CLJ 1 - Book 1 RPC
CLJ 1 - Book 1 RPC
CLJ 1 - Book 1 RPC
Criminal Law- that branch of public law which defines crimes treats of their nature and provides for their
punishment.
Crime is an act committed Felony is an act or Offense- those punishable Infraction- violation of
or omitted in violation of a omission punishable by the by Special laws. An illegal city or municipal
public law forbidding or Revised Penal Code act which does not amount ordinances.
commanding it to a crime as defined in the
Penal Code.
COMMON LAW CRIMES- the body of principles, usages and rules of actions which do not result from the express
act of the legislature. There is no such crime in the Philippines.
NULLUM CRIMEN NULLA POENA SINE LEGE- there is no crime if there is no law punishing it.
1. General- criminal law is binding on all persons who live or sojourn in the Philippines.
2. Territorial- criminal laws are applicable only if the crime is committed within Philippine territory.
3. Prospective- criminal law cannot make an act punishable in a manner in which it was not punishable when
committed. See Art 366. (The law looks forward and not backwards)
Legends:
In the territorial waters the state is free to set its own laws.
In contiguous zones it can only create laws for the enforcement of pollution, taxation, customs and
immigration purposes.
In the ECC- the state has the right and the sole right to exploit its natural resources.
In the continental shelves- the state has the right to harvest minerals, non living creatures in its subsoils
etc.
a. The Philippine archipelago with all the islands and waters embraced therein;
b. All other territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction;
1
Makamasa Arnaldo Gapit
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c. The terrestial, fluvial and aerial domain including the territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular
shelves, and other submarine areas thereof; and
d. The internal waters.
1. Penal laws are strictly construed against the state and liberally in favor of the accused
2. If there is a conflict between the Spanish text and the English text, the Spanish text prevails.
1. If the new law is favorable to the accused in the sense that the penalty becomes lighter, then the new law
shall be applied. Except when the accused is a _______ ________.
2. But if the new law imposes a heavier penalty, the old law shall be applied, that is the law in forced at the
time of the commission of the offense shall be applied.
1. Classical (Juristic) Theory- the basis of criminal liability is human free will and the purpose of penalty is
retribution. Man is a moral creature with an absolute free will to choose between good and evil.
2. Positivist (Realistic) Theory. Man is subdued occasionally by a strange and morbid phenomenon which
constrain him to do wrong. Crime is a social and natural phenomenon; it cannot be treated therefore by the
application of abstract principles of law or by the imposition of punishment.
RULES ON CRIMES COMMITTED ABOARD FOREIGN MERCHANY VESSEL WHILE WITHIN PHILIPPINE
WATERS:
1. English Rule- the crime is punishable in the Philippines, unless the crime merely affects things within the
vessel.
2. French Rule- the crime is not triable in the courts of that country, unless their commission unless their
commission has effects on the safety of the coastal state.
1. No Ex Post Facto Law shall be enacted.- Ex Post Facto Law is a law that makes criminal an act done
before the passage of the law and which was innocent when done, and punishes such an act; it may also
be defined as a law which aggravates a crime, or makes it greater than it was, when committed.
2. No Bill of Attainder shall be passed. – A bill of attainder is a law which inflicts punishment without trial.
3. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law- The law must
must be fair and reasonable and the accused must be given the opportunity to be heard and be accorded
the rights to which he is entitled.
4. Excessive fines shall not be imposed nor cruel or unusual punishment.
Art. 2. Application of its provisions. — Except as provided in the treaties and laws of preferential application, the
provisions of this Code shall be enforced not only within the Philippine Archipelago, including its atmosphere, its
interior waters and maritime zone, but also outside of its jurisdiction, against those who:
Art. 3. Definitions. — Acts and omissions punishable by law are felonies (delitos).
Felonies are committed not only be means of deceit (dolo) but also by means of fault (culpa).
There is deceit when the act is performed with deliberate intent and there is fault when the wrongful act results from
imprudence, negligence, lack of foresight, or lack of skill.
1. An act or omission
2. Act or omission punishable by the RPC
3. Act is performed or omission is incurred by means of dolo or culpa.
Act- is any bodily movement tending to produce some effects in the external world.
Omission- inaction, the failure to perform an act one is bound to do.
DEVELOPMENT/GENESIS OF A CRIME:
1. INTERNAL ACT
2. EXTERNAL ACT
a. Preparatory acts
b. Acts of execution
1. attempted
2. frustrated
3. consummated
IMPRUDENCE VS. NEGLIGENCE
Mistake of fact- is a misapprehension of fact on the part of the person who caused injury to another. He is not
liable for absence of criminal intent.
Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea- the act itself does not make a man guilty unless his intention was so.
Actus me invito factus nonest meus actus- an act done by me against my will is not my act.
Motive- the moving power which impels one to action for a definite result. Intent is the purpose to use a
particular manes to effect such result. Motive is not an element of a crime and need not be proved. Intent is an
element and must be proved.
1. By any person committing a felony (delito) although the wrongful act done be different from that which he
intended.
2. By any person performing an act which would be an offense against persons or property, were it not for
the inherent impossibility of its accomplishment or an account of the employment of inadequate or
ineffectual means.
Rationale of Par. 1- el que es causa de la causa es causa del mal causado- he who is the cause of the cause is the
cause of the evil caused.
IMPOSSIBLE CRIMES- those crimes which would have been committed against person or property were it not
for the inherent impossibility of its accomplishment or on account of the employment of inadequate or ineffectual
means. The purpose of the law in punishing impossible crime is to suppress criminal propensities or tendencies.
The penalty for impossible crime is arresto mayor or fine of P200-500 (Article 59).
1. The act performed would have been an offense against persons or property.
2. The act was done with evil intent
3. Its accomplishment is inherently impossible because it the means either inadequate or ineffectual
4. The act does not constitute another violation of the RPC.
2
The accused both police officers were convicted of murder when both shot a notorious criminal while the latter was caught
sleeping on his bed. The two argued that the deceased was very dangerous. This argument was debunked.
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Art. 5. Duty of the court in connection with acts which should be repressed but which are not covered by
the law, and in cases of excessive penalties. — Whenever a court has knowledge of any act which it may deem
proper to repress and which is not punishable by law, it shall render the proper decision, and shall report to the
Chief Executive, through the Department of Justice, the reasons which induce the court to believe that said act
should be made the subject of legislation.
In the same way, the court shall submit to the Chief Executive, through the Department of Justice, such statement
as may be deemed proper, without suspending the execution of the sentence, when a strict enforcement of the
provisions of this Code would result in the imposition of a clearly excessive penalty, taking into consideration the
degree of malice and the injury caused by the offense.
Comments:
Outline of Paragraph 1:
1. there is an act;
2. the act is reprehensible;
3. but the act is not punishable by the law;
4. the court shall render the proper decisison;
5. the court shall report to the Chief Executive through the DOJ
6. the report shall contain the reason why the said act should be more or less prohibited and
penalized.
Outline of Paragraph 2:
1. there is an act;
2. this time the act is punishable by the law;
3. but the penalty for the act is clearly excessive;
4. the law has not yet been declared unconstitutional;
5. the court shall render the proper decision;
6. it shall report to the Chief Executive through the DOJ
Art. 6. Consummated, frustrated, and attempted felonies. — Consummated felonies as well as those which are
frustrated and attempted, are punishable.
A felony is CONSUMATED when all the elements necessary for its execution and accomplishment are present;
and it is FRUSTRATED when the offender performs all the acts of execution which would produce the felony as a
consequence but which, nevertheless, do not produce it by reason of causes independent of the will of the
perpetrator.
There is an ATTEMPT (ED) when the offender commences the commission of a felony directly or over acts, and
does not perform all the acts of execution which should produce the felony by reason of some cause or accident
other than this own spontaneous desistance.
1. Consummated- when all the elements necessary for its accomplishment and execution are present
2. Frustrated- when the offender performs all the acts of execution which would produce the felony as a
consequence but which, nevertheless do not produce it by reason of causes independent of the will of the
perpetrator.
3. Attempted- when the offender commences the commission of a felony directly by overt acts, and does not
perform all the acts of execution which should produce the felony by reason of some cause or accident
other than his own spontaneous desistance.
DEVELOPMENT OF A CRIME
1. Internal acts- these are the mere ideas in the mind of a person
2. External acts-
a. Preparatory act- ordinarily not punishable
b. Acts of execution- they are the stages. Already punishable.
INDETERMINATE OFFENSE- It is one where the purpose of the offender in performing an act is not certain
Overt Act- some physical activity or deed more than a mere planning or preparation, which if carried out to its
complete termination following its natural course. Without being frustrated by external obstacles nor by the voluntary
desistance of the perpetrator, will logically and naturally ripen in a concrete offense.
Rational for spontaneous desistance: A sort of reward to those who heed the call of conscience and return to the path
of righteousness. But the desistance should be made before all the acts of execution are performed.
Formal crimes- are crimes consummated in one instant. There is only one stage and that is consummated stage.
Material crimes have three stages of execution, attempted,
frustrated4 and consummated.
Art. 7. When light felonies are punishable. — Light felonies are punishable only when they have been
consummated, with the exception of those committed against person or property.
Art. 8. Conspiracy and proposal to commit felony. — Conspiracy and proposal to commit felony are punishable
only in the cases in which the law specially provides a penalty therefor.
A conspiracy exists when two or more persons come to an agreement concerning the commission of a felony and
decide to commit it.
There is proposal when the person who has decided to commit a felony proposes its execution to some other person
or persons.
Conspiracy and Proposal to Commit a Felony- are punishable only in the cases in which the law specifically provides a
penalty therefore.
3
Supreme Court said: “it would be too strained to construe petitioner’s act of pressing a chemical-soaked cloth in the mouth of
Malou which would induce her to sleep as an overt act that will logically and naturally ripen into concrete rape. Petitioner did not
commence at all the performance of any act indicative of an intent or attempt to rape Malou. It cannot be overemphasized that
petitioner was fully clothed and that there was no attempt on his part to undress Malou. For what reason petitioner wanted the
complainant unconscious, if that was really his immediate intention, is anybody’s guess.” His act of embracing and kissing Malou,
mashing her breast, inserting his hand inside her panty and touching her sexual organ, while obscene and detestable acts, do not
constitute attempted rape absent any showing that he actually commenced to force his penis into the complainant’s sexual organ.
4
In People vs. Aca-ac 357 SCRA 373 the Court said: “For the consummation of rape perfect penetration is not essential. Any
penetration of the female organ by the male organ is sufficient. Entry of the labia or lips of the female organ, without rupture of the
hymen, is sufficient to warrant conviction. Taking into account the nature, elements, and manner of execution of the crime of rape
and jurisprudence on the matter, it is hardly conceivable how the frustrated stage in rape can ever be committed.
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Cases where mere proposal is already punishable:
Art. 9. Grave felonies, less grave felonies and light felonies. — Grave felonies are those to which the law attaches
the capital punishment or penalties which in any of their periods are afflictive, in accordance with Art. 25 of this Code.
Less grave felonies are those which the law punishes with penalties which in their maximum period are correctional, in
accordance with the above-mentioned Art..
Light felonies are those infractions of law for the commission of which a penalty of arrest menor or a fine not exceeding
200 pesos or both; is provided.
Grave felonies- are those to which the law attaches the capital punishment or penalties which in any of their period
are afflictive. Less grave felonies are those which the law punishes with penalties which in their maximum period are
correctional. Light felonies are infraction of laws for the commission of which the penalty of arresto menor or a fine
not exceeding 200 pesos or both is provided.
PRINCIPAL PENALTIES
Capital Punishment:
Death
Afflictive Penalties
Reclusion perpetua- 20 yrs.+1 day to 40 yrs.
Reclusion temporal- 12 yrs.+1 day-20 yrs
Perpetual or temporary absolute disqualification-6 yrs.+1 day to 12 yrs.
Perpetual or temporary special disqualification- 6 yrs.+1 day to 12 yrs.
Prision Mayor-6 yrs. + 1 day to 12 years
Correctional penalties
Prision correctional- 6 mos.+ 1 day to 6 yrs.
Arresto mayor-1 month + 1 day to 6 mos.
Suspension- 6 mos+1 day to 6 yrs.
Destierro- 6 mos. +1 day to 6 yrs.
Light penalties:
Arresto menor- 1 day to 30 days
Public censure
ACCESSORY PENALTIES
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Art. 10. Offenses not subject to the provisions of this Code. — Offenses which are or in the future may be
punishable under special laws are not subject to the provisions of this Code. This Code shall be supplementary to such
laws, unless the latter should specially provide the contrary.
Special Law- a law which defines and punishes act not found in the RPC
1. Justifying Circumstances
2. Exempting Circumstances
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3. Mitigating Circumstances
4. Aggravating Circumstances
5. Alternative Circumstances
Imputability- the quality by which a criminal act maybe pinpointed to another as its doer or author.
Responsibility- is the obligation of an offender in suffering the consequences of a crime.
JUSTIFYING CIRCUMSTANCES
Justifying circumstances- those where the act of a person is said to be in accordance with the law. As a
consequence he is freed from criminal and civil liability.
1. Self defense
2. Defense of relatives
3. Defense of strangers
4. Avoidance of greater evil
5. Fulfillment of duty
6. Obedience to order of superior.
3. Anyone who acts in defense of the person or rights of a stranger, Defense of Strangers
provided that the first and second requisites mentioned in the first
circumstance of this article are present and that the person defending be
not induced by revenge, resentment, or other evil motive.
4. Any person who, in order to avoid an evil or injury, does not act which Avoidance of Greater Evil
causes damage to another, provided that the following requisites are
present:
Second: That the injury feared be greater than that done to avoid it;
5. Any person who acts in the fulfillment of a duty or in the lawful exercise Fulfillment of Duty
of a right or office.
6. Any person who acts in obedience to an order issued by a superior for Obedience to order
some lawful purpose.
1. Unlawful aggression;5
2. Reasonable necessity of the means employed to prevent or repel it;
3. Lack of sufficient provocation on the part of the person defending himself
Unlawful aggression- is assault or at least threatened assault of an immediate and imminent kind.
5
Unlawful aggression is the first and indispensable requisite of self defense. Self defense may also include defense of honor,
property and others of a kindred kind. Mere or light push is not unlawful aggression. So as insulting words or foot kick greeting..
But a slap on the face is unlawful aggression. The mere thrusting into one’s pocket as if for the purpose of drawing a weapon is not
unlawful aggression. Even the cocking of a rifle without aiming the firearm at any particular target is not unlawful aggression.
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* There is no unlawful aggression when there is an agreement to a fight.
* Rights involved in self defense includes defense of honor and property.
* The belief of the accused is considered in determining the existence of unlawful aggression.
* But a mere threatening attitude is not unlawful aggression.
* Cases where the unlawful aggressor is disarmed
* The defender must not indiscriminately fire his weapon
Provocation- any unjust or improper conduct on the part of the offended party capable of inciting or irritating any one.
1. Unlawful aggression
2. Reasonable necessity of the means employed to prevent or repel it
3. In case the provocation was given by the person attacked, the one making the defense had no part therein.
Relatives by affinity are those created by marriage such as parents in law, sons and daughters in law
Relatives by consanguinity are relatives by nature or by blood relations. Siblings are within the 2 nd civil degree,
whereas uncle and niece or aunt and nephew are within the 3 rd civil degree, first cousins are within the 4th civil
degree.
1. Unlawful aggression
2. Reasonable necessity of the means employed to prevent or repel it
3. The person defending be not induced by revenge, resentment or other evil motive.
6
The accused saw a man stealing a sack of palay from his Riceland. He shot the thief while running away. He was convicted and
made liable.
7
Reasonable necessity of the means employed does not imply material commensurability between the means of attack and
defense. What the law requires is a rational equivalence, in the consideration of which will enter as principal factors the
emergency, the imminent danger to which the person attacked is exposed, and the instinct more than reason, that moves or impels
the defense.
8
In People vs. Ubaldo 367 SCRA 432 the Supreme Court declared that the means used by the defender was unreasonable,
because the number of the gunshot wounds inflicted on the deceased shows that the means employed were hardly reasonable at all.
The nature and number of wounds inflicted upon the victim are important indicia which disprove self defense. The multiple
gunshot wounds inflicted upon the deceased show that appellant’s act was not one of self defense, but was a determined and
purposeful attack upon the victim.
9
Strangers- are those not included in the enumeration of relatives in Art. 11 (2)
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SELF DEFENSE DEFENSE OR RELATIVES DEFENSE OF STRANGERS
1. The accused acted in the performance of duty or in the lawful exercise of a right or office.
2. The injury caused is the consequence of the due performance10 of duty or the lawful exercise of such right or office.
DOCTRINE OF SELF HELP- states that the owner or the lawful possessor of a thing has the right to exclude any
person from the enjoyment and disposal thereof. Thus he may use such force as may be reasonably necessary to
repel or prevent an actual or threatened unlawful physical invasion or usurpation of his property. (Art. 429 Civil Code)
EXEMPTING CIRCUMSTANCES
Exempting Circumstances- are those grounds for exemption from punishment because there is wanting/missing in
the agent of the crime any of the conditions which make the act voluntary or negligent.
When the imbecile or an insane person has committed an act which the law
defines as a felony (delito), the court shall order his confinement in one of the
hospitals or asylums established for persons thus afflicted, which he shall not
be permitted to leave without first obtaining the permission of the same court.
2. A person under nine years of age. (Repealed by RA 9344) Minority
3. A person over nine years of age and under fifteen, unless he has acted with Minority
discernment, in which case, such minor shall be proceeded against in
accordance with the provisions of Art. 80 of this Code. (Repealed by RA 9344)
10
In Baxinela vs. People 485 SCRA 331, a policeman was held guilty when he shot at somebody who had a gun tucked around
his waist. When he shot the offended party the latter was not at all resisting. The shooting of the offended party cannot be
considered due performance of a duty if at that time the offended party posed no serious threat or harm to Baxinela or the civilians
in the pub.
11
Here, a fugitive was escaping from a policeman. In order to prevent the continued and imminent escape of the fugitive, the
policeman fired at the fugitive. The Supreme Court acquitted the policeman, on the ground that the killing was done in the
fulfillment of duty. But in People vs. Lagata, a jail guard shot to death a prisoner whom he thought was escaping. The Supreme
Court affirmed the conviction of the jail guard for homicide because the facts showed that the prisoner was not at all trying to
escape. The SC said that the jail guard could only fire at the prisoner in self defense or if absolutely necessary to avoid his
escape.
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4. Any person who, while performing a lawful act with due care, causes an Accident
injury by mere accident without fault or intention of causing it.
5. Any person who act under the compulsion of irresistible force. Irresistible Force
6. Any person who acts under the impulse of an uncontrollable fear of an equal Uncontrollable Fear
or greater injury.
7. Any person who fails to perform an act required by law, when prevented by Lawful or Insuperable Cause
some lawful insuperable cause.
Imbecile- One who is old but has a mental development similar to children between the ages 2-7 years.
Insanity12- one which exists when there is a complete deprivation of intelligence in committing the criminal act, that
is the accused is deprived of reason and acts without the least discernment.
INSANITY AT THE TIME OF THE COMMISSION OF THE CRIME vs. INSANITY AT THE TIME OF TRIAL
Discernment- the mental capacity of a minor to distinguish between right from wrong and to fully appreciate the
consequences of his felonious acts. It may be shown by:
a. manner of committing the crime;
b. conduct of the offender
c. such other circumstances13
FOUR PERIOD OF HUMAN LIFE FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF THE PENAL CODE:
REPUBLIC ACT 9344- AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE
SYSTEM (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006)
Child in Conflict with the Law- a child who is accused or adjudged of having committed an offense.
Initial contact with the child- refers to the apprehension of a child in conflict with the law by officers or private
citizens.
Status Offense- offenses which discriminate only against a child while an adult does not suffer any penalty for
committing similar acts. Examples are: curfew violations, truancy, parental disobedience.
Section 6 RA 9344 says: A child 15 years of age or under at the time of the commission
of the offense shall be exempt from criminal liability.
A child above 15 years but below 18 shall likewise be exempt from criminal liability and be subjected to intervention
program unless he has acted with discernment.
Section 58 of the same law says: Persons below 18 years of age shall be exempt from prosecution for the crime of
vagrancy and prostitution, of mendicancy under PD 1563 and sniffing of rugby under PD 1619.
ACCIDENT REQUISITES
12
The condition known as dementia praecox is covered by the term insanity. So as Epilepsy may be covered by the term insanity.
However, that Kleptomania is also covered is still a debatable proposition. Somnambulism may be a cause for exemption for
lack of criminal intent.
13
Such may include: offender’s attempt to silence the victim, or his hiding of the corpus delicti or disposal of the evidence, or his
utterances and or overt acts before, during and after the commission of the crime.
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Case: US vs. Taneo 15 Phil 19614
IRRESISTIBLE FORCE
Irresistible force- a force which produces such an effect upon an individual that, in spite of all resistance, it reduces
him to a mere instrument and as such incapable of committing a crime
UNCONTROLLABLE FEAR
The exempting circumstance of uncontrollable fear presupposes that the accused is compelled by means of threat or
intimidation by a third person to commit a crime.
ABSOLUTORY CAUSES
ENTRAPMENT INSTIGATION
1. Ways and means are resorted to for the purpose of Here, the police practically induces the accused into the
trapping and capturing the lawbreaker in the execution of commission of the offense and he himself becomes a co-
his plans principal
2. The intent to violate the law originated from the The intent to violate the law did not originate from the
accused himself accused as he was induced only by the police to perform
a criminal act
3. Not an absolutory cause hence does not exempt from An absolutory cause that exempts one from criminal
criminal liability liability
Battered Wife- a woman who is repeatedly subjected to any forceful physical or psychological behavior by a man in
order to do something he wants her to do without concern for her rights. It includes wives or woman in any form of
intimate relationship with a man. The couple must go through the battering cycle at least twice.
Q: What are the cycles of violence in BWS?
A: 1. Tension Building Stage- where minor battering occurs
2. Acute Battering Incident- characterized by brutality, destructiveness and death.
3. Tranquil or loving phase- The batterer shows loving caring nurture to the victim.
MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES
Mitigating circumstances-those which if present in the commission of a crime, do not entirely free the actor from
criminal liability but reduces only the penalty.
14
Here the accused was aiming his gun towards a wild chicken. However the bullet ricochets and hit a bystander. The accused was
exempted based on the defense of accident.
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Long (Complete) Version Short Version
1. Those mentioned in the preceding chapter, when all the requisites necessary to Incomplete Justifying or
justify or to exempt from criminal liability in the respective cases are not attendant. Incomplete Exempting
15 Circumstances
2. That the offender is under eighteen year of age or over seventy years. In the Minority (Under 18)
case of the minor, he shall be proceeded against in accordance with the
provisions of Art. 80. (Correlate with RA 9344)
3. That the offender had no intention to commit so grave a wrong as that Praeter Intentionem
committed.
4. That sufficient provocation or threat on the part of the offended party Sufficient Provocation or Threat
immediately preceded the act.
5. That the act was committed in the immediate vindication of a grave offense to Vindication
the one committing the felony (delito), his spouse, ascendants, or relatives by
affinity within the same degrees.
6. That of having acted upon an impulse so powerful as naturally to have Passion or Obfuscation
produced passion or obfuscation.
7. That the offender had voluntarily surrendered himself to a person in authority or Voluntary Surrender or Voluntary
his agents, or that he had voluntarily confessed his guilt before the court prior to Confession of Guilt
the presentation of the evidence for the prosecution.
8. That the offender is deaf and dumb, blind or otherwise suffering some physical Physical Handicapped or Defects
defect which thus restricts his means of action, defense, or communications with
his fellow beings.
9. Such illness of the offender as would diminish the exercise of the will-power of Other Illnesses
the offender without however depriving him of the consciousness of his acts.
10. And, finally, any other circumstances of a similar nature and analogous to Analogous Circumstances
those above mentioned.
This mitigating circumstance is invocable only in felonies resulting in some physical harm like physical injuries,
homicide etc.
PROVOCATION VINDICATION
1. Provocation is made only to the person committing the In vindication, the grave offense may be committed
felony against the spouse, the ascendants, descendants,
brothers or sisters or relatives by affinity within the same
degree of the offender.
2. In provocation the provocation need not be grave In vindication, the offended party must have done a
grave offense to the offender or his relatives
3. In provocation, the provocation or threat must 3. In vindication, the vindication of the grave offense may
immediately preceded the act be proximate, which admits of interval of time between
the commission of the grave offense and the commission
of the crime by the accused.
15
The penalty would be one or two degrees lower in the period which the court may consider proper than that prescribed by law,
provided majority of the conditions are present (Article 69).
16
The accused husband saw a shadow of a man jumping down from the window of his house where his wife was at the time. Upon
confronting his wife as to who was that man, the wife immediately begged for pardon. The husband did an offense against the
wife. The husband was convicted but in his favor, the mitigating circumstance of “immediate provocation” was considered.
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1. There is an act unlawful and sufficient to produce passion or obfuscation;
2. The act which produced such emotion must not be far removed from the commission of the crime, during which
the accused might recover his normal equanimity
VOLUNTARY SURRENDER
AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES
Aggravating Circumstances- are those which if attendant in the commission of the offense, would serve to increase
the penalty.
A recidivist is one who, at the time of his trial for one crime, shall have been
previously convicted by final judgment of another crime embraced in the same
title of this Code.
10. That the offender has been previously punished by an offense to which the Reiteracion or habituality
law attaches an equal or greater penalty or for two or more crimes to which it
attaches a lighter penalty.
11. That the crime be committed in consideration of a price, reward, or promise. Price reward or promise
12. That the crime be committed by means of inundation, fire, poison, Inundation, fire, poison etc.
explosion, stranding of a vessel or international damage thereto, derailment of
a locomotive, or by the use of any other artifice involving great waste and ruin.
13. That the act be committed with evident premeditation. Evident premeditation
14. That the craft, fraud or disguise be employed. Craft, fraud or disguise
15. That advantage be taken of superior strength, or means be employed to Advantage of superior strength or
weaken the defense. means to weaken the defense
There is treachery when the offender commits any of the crimes against the
person, employing means, methods, or forms in the execution thereof which
tend directly and specially to insure its execution, without risk to himself arising
from the defense which the offended party might make.
17. That means be employed or circumstances brought about which add Ignominy
ignominy to the natural effects of the act.
18. That the crime be committed after an unlawful entry. There is an unlawful Unlawful entry
entry when an entrance of a crime a wall, roof, floor, door, or window be broken
19. That as a means to the commission of the crime a wall, roof, floor, door, or Broken wall, roof, floor etc.
window be broken.
20. That the crime be committed with the aid of persons under fifteen years of Aid or persons under 15 years old
age or by means of motor vehicles, motorized watercraft, airships, or other or use of motor vehicle
similar means.
21. That the wrong done in the commission of the crime be deliberately Cruelty
augmented by causing other wrong not necessary for its commissions.
PALACE OF THE PRESIDENT, OR IN HIS PRESENCE, OR PLACES WHERE PUBLIC AUTHORITIES ARE
ENGAGED IN DUTIES, OR PLACE OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP.
NIGHTIME- that period of darkness beginning at end of dusk and ending at dawn.
UNINHABITED PLACE- one where there are no houses or where the houses are scattered at a great distance from
each other
BAND- whenever more than three armed malefactors shall have acted together in the commission of an offense, it
shall be deemed to have been committed by a band.
17
Here, the police officers used their position to execute a sort of “hulidap” against the victims.
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A: 1. When the offender took advantage thereof for the purpose of impunity
2. When specially sought for by the offender to insure the commission of the crime
3. When it facilitated the commission of the crime.
RECIDIVIST- one who at the time of his trial for one crime, shall have been previously convicted by final judgment of
another crime embraced in the same title of the Revised Penal Code.
EVIDENT PREMEDITATION- it involves a determination to commit the crime prior to the moment of its execution and
also to carry out the criminal intent which must be the result of deliberate, calculated and reflective thoughts through a
period of time sufficient to dispassionately consider and accept the consequences thereof, thus indicating greater
perversity
The latest ruling is that premeditation is not aggravating when the victim is different from that intended 19
CRAFT- is a circumstance characterized by trickery or cunning resorted to by the accused, to carry out his design. It is
the use of intellectual trickery and cunning on the part of the accused.
FRAUD- insidious words or machinations used to induce the victim to act in a manner which would enable the offender
to carry out his design.
DISGUISE- it involves the deliberate effort of the accused to conceal his identity in the commission of the crime.
TREACHERY20- there is treachery when the offender commits any of the crimes against the person, employing
means, methods or forms in the execution thereof which tend directly and specially to insure its execution, without risk
to himself arising from the defense which the offended party might make.
18
There are four forms of criminal repetition under the Penal Code. They are: a. recidivism, b. reiteration or habituality c.
habitual delinquency and d. quasi recidivism
19
People vs. Ventura 5 July 2004 433 SCRA 389. However, if it is shown that the conspirators wee determined to kill not only the
intended victim but also anyone who may help put a violent resistance, then evident premeditation will be appreciated.
20
In People vs. Jarolon 404 SCRA 564, SC said: The killing of a minor who, because of their tender age, could not be expected to
put up a defense, is considered attended with treachery even if the manner of the attack is not shown. The killing is hence,
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IGNOMINY- is a circumstance pertaining to the moral order, which adds disgrace and obloquy to the material injury
caused by the crime. It is a circumstance that tends to make the effects of the crime more humiliating, thus adding to
the victim’s moral sufferings.
UNLAWFUL ENTRY- there is unlawful entry when an entrance is affected by a way not intended for the purpose.
CRUELTY- a circumstance whereby the offender enjoys and delights in making his victim suffer slowly and gradually,
causing him unnecessary physical pain in the consummation of his criminal act.
Under RA 8294 6 July 1997, the use of unlicensed firearm merely becomes an aggravating circumstance if
murder or homicide was committed with the use thereof. But if the unlicensed firearm is used in the
commission of any crime25, there can be no separate offense of illegal possession of firearm.
ALTERNATIVE CIRCUMSTANCES
Art. 15. Their concept. — Alternative circumstances are those which must be taken into consideration as aggravating
or mitigating according to the nature and effects of the crime and the other conditions attending its commission. They
are the relationship, intoxication and the degree of instruction and education of the offender.
The alternative circumstance of relationship shall be taken into consideration when the offended party in the spouse,
ascendant, descendant, legitimate, natural, or adopted brother or sister, or relative by affinity in the same degrees of
the offender.
The intoxication of the offender shall be taken into consideration as a mitigating circumstances when the offender has
committed a felony in a state of intoxication, if the same is not habitual or subsequent to the plan to commit said felony
but when the intoxication is habitual or intentional, it shall be considered as an aggravating circumstance.
Alternative Circumstance- are those which must be taken into consideration as aggravating or mitigating according
to the nature and effects of the crime and the other conditions attending its commission.
Art. 16. Who are criminally liable. — The following are criminally liable for grave and less grave felonies:
qualified to murder. Also treachery may also be appreciated in the crime of robbery with homicide although this complex crime
is predominantly a crime against property.
21
The accused used a flashlight and examined the genital of the rape victim before raping her.
22
Here the accused raped the victim doggie style
23
If the motor vehicle is used only for escaping there is no aggravating circumstance.
24
It was intimated by the Supreme court that there would have been cruelty had the victim’s penis was cut-off by the offender
prior to the victim’s actual killing. In this case the cutting off the penis was considered as outraging or scoffing at ones corpses
under par. 5 Article 248.
25
Such as alarms and scandals or slight physical injuries punishable by arresto menor.
26
Under the new rules on criminal procedure, the qualifying and aggravating circumstances must be alleged in the information.
Otherwise they may not be appreciated. However in cases where they are not alleged, they may nevertheless, be considered in the
award of damages.
27
Relationship is aggravating in crimes against persons when the parties are of the same level such as a brother killing a brother.
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1. Principals.
2. Accomplices.
3. Accessories.
WHO ARE THE PERSONS WHO MAY BE CRIMINALLY LIABLE (Degree of participation)
1. Principals
2. Accomplices
3. Accessories
1. Those who take a direct part in the execution of the act. (PRINCIPAL BY DIRECT PARTICIPATION)
2. Those who directly forced or induced others to commit it. (PRINCIPAL BY INDUCEMENT OR INDUCTION)
3. Those who cooperate in the commission of the offense by another act without which it would not have been
accomplished (PRINCIPAL BY INDISPENSABLE COOPERATION)
Art. 18. Accomplices. — Accomplices are those persons who, not being included in Art. 17, cooperate in the
execution of the offense by previous or simultaneous acts.
WHO/WHAT IS AN ACCOMPLICE?
Accomplices- are those persons who not being principals, cooperate in the execution of an offense by previous or
simultaneous acts.
Art. 19. Accessories. — Accessories are those who, having knowledge of the commission of the crime, and without
having participated therein, either as principals or accomplices, take part subsequent to its commission in any of the
following manners:
1. By profiting themselves or assisting the offender to profit by the effects of the crime.
2. By concealing or destroying the body of the crime, or the effects or instruments thereof, in order to prevent
its discovery.
3. (FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS ONLY ) By harboring, concealing, or assisting in the escape of the principals of
the crime, provided the accessory acts with abuse of his public functions
OR
(FOR PRIVATE PERSONS ALSO) whenever the author of the crime is guilty of treason, parricide, murder, or
an attempt to take the life of the Chief Executive, or is known to be habitually guilty of some other crime.
Art. 20. Accessories who are exempt from criminal liability. — The penalties prescribed for accessories shall not
be imposed upon those who are such with respect to their spouses, ascendants, descendants, legitimate, natural, and
adopted brothers and sisters, or relatives by affinity within the same degrees, with the single exception of accessories
falling within the provisions of paragraph 1 of the next preceding article.
WHO ARE THE ACCESSORIES WHO ARE EXEMPT FROM CRIMINAL LIABILTY?
The spouse, ascendants, descendants, brothers and sisters or relatives by affinity within the same degree. (Note:
Except paragraph one)
Penalty- is the suffering inflicted by the State for the transgression of the law.
1. Must be commensurate with the offense- different crimes have different penalties under the law.
1. Exemplarity- to serve as an example to others and deter them from emulating the criminal.
2. Justice- Criminal is punished as an act of retributive justice.
3. Prevention- To suppress or prevent the danger to the State of the acts of the criminal.
4. Reformation- Under the modern concept of correction the criminal is punished in order to rehabilitate or reform
him.
5. Self Defense- To protect the society against the threats and actions of the criminals.
2. imposed for violations of special laws Imposed for violations of felonies punishable under the
Revised Penal Code
3. does not have accessory penalties Has accessory penalties
Note: An accused undergoes preventive imprisonment when the offense charged is non bailable or even if bailable he
cannot furnish the required bail. Now if an accused does not agree to abide by the same disciplinary rules imposed
upon convicted prisoners, he shall be credited in the service of his sentence with 4/5 of the time during which he has
undergone preventive imprisonment.
2. It does not include the civil liability to pay The offended party can waive the civil liability of the
offender
3. Granted only after conviction Must be made before the institution of the criminal action
in cases where the law allows pardon by the offended
party. Also it must be extended to both offenders.
ENUMERATE THE PROPER ORDER OF PAYMENT OF THE PECUNIARY LIABILITIES OF THE OFFENDER:
1. When the principal penalty is higher than prision correctional no subsidiary imprisonment shall be impose.
2. If the principal penalty be prison correctional or arresto and fine, his subsidiary imprisonment shall not exceed
1/3 of the term of the sentence, and in no case shall it continue for more than one year
3. When the principal penalty is only fine, subsidiary imprisonment shall not exceed six months, if the offender is
prosecuted for grave or less grave felonies, and shall not exceed 15 days if for a light felony.
4. The subsidiary penalty which he may have suffered shall not relieve him from the fine in case his financial
circumstances should improve. (Art.39)
Note: Articles 40-44 are merely enumeration of accessory penalties for each penalty.
Plurality of crimes- consist in the successive execution by one individual of different criminal acts upon which no
conviction is yet declared. It could either be formal or ideal plurality of which art. 48 is the best example, that is there
is only one criminal liability or real or material plurality where there are different crimes in the eyes of the law and in
the conscience of the offender. Hence in real or material plurality the offender is punished for each and every offense
that he committed.
28
Our rules on complex crime follow the pro reo principle
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Q: What is a continuing/continued/continuous crime?
A: It is a single crime, consisting of a series of acts all arising from one criminal resolution. It is a continuous, unlawful
act or series of act set on foot by a single impulse and operated by an unintermittent force, however long time it may
occupy.
SCALE NO. 1
1. Death
2. Reclusion Perpetua
3. Reclusion Temporal
4. Prision Mayor
5. Prision Correctional
6. Arresto Mayor
7. Destierro
8. Arresto Menor
9. Public Censure
10. Fine
SCALE NO.2
1. Aggravating circumstances which in themselves constitute a crime especially punishable by law or which are
included by law in defining a crime and prescribing the penalty therefore shall not be taken into account for the
purpose of increasing the penalty.
a. When in the commission of a crime advantage was taken by the offender of his public position, the
maximum penalty shall be imposed regardless of mitigating circumstances.
b. The maximum penalty shall be impose if the offense was committed by any person who belongs to an
organized/syndicated group. An organized or syndicated group means a group of two or more persons
collaborating, confederating, or mutually helping one another for the purpose of gain in the commission of a
crime.
2. Aggravating or mitigating circumstances which arise from the moral attributes of the offender or from his
private relations with the offended party, or from any other personal cause, shall serve only to aggravate or
mitigate the liability of the principals, accomplices and accessories as to whom such circumstances are
attendant.
The circumstances which consist in the material execution of the act, or in the means employed to accomplish
it, shall serve to aggravate or mitigate the liability of only those persons who had knowledge of them at the time of
the execution of the act or their cooperation therein.
A: A person shall be deemed a habitual delinquent if within a period of ten years from the date of his release or
last conviction of the crimes of serious or less serious physical injuries, robo, hurto, estafa, or falsification, he is
found guilty of any of said crimes a third time or oftener.
1. 9-15 = a discretionary penalty is imposed but always lowered by 2 degrees than that prescribed by law for the
crime he committed
29
This is a summary of the rules established in articles 50-57 RPC. A degree is one whole penalty or one entire penalty as
enumerated in the graduated scale in article 71. on the other hand, a period is one of the three equal portions which are known as
the minimum, medium and maximum.
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2. Over 15 but under 18= a penalty next lower than that prescribed by law but always in the proper period.
Q: Enumerate the proper order of severity of penalty from the highest to the lowest.
A: 1. Death
2. Reclusion perpetua
3. Reclusion temporal
4. Prision Mayor
5. Prision Correctional
6. Arresto mayor
7. Arresto menor
8. Destierro
9. Perpetual Absolute Disqualification
10. Temporary Absolute Disqualification
11. Suspension from public office, the right to vote and be voted for, profession
12. Public censure
Note: Articles 81-85 are provisions that have something to do with the death penalty. These provisions have no longer
any relevance except for academic purposes by reason of the enactment of RA 9346-An Act Prohibiting the
Imposition of the Death Penalty.30
Art. 88. Arresto menor. — The penalty of arresto menor shall be served in the municipal jail, or in the house of the
defendant himself under the surveillance of an officer of the law, when the court so provides in its decision, taking into
consideration the health of the offender and other reasons which may seem satisfactory to it.
There must be a court statement that the accused serve the sentence in his house. The grounds could be for health
reasons, and others (humanitarian)
30
Under art 83- the death sentence shall be suspended when the woman is pregnant and within one year after delivery. Also the
death sentence shall not be inflicted upon a person over 70 years of age. Under article 85 it is prohibited to bury the dead body of a
person legally executed with pomp, otherwise the offenders are liable under article 153 on tumults and disturbances. But again,
these provisions no longer have any application. In retrospect it used to be that the Supreme Court automatically reviews the
decision of lower courts, whenever they imposed the penalty of death, reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment. However on July
7, 2004 in the case of People vs. Mateo, the Supreme Court said that such review should be undertaken by the Court of Appeals
first in pursuant to the hierarchy of courts doctrine.
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MODES OF TOTAL EXTINCTION OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY (Art. 89)
1. By the death of the convict, as to the personal penalties; as to pecuniary liabilities, it is extinguished only
when the death of the offender occurs before final judgment.
2. By service of sentence;
3. By amnesty-an act of the sovereign power granting oblivion or a general pardon for past offense, and is rarely
exercised in favor of a single individual, and is usually exerted in behalf of certain classes of persons who are
subject to trail but not yet convicted.
4. By absolute pardon
5. Prescription of crime- the forfeiture or the loss of the right of the state to prosecute the offender after the
lapse of a certain time.
6. Prescription of Penalty- the loss or forfeiture of the right of the Government to execute the final sentence
after the lapse of a certain time.
7. Marriage of the offended party under Article 344 RPC
AMNESTY vs PARDON
AMNESTY PARDON
Made by the President with the concurrence of Congress Made by the President alone
PRESCRITION OF CRIMES
Art. 91. Computation of prescription of offenses. — The period of prescription shall commence to run from the day
on which the crime is discovered by the offended party, the authorities, or their agents, and shall be interrupted by the
filing of the complaint or information, and shall commence to run again when such proceedings terminate without the
accused being convicted or acquitted, or are unjustifiably stopped for any reason not imputable to him.
The term of prescription shall not run when the offender is absent from the Philippine Archipelago.
* The period of prescription shall commence to run from the day on which the crime is discovered by the offended
party, the authorities, or their agents, and shall be interrupted by the filing of the complaint or information, and shall
commence to run again when such proceedings terminate without the accused being convicted or acquitted, or are
unjustifiably stopped for any reason not imputable to him. It shall not run when the offender is absent from the
Philippines (Art.91)
PRESCRIPTION OF PENALTIES31
PENALTY PRESCRIBES IN
Death and reclusion Perpetua 20 years
Other afflictive penalties 15 years
Correctional penalties 10 years
Arresto Mayor 5 years
Light penalties 1 year
31
To be operational, the prisoner must escape. One who has not been committed to prison cannot be said to have escaped
therefrom. See Del Castillo vs. Torrecampo 394 SCRA 221
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* Prescription of penalties shall commence to run from the date when the culprit should evade the service of his
sentence, and it shall be interrupted if the defendant should give himself up, be captured, should go to some foreign
country with which the government has no extradition treaty, or should commit another crime before the expiration of
the period of prescription (Art.93)
1. By conditional pardon- a contract between the president and the convict the former will release the latter
upon compliance with certain conditions.
2. By commutation of sentence- it is the reduction of the period of imprisonment of the offender or the amount
of the fine.
3. For good conduct time allowance- are deductions from the term of the sentence for good behavior of the
convicted prisoner.
4. Parole- consists of the suspension of the sentence of a convict after serving the minimum term of the
indeterminate penalty.
Art. 102. Subsidiary civil liability32 of innkeepers, tavern keepers and proprietors of establishments- In default of
persons criminally liable, innkeepers, tavernkeeprs, and any other persons or corporations shall be civilly liable for
crimes committed in their establishments, in cases where a violation of municipal ordinances or some general or
special police regulations shall have been committed by them or their employees.
Innkeepers are also subsidiary liable for the restitution of goods taken by robbery or theft within their houses
from guests lodging therein, or for the payment of the value thereof, provided that such guests shall have notified in
advance the innkeepers himself, or the person representing him, of the deposit of such goods within the inn, and shall
furthermore have followed the directions which such innkeepers or his representative may have given them with
respect to the care and vigilance over such goods. No liability shall attach in case of robbery with violence against or
intimidation of persons unless committed by the innkeepers’ employees.
Art. 103. Subsidiary civil liability of other persons- The subsidiary liability established in the next preceding article
shall also apply to employers, teachers, persons, and corporations engaged in any kind of industry for felonies
committed by their servants, pupils, workmen, apprentices, or employees in the discharge of their duties.
1. Restitution
2. Reparation of damage caused
3. Indemnification of consequential damage
Art. 105. Restitution how made- The restitution of the thing itself must be made whenever possible, with allowance
for any deterioration or diminution of value.
The thing itself shall be restored, even though it be found in the possession of a third person who has acquired it
by lawful means, saving to the latter his action against the proper person who may be liable to him.
Art. 106. Reparation- The court shall determine the amount of damage, taking into consideration the price of the thing,
and its special sentimental value to the injured party.
Art. 107. Indemnification- Indemnification of consequential damages shall include not only those caused the injured
party, but also those suffered by his family or by third person by reason of the crime.
Modes of Extinction of Civil Liability- Civil liability is extinguished in the same manner as other obligations, in
accordance with the provisions of the Civil Code namely:
32
Proof of due diligence of the employer in the selection and supervision of employees is not a defense on the part of the employer
and will not free him from subsidiary liability.
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1. Payment or performance
2. Loss of the thing due
3. Condonation or remission of the debt
4. Confusion or merger of the rights of creditor and debtor
5. Compensation
6. Novation and others (See Art. 1231 Civil Code).