofpenaltiesintheRevisedPenalCode,meansthatmitigatingandaggravating
circumstancescannowbeconsideredinimposingpenalties.PresidentialDecreeNo.6425doesnotexpressly
prohibitthesuppletoryapplicationoftheRevisedPenalCode.Thestagesofthecommissionoffelonieswillalso
applysincesuppletoryapplicationisnowallowed.
Circumstancesaectingcriminalliability
Therearevecircumstancesaectingcriminalliability:
(1)Justifyingcircumstances;
(2)Exemptingcircumstances;
(3)Mitigatingcircumstances;
(4)Aggravatingcircumstances;and
(5)Alternativecircumstances.
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(5)Alternativecircumstances.
TherearetwootherswhicharefoundelsewhereintheprovisionsoftheRevisedPenalCode:
(1)Absolutorycause;and
(2)Extenuatingcircumstances.
Injustifyingandexemptingcircumstances,thereisnocriminalliability.Whenanaccusedinvokesthem,hein
eectadmitsthecommissionofacrimebuttriestoavoidtheliabilitythereof.Theburdenisuponhimtoestablish
beyondreasonabledoubttherequiredconditionstojustifyorexempthisactsfromcriminalliability.Whatis
shiftedisonlytheburdenofevidence,nottheburdenofproof.
Justifyingcircumstancescontemplateintentionalactsand,hence,areincompatiblewithdolo.Exempting
circumstancesmaybeinvokedinculpablefelonies.
Absolutorycause
Theeectofthisistoabsolvetheoenderfromcriminalliability,althoughnotfromcivilliability.Ithasthesame
eectasanexemptingcircumstance,butyoudonotcallitassuchinordernottoconfuseitwiththecircumstances
underArticle12.
Article20providesthatthepenaltiesprescribedforaccessoriesshallnotbeimposeduponthosewhoaresuchwith
respecttotheirspouses,ascendants,descendants,legitimate,naturalandadoptedbrothersandsisters,orrelatives
byanitywithinthesamedegreeswiththeexceptionofaccessorieswhoprotedthemselvesorassistingthe
oendertoprotbytheeectsofthecrime.
Then,Article89provideshowcriminalliabilityisextinguished:
Deathoftheconvictastothepersonalpenalties,andastopecuniarypenalties,liabilitythereforisextinguishedif
deathoccursbeforenaljudgment;
Serviceofthesentence;
Amnesty;
Absolutepardon;
Prescriptionofthecrime;
Prescriptionofthepenalty;and
MarriageoftheoendedwomanasprovidedinArticle344.
UnderArticle247,alegallymarriedpersonwhokillsorinictsphysicalinjuriesuponhisorherspousewhomhe
surprisedhavingsexualintercoursewithhisorherparamourormistressinnotcriminallyliable.
UnderArticle219,discoveringsecretsthroughseizureofcorrespondenceofthewardbytheirguardianisnot
penalized.
UnderArticle332,inthecaseoftheft,swindlingandmaliciousmischief,thereisnocriminalliabilitybutonly 20/24
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UnderArticle332,inthecaseoftheft,swindlingandmaliciousmischief,thereisnocriminalliabilitybutonly
civilliability,whentheoenderandtheoendedpartyarerelatedasspouse,ascendant,descendant,brotherand
sisterinlawlivingtogetherorwhereincasethewidowedspouseandthepropertyinvolvedisthatofthedeceased
spouse,beforesuchpropertyhadpassedontothepossessionofthirdparties.
UnderArticle344,incasesofseduction,abduction,actsoflasciviousness,andrape,themarriageoftheoended
partyshallextinguishthecriminalaction.
Absolutorycausehastheeectofanexemptingcircumstanceandtheyarepredicatedonlackofvoluntarinesslike
instigation.Instigationisassociatedwithcriminalintent.Donotconsiderculpainconnectionwithinstigation.If
thecrimeisculpable,donottalkofinstigation.Ininstigation,thecrimeiscommiedwithdolo.Itisconfusedwith
entrapment.
Entrapmentisnotanabsolutorycause.Entrapmentdoesnotexempttheoenderormitigatehiscriminal
liability.Butinstigationabsolvestheoenderfromcriminalliabilitybecauseininstigation,theoendersimply
actsasatoolofthelawenforcersand,therefore,heisactingwithoutcriminalintentbecausewithoutthe
instigation,hewouldnothavedonethecriminalactwhichhediduponinstigationofthelawenforcers.
Dierencebetweeninstigationandentrapment
Ininstigation,thecriminalplanordesignexistsinthemindofthelawenforcerwithwhomthepersoninstigated
cooperatedsoitissaidthatthepersoninstigatedisactingonlyasamereinstrumentortoolofthelawenforcerin
theperformanceofhisduties.
Ontheotherhand,inentrapment,acriminaldesignisalreadyinthemindofthepersonentrapped.Itdidnot
emanatefromthemindofthelawenforcerentrappinghim.Entrapmentinvolvesonlywaysandmeanswhichare
laiddownorresortedtofacilitatetheapprehensionoftheculprit.
Theelementwhichmakesinstigationanabsolutorycauseisthelackofcriminalintentasanelementof
voluntariness.
Iftheinstigatorisalawenforcer,thepersoninstigatedcannotbecriminallyliable,becauseitisthelawenforcer
whoplantedthatcriminalmindinhimtocommitthecrime,withoutwhichhewouldnothavebeenacriminal.If
theinstigatorisnotalawenforcer,bothwillbecriminallyliable,youcannothaveacaseofinstigation.In
instigation,theprivatecitizenonlycooperateswiththelawenforcertoapointwhentheprivatecitizenupon
instigationofthelawenforcerincriminateshimself.Itwouldbecontrarytopublicpolicytoprosecuteacitizen
whoonlycooperatedwiththelawenforcer.Theprivatecitizenbelievesthatheisalawenforcerandthatiswhy
whenthelawenforcertellshim,hebelievesthatitisacivildutytocooperate.
Ifthepersoninstigateddoesnotknowthatthepersonisinstigatinghimisalawenforcerorheknowshimtobenot
alawenforcer,thisisnotacaseofinstigation.Thisisacaseofinducement,bothwillbecriminallyliable.
Inentrapment,thepersonentrappedshouldnotknowthatthepersontryingtoentraphimwasalawenforcer.The
ideaisincompatiblewitheachotherbecauseinentrapment,thepersonentrappedisactuallycommiingacrime.
Theocerwhoentrappedhimonlylaysdownwaysandmeanstohaveevidenceofthecommissionofthecrime,but
evenwithoutthosewaysandmeans,thepersonentrappedisactuallyengagedinaviolationofthelaw.
Instigationabsolvesthepersoninstigatedfromcriminalliability.Thisisbasedontherulethatapersoncannotbea
criminalifhismindisnotcriminal.Ontheotherhand,entrapmentisnotanabsolutorycause.Itisnoteven
mitigating.
Incaseofsomnambulismoronewhoactswhilesleeping,thepersoninvolvedisdenitelyactingwithoutfreedom21/24
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Incaseofsomnambulismoronewhoactswhilesleeping,thepersoninvolvedisdenitelyactingwithoutfreedom
andwithoutsucientintelligence,becauseheisasleep.Heismovinglikearobot,unawareofwhatheisdoing.So
theelementofvoluntarinesswhichisnecessaryindoloandculpaisnotpresent.Somnambulismisanabsolutory
cause.Ifelementofvoluntarinessisabsent,thereisnocriminalliability,althoughthereiscivilliability,andifthe
circumstanceisnotamongthoseenumeratedinArticle12,refertothecircumstanceasanabsolutorycause.
Mistakeoffactisanabsolutorycause.Theoenderisactingwithoutcriminalintent.Soinmistakeoffact,itis
necessarythathadthefactsbeentrueastheaccusedbelievedthemtobe,thisactisjustied.Ifnot,thereis
criminalliability,becausethereisnomistakeoffactanymore.Theoendermustbelieveheisperformingalawful
act.
Extenuatingcircumstances
Theeectofthisistomitigatethecriminalliabilityoftheoender.Inotherwords,thishasthesameeectas
mitigatingcircumstances,onlyyoudonotcallitmitigatingbecausethisisnotfoundinArticle13.
Illustrations:
Anunwedmotherkilledherchildinordertoconcealadishonor.Theconcealmentofdishonorisanextenuating
circumstanceinsofarastheunwedmotherorthematernalgrandparentsisconcerned,butnotinsofarasthefather
ofthechildisconcerned.Motherkillinghernewbornchildtoconcealherdishonor,penaltyisloweredbytwo
degrees.Sincethereisamaterialloweringofthepenaltyormitigatingthepenalty,thisisanextenuating
circumstance.
Theconcealmentofhonorbymotherinthecrimeofinfanticideisanextenuatingcircumstancebutnotinthecase
ofparricidewhentheageofthevictimisthreedaysoldandabove.
Inthecrimeofadulteryonthepartofamarriedwomanabandonedbyherhusband,atthetimeshewasabandoned
byherhusband,isitnecessaryforhertoseekthecompanyofanotherman.Abandonmentbythehusbanddoesnot
justifytheactofthewoman.Itonlyextenuatesorreducescriminalliability.Whentheeectofthecircumstanceis
tolowerthepenaltythereisanextenuatingcircumstance.
Akleptomaniacisonewhocannotresistthetemptationofstealingthingswhichappealtohisdesire.Thisisnot
exempting.Onewhoisakleptomaniacandwhowouldstealobjectsofhisdesireiscriminallyliable.Buthewould
begiventhebenetofamitigatingcircumstanceanalogoustoparagraph9ofArticle13,thatofsueringfroman
illnesswhichdiminishestheexerciseofhiswillpowerwithout,however,deprivinghimoftheconsciousnessofhis
act.Sothisisanextenuatingcircumstance.Theeectistomitigatethecriminalliability.
Distinctionsbetweenjustifyingcircumstancesandexemptingcircumstances
Injustifyingcircumstances
(1)Thecircumstanceaectstheact,nottheactor;
(2)Theactcomplainedofisconsideredtohavebeendonewithintheboundsoflaw;hence,itislegitimate
andlawfulintheeyesofthelaw;
(3)Sincetheactisconsideredlawful,thereisnocrime,andbecausethereisnocrime,thereisno
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(3)Sincetheactisconsideredlawful,thereisnocrime,andbecausethereisnocrime,thereisno
criminal;
(4)Sincethereisnocrimeorcriminal,thereisnocriminalliabilityaswellascivilliability.
Inexemptingcircumstances
(1)Thecircumstancesaecttheactor,nottheact;
(2)Theactcomplainedofisactuallywrongful,buttheactoractedwithoutvoluntariness.Heisamere
toolorinstrumentofthecrime;
(3)Sincetheactcomplainedofisactuallywrongful,thereisacrime.Butbecausetheactoractedwithout
voluntariness,thereisabsenceofdoloorculpa.Thereisnocriminal;
(4)Sincethereisacrimecommiedbutthereisnocriminal,thereiscivilliabilityforthewrongdone.
Butthereisnocriminalliability.However,inparagraphs4and7ofArticle12,thereisneithercriminalnorcivil
liability.
Whenyouapplyforjustifyingorexemptingcircumstances,itisconfessionandavoidanceandburdenofproof
shiftstotheaccusedandhecannolongerrelyonweaknessofprosecutionsevidence.
[1]ThedierencebetweenmurderandhomicidewillbediscussedinCriminalLawII.These
crimesarefoundinArticles248and249,BookIIoftheRevisedPenalCode.
[2]ThedierencebetweentheftandrobberywillbediscussedinCriminalLawII.These
crimesarefoundinTitleTen,ChaptersOneandThree,BookIIoftheRevisedPenalCode.
Reference:
CriminalLawBook1Reviewer
AteneoCentralBarOperations2001
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AboutMagz
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PostedonDecember20,2011,inCriminalLawandtaggedCriminalLawBook1Articles110.
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Comments6
regregemarac|November16,2013at8:47pm
thanks,usefulforuscriminologystudents.thanksalot!
CCDClatrinidadbenguet
Magz|June28,2014at7:05pm
Notatall.Goodlucktoyourstudies.
JohnnyCo|July9,2014at9:59am
abigthankstotheonewhothinkofthis,agreathelp..NICEONE.morepowertoyouMags.
Magz|July13,2014at12:51pm
Yourewelcome.Morepowertoyou,too.Creditgoestotherespectiveownersoftheresources.
melcky|August23,2014at12:31pm
thanksalottoyou.. ,ithelpsmealot .godbless
Louie|October16,2014at1:36pm
salamatMagzenjoyyourday..
CreateafreewebsiteorblogatWordPress.com.TheMystiqueTheme.
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