CRIMINAL LAW 1

De La Salle University 1st Semester, AY ‘19-‘20

COLLEGE OF LAW PROF. THEODORE O. TE

COURSE DESCRIPTION, COVERAGE, AND REQUIREMENTS

METHODOLOGY AND GRADING

(1) The course covers the general principles of § Recitation will be

criminal law and involves itself primarily but not called every session
exclusively with Book One (General Provisions and graded
Regarding the Date of Enforcement and accordingly. Names
Application of the Provisions of this Code, and will be called at
random. There is no
Regarding the Offenses, the Persons Liable and
assurance against
the Penalties) of The Revised Penal Code (Act repetition. Absence,
No. 3815, as amended, or An Act Revising The when called, will
Penal Code and Other Penal Laws). Inevitably mean a failing grade
and necessarily, there will be some discussion on for that recitation.
special penal laws and the penalties prescribed § At the professor’s sole
by such laws as well as some of the felonies that discretion, quizzes,
are found in Book Two of the Revised Penal both announced and
Code. unannounced
(2) The required materials for this course are: a.) (minimum of one, no
The law itself, i.e., the Revised Penal Code, and maximum), may be
given. The grades
b.) Cases assigned in this Outline. While not
from the quiz/zes will
required, it will be helpful to have a copy of the form part of
1987 Constitution available during this class at recitation.
all times. No commentary is required nor is any § There will be only
prescribed. While you may choose to refer to a one (1) examination
commentary to assist you in understanding some at the end of the
portions of the course, the opinions of the semester. There will
commentators will be treated in the same way as be no midterm
any other opinion that is not the Supreme examination. Final
Court’s—personal, non-binding, and with a grades will be
liberal dose of caution. determined by
recitation (55%))
(3) This course will employ a healthy mix of
and the final exam
andragogy including, but not limited to, the (45%).
Socratic method, 1 lectures, and practical § The University’s
learning. Rules on Academic

1
"The study of law is something new and unfamiliar to most of you, unlike any schooling you ever been
through before. We use the Socratic method here. I call on you, ask you a question and you answer it. Why
don't I just give you a lecture? Because, through my questions, you'll learn to teach yourselves. Through this
method of questioning, answering, questioning, answering, we seek to develop in you the ability to analyze
that vast complex of facts that constitute the relationship of members within a given society. Questioning
and answering, at times you may feel that you have found the correct answer. I assure you that it is a total
delusion on your part. You will never find the correct, absolute and final answer. In my classroom, there is
always another question, another question to follow your answer, as if you're on a treadmill. My little
questions spin the tumblers of your mind. They're on an operating table, my little questions are the fingers
probing on your brain. We do brain surgery here. You teach yourselves the law, but I train your mind. You
come in here with a skull full of mush, you leave thinking like a lawyer." - Monologue of Prof. Charles
Kingsfield in The Paper Chase (1978). While the character of Professor Kingsfield is fictional, this
monologue accurately describes the Socratic method of teaching law as process but not necessarily and not
invariably as experience.
 2

COURSE DESCRIPTION, COVERAGE, AND REQUIREMENTS

METHODOLOGY AND GRADING
(4) Every case assigned must be read in the Honesty will be fully
original. Not all cases will be discussed. and strictly observed.
All cases assigned are relevant. The cases The University’s rules
are merely illustrative and are not intended to be will be supplemented
an exhaustive compilation of all the by this rule:
allowing another
jurisprudence on the specific areas they are cited to cheat is also
for. For this reason, not all cases listed will be cheating. Thus, one
new cases as many of the new cases simply who is aware of a
repeat settled law that comes from old decisions. violation of academic
(5) Memory work is not required but critical honesty rules by a
thinking and comprehensive understanding member of the class
absolutely are. and who fails to
(6) During recitation, there will be a “clean table” report the same to the
policy. No codes, books, cases, notes, or any Professor within the
other reference material shall be open or used, soonest time
unless specifically instructed to do so. practicable will be
considered, for
(7) This is a “no laptops, no tablets, no purposes of this rule,
smartphone” class. Notes and digest must be as a participant in
handwritten, in actual—not electronic— the dishonesty and
notebooks. will be subject to
similar sanctions.

“Students are social and historical catalysts in the
liberation of our people . . . but this strategic
role . . . does not mean that they must forget the
particular role they have to play within the sectoral
and academic bounds of the university.”
- Lean Alejandro
(1960-1987; UP student; USC Chairman,
thinker, activist, martyr), from THE
PHILIPPINE COLLEGIAN, 31 July 1981

“Do or do not, there is no try.”

- Yoda, Jedi Master;
Star Wars, Ep. V (1981)

“No cause is more worthy than the cause of human

rights. Human rights are more than legal concepts:
they are the essence of man. They are what make
man human. That is why they are called human
rights: deny them and you deny man’s humanity.”
- Jose W. Diokno
(1922-1987; Former Secretary of
Justice, Senator, Trial Lawyer; First
Chair of the Presidential
Commission on Human Rights),
from Human Rights Make Man
Human (Justice Under Siege: Five
Talks; Nationalist Resource Center,
October 1981)
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COURSE OUTLINE
SETTING THE CONTEXT:

Required Preliminary Readings2 Required Activity

1) Proclamation No. 1081 (1972); Proclamation During the course of this

No. 1017 (2006); Proclamation No. 1959 (2009); semester, visit the
Proclamation No. 55 (2016); Proclamation No. Bantayog ng mga Bayani
216 (2017) - when rule of law is a farce despite (not to be confused with the
the existence of a Constitution; graveyard where the
dictator rots) and spend
2) Javellana, et al. v. Executive Secretary, et al.,
some time getting to know
G.R. No. L-36142, L-36164, L-36165, L-36236, L- the names of those
36283 (Resolution), 151-A Phil. 35-427[March 31, inscribed on the wall. Get to
1973]; - the so-called “ratification” of the 1973 know the lives of at least
Constitution; two persons inscribed on
3) Fortun, et al. v. Macapagal Arroyo, et al. (and the wall.
companion cases), G.R. Nos. 190293, 190294,
190301, 190302, 190307, 190356, 190380, 684
Phil. 526-631[March 20, 2012]; - martial law in
Mindanao (Arroyo);
4) Edcel Lagman, et al. v. Medialdea (and
companion cases), G.R. Nos. 231658, 231771,
231774 [July 4, 2017] – martial law in Mindanao
(Duterte);
5) 1987 Constitution, Art. VII, sec. 18 vis Article
VIII, sec. 1, par. 2; Read generally, Article III;
Focus particularly on Art. III, sec. 1.
6) Related literature: (a) Crime and Punishment
by Fyodor Dostoevsky, b) Les Miserables by
Victor Hugo (the book, not the play, movie, or
musical), and c) Resistance, Rebellion, and Death
by Albert Camus.

I. BASIC CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES

A. Concept of Penal Law

a. Estrada v. Sandiganbayan, 369 SCRA 394 (2001);

b. Pesigan v. Angeles, 129 SCRA 174 (1984);
c. RPC, Arts. 3, 4;

2 Items 1-5 must be read before the first session day; any of the books in item 6 should be read before the

semester ends.
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B. State Authority to Punish Crime

a. Sources

i. Const. (1987), art. II, sec. 4;

ii. Const. (1987), art. II, sec. 5;
iii. Const. (1987), art. VI, sec. 1; cf. Art. VIII, sec. 5(5)

b. Constitutional limitations on punishment.

Limitation Source
1. Due Process, Equal Protection AIII, ss. 1, 14(1)(2);
2. Political Belief, Involuntary AIII, ss. 18(1), (2);
Servitude
3. Excessive Fines and Cruel, AIII, ss. 19(1), (2); cf. (a) RA
Degrading and Inhuman Punishment, 9745 (Torture), (b) RA 7659
Torture and Substandard or
(Death Penalty), (c) RA 9346
Inadequate Penal Facilities (Non-Imposition of Death
Penalty);
4. Imprisonment for Debt or Non- AIII, s. 20;
Payment of Poll Tax
5. Double Jeopardy and Ex Post Facto AIII, ss. 21, 22;
legislation

i. Judicial Perspective on The Bill of Rights –

1. People v. Marti, G.R. No. 81561, January 18, 1991;

2. People v. Lacson, G.R. No. 149453, May 28, 2002;
3. People v. Lacson, 400 SCRA 267 (2003);
4. People v. Lacson, 413 SCRA 20 (2003);

ii. Civil Code, Arts. 2, 4;

iii. Pesigan v. Angeles, 129 SCRA 174 (1984);
iv. Tanada v. Tuvera, 136 SCRA 27 (1985);
v. Bouie v. Columbia, 378 U.S. 347 (1964);
vi. People v. Billaber, 421 SCRA 27 (2004);
vii. Dimayacyac v. CA, 430 SCRA 121 (2004);

C. Basic Principles

See Table 1, infra.

II. PERSONS RESPONSIBLE AND CONDUCT PUNISHED

A. Felonies and Crimes

a. Nature, Concept, Definition and Elements

(1) RPC, Art. 3

(2) People v. Temblor, 161 SCRA 623 (1988);
 5

(3) People v. Hassan, 157 SCRA 261 (1988);

(4) People v. Delim, 396 SCRA 386 (2003);
(5) Estrada v. Sandiganbayan, 369 SCRA 394 (2001);
(6) People v. Pabiona, 433 SCRA 301 (2004);

b. Culpa and Dolo

(1) People v. Carmen, 355 SCRA 267 (2001);

(2) RPC, Arts. 3, 365;
(3) People v. Buan, 22 SCRA 1383 (1968) cf. Reodica v. CA, 292
SCRA 87 (1998) citing Lontok v. Gorgonio Jr., 89 SCRA 632
(1979);
(4) People v. Nepomuceno, 298 SCRA 450 (1998);
(5) Effect of Mistake of Fact on Liability:
(a) RPC, Art. 3;
(b) US v. Ah Chong, 15 Phil. 488 (1910);
(c) People v. Oanis, 74 Phil. 257 (1943);

c. Crimes defined and penalized by special penal laws

See Table 2, infra.

B. Punishable Conduct

See Table 3, infra.

C. Stages of Execution Giving Rise to Liability

See Table 4, infra.

D. Persons Criminally Liable

a) In Grave and Less Grave Felonies

i) Principals

(1) RPC, Art. 17

By Indispensable
By Direct Participation By Inducement Cooperation
People v. Nunag, 173 People v. Yamson- People v. Maluenda, 288
SCRA 274 (1989); Dumancas, 320 SCRA 584 SCRA 225 (1998);
People v. Dela Cerna, 21 (1999); People v. Montealegre, 161
SCRA 569 (1967); People v. Bolivar, 317 SCRA SCRA 700 (1988);
577 (1999);
People v. Doria, 301 SCRA People v. Eguia, 14 Phil.
People v. Ong Chat Lay, 60
668 (1999); Phil. 788 (1934); 472 (1909);
People v. Dela Cruz, 97 SCRA
385 (1980);
People v. Indianan, 24 Phil.
203 (1913);
People v. Kiichi Omine, 61
Phil. 609 (1935);
 6

ii) Accomplices

(1) RPC, Art. 18;

(2) RA 9372, sec. 5;
(3) People v. Mandolado, 123 SCRA 133 (1983);
(4) People v. Doble, 114 SCRA 131 (1982);
(5) People v. Doctolero, 193 SCRA 632 (1991);
(6) People v. Elijorde, 306 SCRA 188 (1999);
(7) People v. De Vera, 312 SCRA 640 (1999);
(8) People v. Cachola, 420 SCRA 533 (2004);

iii) Accessories

(1) RPC, Arts. 19, 20;

(2) PD 1612;
(3) RA 9372, sec. 6;
(4) People v. Talingdan, 84 SCRA 19 (1978);
(5) People v. Cui, 314 SCRA 153 (1999);

b) In Light Felonies
c) In Crimes Punished by Special Penal laws
i) People v. Morales, G.R. No. 172873. March 19, 2010;
ii) People v. Dalipe, G.R. No. 187154. April 23, 2010;

E. Circumstances Affecting Criminal Liability

a) Applicability to Special Penal Statutes

i) RPC, Art. 10;

ii) RA 9165, sec. 98; cf. People v. Simon, 234 SCRA 555 (1994);
iii) People v. Saley, 291 SCRA 715 (1998);
iv) Padilla v. CA, 269 SCRA 402 (1997);

b) Justifying Circumstances

i) RPC, Art. 11
ii) Specific Circumstances

See Table 5, infra.

c) Exempting Circumstances

i) RPC, Art. 12
ii) Specific Circumstances

See Table 6, infra.

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III. PENALTIES

A. Nature and Classification

a. Penalty Prescribed
b. Penalty Imposable
c. Penalty Imposed
d. Penalty Served

B. Penalties Imposable and Measures Not Considered Penalty

a. Principal

(1) Indivisible

(a) RPC, Arts. 47, 27;

(b) People v. Gatward, 267 SCRA 785 (1997);
(c) People v. Bon, G.R. No. 166401, October 30, 2006;

(2) Divisible

(a) RPC, Art. 76, 77; Cf. RPC, Art. 65;

b. Accessory Penalties

(1) RPC, Arts. 40-45;

c. Measures not considered penalty

(1) RPC, Arts. 24, 247;

(2) Family Code, Arts. 228-229;

d. Relationship between penalty and civil liability for damages

(1) People v. Jugueta, G.R. No. 202124, April 5, 2016

(2) RPC, Arts. 100, 104, 106;

See Table 7, infra.

IV. CIRCUMSTANCES AFFECTING PENALTIES TO BE IMPOSED

A. Mitigating Circumstances

a. RPC, Arts. 13, 62(3), (4); cf. Arts. 68, 69 (Privileged Mitigating
Circumstance)
b. Specific Circumstances

(1) Incomplete Justification/Exemption

(2) Under 18 or over 70 years of age
 8

(a) RPC, Arts. 68, 69;

But Cf. Enrile v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 213847, August 18,
2015 (old age as justification for grant of bail in capital
offense)

(3) No Intention to Commit So Grave a Wrong

(a) People v. Ural, 56 SCRA 138 (1974);

(b) People v. Amit, 32 SCRA 95 (1970);
(c) People v. Regato, 127 SCRA 287 (1984);

(4) Sufficient Provocation or Threat

(a) People v. Pagal, 79 SCRA 570 (1977);

(5) Immediate Vindication of a Grave Offense

(a) People v. Canete, 410 SCRA 544 (2003);

(b) US v. Ampar, 37 Phil. 201 (1917);
(c) People v. Parana, 64 Phil. 331 (1937);
(d) People v. Diokno, 63 Phil. 601 (1936);

(6) Passion or Obfuscation

(a) People v. Rabanillo, 307 SCRA 613 (1999);

(b) People v. Muit, 117 SCRA 696 (1982);
(c) US v. Hicks, 14 Phil. 217 (1909);
(d) US v. Dela Cruz, 22 Phil. 429 (1912);
(e) People v. Germina, 290 SCRA 146 (1998);

(7) Voluntary Surrender

(a) People v. Pinca, 318 SCRA 270 (1999);

(b) People v. Amaguin, 229 SCRA 166 (1994);
(c) People v. Dulos, 237 SCRA 141 (1994);

(8) Plea of Guilt

(a) Rule 116, secs. 3, 4, 2000 Rules on Criminal Procedure; cf.

Rule 116, sec. 2 (Plea of Guilt to Lesser Offense);
(b) People v. Crisostomo, 160 SCRA 47 (1988);
(c) People v. Jose, et al., 37 SCRA 450 (1971);

(9) Physical Defects

(10) Illness

(a) People v. Javier, 311 SCRA 576 (1999);

(b) People v. Parazo, G.R. No.121176, July 8, 1999
But Cf. Enrile v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 213847, August 18,
2015 (poor health as justification for grant of bail in capital
offense)
 9

(11) Analogous Mitigating Circumstances

B. Aggravating Circumstances

a. RPC, Arts. 14, 62(1), (2), (3), (4);

b. Rule 110, secs. 8, 9, 2000 Rules on Criminal Procedure

(1) People v. Garcia, 399 SCRA 155 (2003);

(2) People v. Buayaban, 400 SCRA 48 (2003);
(3) People v. Ignas, 412 SCRA 311 (2003);
(4) People v. Aquino, 386 SCRA 391 (2002);
(5) People v. Guillermo, G.R. No. 177138. January 26, 2010;

c. Specific Circumstances

(1) Advantage Taken of Public Office

(a) RPC, Art. 19(3);

(b) RPC, Art. 62(1a);
(c) People v. Capalac, 117 SCRA 874 (1982);
(d) People v. Gapasin, 231 SCRA 728 (1994);

(2) In Contempt of or With Insult to Public Authorities

(3) With Insult or Lack of Regard Due to Offended Party by Reason
of Rank, Age or Sex
(4) Dwelling

(a) People v. Bajar, 414 SCRA 494 (2003);

(b) People v. Inggo, 404 SCRA 550 (2003);
(c) Pepito v. CA, G.R. No. 119942, July 8, 1999;
(d) People v. Paraiso, 319 SCRA 422 (1999);
(e) People v. Rodil, 109 SCRA 308 (1981);
(f) People v. Daniel, 86 SCRA 511 (1978);
(g) People v. Bañez, 301 SCRA 248 (1999);

(5) Abuse of Confidence and Ungratefulness

(a) People v. Mandolado, 123 SCRA 128 (1983);

(6) Crime in Palace or in the Presence of Chief Executive

(7) Nighttime, Uninhabited Place, or with Band

(a) People v. Jose, 37 SCRA 450 (1971);

(b) People v. Desalisa, 229 SCRA 35 (1994);
(c) RPC, Art 296 vis 62 (1a, §2, §3);

(8) On Occasion of a Calamity (cf. RPC, Art. 310)

(9) Aid of Armed Men or Means to Ensure Impunity
(10) Recidivism
(11) Reiteracion or Habituality
 10

(a) Cf. RPC, Art. 62(5);

(b) Cf. RPC, Art. 160
(c) People v. Molina, 336 SCRA 400 (2000);
(d) People v. Gaorana, 289 SCRA 652 (1998);
(e) People v. Baldogo, G.R. No. 129106-07, January 24, 2003;

(12) Price, Reward or Promise

(13) Inundation, Fire, Poison
(14) Evident Premeditation

(a) People v. Sumalpong, 284 SCRA 464 (1998);

(b) People v. Bihat, 290 SCRA 27 (1998);
(c) People v. Lug-aw, 229 SCRA 308 (1994);
(d) People v. Camilet, 142 SCRA 402 (1986);
(e) People v. Lim, 71 SCRA 249 (1976);
(f) People v. Parangan, 231 SCRA 682 (1994);
(g) People v. Ilaoa, 233 SCRA 231 (1994);

(15) Craft, Fraud, Disguise

(a) People v. Marquez, 117 SCRA 165 (1982);

(b) People v. Empacis, 222 SCRA 59 (1993);

(16) Superior Strength or Means to Weaken the Defense

(a) People v. Cabato, 160 SCRA 98 (1988);

(b) People v. Ruelan, 231 SCRA 650 (1994);
(c) People v. Jose, et al., 37 SCRA 450 (1971);
(d) People v. Padilla, 233 SCRA 46 (1994);
(e) Valenzuela v . People, G.R. No. 149988, August 14, 2009;

(17) Treachery

(a) People v. Castillo, 289 SCRA 213 (1998);

(b) People v. Sangalang, 58 SCRA 737 (1974);
(c) People v. Crisostomo, 160 SCRA 47 (1988);
(d) People v. Gutierrez, 158 SCRA 614 (1988);
(e) People v. Verchez, 233 SCRA 174 (1994);

(18) Ignominy

(a) People v. Jose, et al., 37 SCRA 450 (1971);

(b) People v. Siao, 327 SCRA 231 (2000);

(19) Unlawful Entry

(a) People v. Baello, 224 SCRA 218 (1993);

(20) Breaking Wall, Floor, Roof

(21) With Aid of Persons under 15 or by Motor Vehicle
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(22) Cruelty

(a) People v. Ilaoa, 233 SCRA 231 (1994);

C. Special Aggravating/Qualifying Circumstances

a. Need for Allegation in Information

(1) Rule 110, secs. 8, 9, 2000 Rules on Criminal Procedure;

(2) People v. Alvarez, 415 SCRA 523 (2003);
(3) People v. Garcia, 399 SCRA 155 (2003);
(4) People v. Buayaban, 400 SCRA 48 (2003);
(5) People v. Guillermo, G.R. No. 177138. January 26, 2010

b. Specific Illustrative Circumstances

(1) Rape

(i) RPC, Art. 266-B;

(ii) People v. Llanto, G.R. No. 146458, January 20, 2003;
(iii) People v. Pruna, G.R. No. 138471, October 10,
2002;
(iv) People v. Galigao, G.R. No. 140961-63, January 14,
2003;
(v) People v. Rullepa, G.R. No. 131516, March 5, 2003;
(vi) People v. Balgos, 323 SCRA 372 (2000);
(vii) People v. Onabia, G.R. No. 128288, April 20, 1999;
(viii) People v. Beraña, G.R. No. 123544, July 29, 1999;
(ix) People v. Baring, 354 SCRA 371 (2001); cf. People
v. Magabo, 350 SCRA 126 (2001);
(x) People v. Guillermo, G.R. No. 177138. January 26, 2010;

(2) Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition

(i) PD 1866, secs. 1, 3 (as amended)

(ii) People v. Hamton, et al., G.R. No. 134823-25, January 14,
2003;
(iii) People v. De Castro, 403 SCRA 543 (2003);

(3) Possession of Dangerous Drugs

(i) RA 9165, secs. 4(2),(3), 5(3),(4), (5), (6), 6(3),(4), (6),

8(3), 10(3), 13, 14, 25, 28, 29;

D. Alternative Circumstances

a. RPC, Art. 15;

b. Specific Circumstances and Effects

(1) Relationship
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(a) People v. Atop, 286 SCRA 157 (1998);

(2) Intoxication

(a) People v. Renejane, 158 SCRA 258 (1988);

(b) People v. Camano, 115 SCRA 688 (1982);

(3) Degree of Instruction and Education

(a) People v. Bajar, 414 SCRA 494 (2003); cf. People v. Galigao,
G.R. No. 140961-63, January 14, 2003;

V. APPLICATION AND COMPUTATION OF PENALTIES

A. General Principles

a. RPC, Arts. 28, 29, 46, 71 (cf. 70);

b. People v. Formigones, 87 Phil. 658 (1950);
c. Corpuz v. People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 180016, April 29, 2014;

B. Principals, Accomplices, Accessories in Consummated, Frustrated and

Attempted Felonies

a. RPC, Arts. 46, 50-57, 60-61;

b. People v. Campuhan, G.R. No. 129433, March 30, 2003;

See Table 8, infra.

C. Effects of Mitigating and Aggravating Circumstances

a. RPC, Arts. 62-64, 67, 69, 71;

b. Lacanilao v. CA, 162 SCRA 653 (1988);

D. Special Rules

i) Complex Crimes

(1) RPC, Art. 48;

(2) People v. Hernandez, 99 Phil. 515 (1956);
(3) People v. Geronimo, 100 Phil. 99 (1956);
(4) Ponce Enrile v. Salazar, 186 SCRA 217 (1990);
(5) People v. Bulaong, 106 SCRA 344 (1981);
(6) Napolis v. CA, 43 SCRA 301 (1972);
(7) People v. Toling, 62 SCRA 17 (1975);
(8) People v. Escober, 157 SCRA 541 (1988);
(9) People v. Escote, Jr., 400 SCRA 603 (2003);
(10) People v. Silongan, 401 SCRA 459 (2003);
(11) People v. Caraang, 418 SCRA 321 (2003);
(12) People v. Nuguid, 420 SCRA 533 (2004);
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ii) Special Complex Crimes

(1) People v. Fabon, 328 SCRA 302 (2000);

(2) People v. Escote Jr., 400 SCRA 603 (2003);
(3) People v. Larranaga, 421 SCRA 530 (2004);

iii) Crime Different from that Intended

(1) RPC, Art. 49;

iv) Impossible Crimes

(1) RPC, Arts. 4, 59;

v) Additional Penalty for Certain Accessories

(1) RPC, Art. 58;

vi) The Three-Fold Rule

(1) RPC, Art. 70;

(2) Mejorada v. Sandiganbayan, 151 SCRA 339 (1987);

vii) Where Penalty is Not Composed of Three Periods

(1) RPC, Art. 65;

D. The Indeterminate Sentence Law

i) Act No. 4103;

ii) RPC, Art. 64;
iii) Dela Cruz v. CA, 256 SCRA 299 (1996);
iv) Ladino v. Garcia, 265 SCRA 422 (1996);
v) People v. Campuhan, G.R. No. 129433, March 30, 2000;
vi) People v. Nang Kay, 88 Phil. 515 (1951);
vii) People v. Saley, 291 SCRA 715 (1998);
viii) People v. Saberola, G.R. No. 132023. October 12, 1998;
ix) Garcia v. People, 410 SCRA 582 (2003);

VI. EXECUTION AND SERVICE OF PENALTIES

A. Execution of Penalties

a. RPC, Arts. 78, 86-88;

b. In Re: Habeas Corpus of Pete C. Lagran, 363 SCRA 275 (2001);

B. Effects of the Probation Law

a. PD 968;
b. Llamada v. CA, 174 SCRA 566 (1989);
 14

c. Bala v. Martinez, 181 SCRA 459 (1990);

d. Salgado v. CA, 189 SCRA 304 (1990);
e. People v. Evangelista, 235 SCRA 714 (1996);
f. Office of the Court Administrator v. Librado, 260 SCRA 625 (1996);

C. Suspension in Case of Insanity or Minority

a. RPC, Art. 79;

b. Rule on Juveniles in Conflict with the Law, sec. 32;

D. Subsidiary Imprisonment

a. RPC, Arts. 38, 39;

b. Jao Yu v. People, 438 SCRA 431 (2004);

VII. EXTINCTION OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY AND IMPOSITION OF

CIVIL LIABILITY ARISING FROM FELONY

A. Total Extinction

a. RPC, Arts. 89-93, 96;

b. Monsanto v. Factoran, 170 SCRA 190 (1989);
c. Presidential Ad Hoc Fact-Finding Committee on Behest Loans v.
Desierto, 363 SCRA 585 (2001);
d. Republic v. Desierto, 363 SCRA 585 (2001);
e. Brillante v. CA, 440 SCRA 541 (2004);
f. PCGG v. Desierto, 441 SCRA 106 (2004);

B. Partial Extinction

a. RPC, Arts. 94-99;

C. Civil Liability Arising from Felony

a. General Rule

(1) RPC, Art. 100;

(2) Civil Code, Arts. 20, 1161, 2176, 2177;
(3) 2000 Rules on Criminal Procedure, Rule 111;

b. Civil Liability and Persons Civilly Liable

(1) RPC, Arts. 104-107;

(2) People v. Paraiso, 349 SCRA 335 (2001);
(3) People v. Caniezo, 354 SCRA 298 (2001);
(4) People v. Galvez, 355 SCRA 246 (2001);
(5) People v. Pajotal, 368 SCRA 674 (2001);
(6) People v. Bantiling, 369 SCRA 47 (2001);
(7) RPC, Arts. 108-111;

c. Special Cases
 15

(1) Insanity, Imbecility;

(2) State of Necessity;
(3) Irresistible Force, Uncontrollable Fear of Greater or Equal
Injury

(4) RPC, Art. 101, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Rules;

d. Inn keepers and similar persons

(1) RPC, Art. 102;

e. Subsidiary Liability of Other Persons

(8) RPC, Art. 103

(9) Carpio v. Doroja, 180 SCRA 1 (1989);

D. Extinction of Civil Liability

a. RPC, Arts. 112-113;

b. Civil Code, Art. 1231;

“Cowardice asks the question - is it safe?

Expediency asks the question - is it politic?
Vanity asks the question - is it popular?
But conscience asks the question - is it right?
And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor
politic, nor popular; but one must take it because it is right.” – Martin Luther King
Jr.
 16

Table 1.
Principle References
1. RPC, Arts. 3, 21;
2. Rubrico et al. v. Macapagal-Arroyo, G.R. No. 183871,
LEGALITY February 18, 2010;
3. Bernardo v. People, 123 SCRA 365 (1983);
4. People v. Pimentel, 288 SCRA 542 (1998);
1. Civil Code, art. 14;
2. Republic Act No. 7055, cf. PD No. 1850;
3. US v. Sweet, 1 Phil. 18 (1901);
GENERALITY 4. Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), Art. V;
5. BAYAN v. Executive Secretary, G.R. Nos. 138570, 138572,
138587, 138680, 138698, October 10, 2000;
6. Nicolas v. Romulo, et al., G.R. No. 175888, 176051,
176222, February 11, 2009;
7. Schneckenburger v. Moran, 63 Phil. 249 (1943);
8. Raquiza v. Bradford, 75 Phil. 50 (1948);
9. Liang v. People, 323 SCRA 652 (2000);
10. Articles of War, Arts. 54-97;
11. Gonzales et al. v. Abaya et al., G.R. No. 164007. August
10, 2006;
12. David v. Macapagal-Arroyo, 489 SCRA 160 (2006);
1. RPC, Art. 2;
2. Const. (1987), art. I;
3. US v. Ah Sing, 36 Phil. 978 (1917);
TERRITORIALITY 4. Miquiabas v. Commanding General, 80 Phil. 267 (1948);
5. Rule 110, sec. 15, 2000 Rules on Criminal Procedure;
cf. (a) US v. Verdugo-Urquidez, 494 US 259 (1990);
(b) Hamdi v. Rumsfeld, No. 03-6696, June 28, 2004;
(c) Rasul v. Bush, No. 03-334, June 28, 2004;
6. VFA, Article V;
7. French v. English Rule; U.S. v. Bull, 15 Phil. 7, 14 (1910);
1. RPC, Arts. 21, 22;
PROSPECTIVITY 2. Civil Code, Arts. 2, 4;
3. Gumabon v. Director of Prisons, 37 SCRA 420 (1971);
4. In Re: Kay Villegas Kami, 35 SCRA 429 (1970);
5. People v. Narvaez, 121 SCRA 389 (1983);
6. People v. Ringor, 320 SCRA 342 (1999);
7. People v. Lacson, Parts I, 2, 3 (supra)
8. People v. Leuterio, G.R. No. 146458, January 20, 2003;
9. People v. Masapol, 417 SCRA 371 (2003);
10. People v. Ignas, 412 SCRA 311 (2003);
11. De Joya v. Jail Warden, 417 SCRA 636 (2003);
12. People v. Garcia, 399 SCRA 155 (2003);
13. People v. Buayaban, 400 SCRA 48 (2003);
INTERPRETATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF PENAL STATUTES
1. Const. (1987), art. III, sec. 14(2);
 17

2. Pascual v. Board of Medical Examiners, 28 SCRA 344 (1969);

3. People v. Lopez, 313 SCRA 114 (1999);
4. People v. Muleta, 309 SCRA 148 (1999);
5. People v. Manaba, 58 Phil. 665 (1933) (Spanish text of the Code controls over
the English text when there is a conflict.)
Table 2.
CRIMES MALA IN SE AND MALA PROHIBITA RELATION OF RPC TO SPECIAL PENAL LAWS
• Estrada v. Sandiganbayan, 369 SCRA 394 § RPC, Art. 10;
(2001); § RA 9165, sec. 98;
§ Padilla v. Dizon, 158 SCRA 127 (1988);
§ Padilla v. Court of Appeals, 269 SCRA
402 (1997);
§ People v. Simon, 234 SCRA 555 (1994);
ILLUSTRATIVE SPECIAL PENAL LAWS
§ RA 4200 (Wire Tapping); § RA 9160 (Money Laundering);
§ RA 7080 (Plunder); § RA 9208 (Trafficking in Persons);
§ PD 1866, as amended (Possession of § BP 22 (Bouncing Checks);
Firearms and Ammunition); § RA 6969 (Toxic Substances and
§ RA 9165 (Dangerous Drugs); Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes);
§ RA 7610 (Child Abuse); § RA 6539 (Carnapping);
§ RA 7877 (Sexual Harassment); § RA 9372 (Terrorism);
§ RA 8484 (Access Devices Regulation Act); § RA 9745 (Torture);

Table 3.
1. Wrongful Act Different from That Intended 2. Omission
§ RPC, Arts. 4(1), 49 Compare: § RPC, Art. 4,
§ Seguritan v. People, G.R. a. Aberratio Ictus (Mistake § RPC, Art. 116,
No. 172896, April 19, in the Blow); § RPC, Art. 137,
2010 b. Error in Personae § RPC, Art. 208,
§ People v. Sabalones, 294 (Mistake in Identity); § RPC, Art. 223,
SCRA 751 (1998); c. Praeter Intentionem (No § RPC, Art. 234,
§ Urbano v. IAC, 157 SCRA Intent to Commit so Grave a § RPC, Art. 275;
1 (1998); Wrong; cf. RPC, Art. 13(3); § PD 953,
§ PD 1153;
3. Proposal and Conspiracy
§ RPC, Art. 8 § US v. Bautista, 6 Phil. 581 (1906);
§ See RPC, Arts. § People v. Vengco, 127 SCRA 242 (1984);
115, 136, 141, § People v. Valdez, 159 SCRA 153 (1988);
186, 306, 340; § People v. Escober, 157 SCRA 541 (1988);
§ RA 9165, sec. 26; § People v. National, 248 SCRA 122 (1995);
§ RA 9372, sec. 4; § People v. Elijorde, 306 SCRA 188 (1999);
§ People v. Botona, 304 SCRA 712 (1999);
§ Lecaroz v. Sandiganbayan, 305 SCRA 469 (1998);
§ People v. Bello, 428 SCRA 388 (2004);
§ People v. Rom, 428 SCRA 117 (2004);
§ People v. Comadre, 431 SCRA 366 (2004);
§ People v. De Chavez, G.R. No. 188105. April 23, 2010;
§ Ronquillo, et al. v. People, G.R. No. 181430. March 9, 2010.
4. Impossible Crimes • RPC, Arts. 4, 59;
§ Intod v. CA, 215 SCRA 52 (1992);
 18

Table 4.
STAGE OF EXECUTION RELEVANT REFERENCES AND ILLUSTRATIVE DECISIONS
§ RPC, Art. 6, 134-A;
1. Attempt § RA 9165, sec. 26;
§ People v. Lamahang, 61 Phil. 703 (1935);
§ People v. Dio, 130 SCRA 151 (1984);
§ People v. Trinidad, 169 SCRA 51 (1989)
§ People v. Campuhan, G.R. No. 129433, March 30, 2000; cf.
RPC, Art. 266-A;
§ People v. Lopez, 312 SCRA 684 (1999);
§ People v. Lizada, 396 SCRA 62 (2003);
§ RPC, Art. 6; cf. Arts. 134, 134-A;
2. Frustration § People v. Campuhan, G.R. No. 129433, March 30, 2000;
§ RPC, Art. 6; cf. Arts. 134, 134-A;
3. Consummation § US v. Adiao, 38 Phil. 754 (1955);
§ People v. Hernandez, 49 Phil. 980 (1925);
§ People v. Erina, 50 Phil. 998 (1927);
§ People v. Velasco, 73 SCRA 574 (1976);
§ People v. Mendoza, 414 SCRA 461 (2003);

Table 5.
Justifying Circumstance Illustrative Cases

Self-Defense, Defense of People v. Abagon, 161 SCRA 255 (1988);
Relatives and Strangers, People v. Narvaez, 121 SCRA 389 (1983);
Defense of Property, Defense of People v. Boholst-Caballero, 61 SCRA 180 (1974); cf.
Reputation (§§ 1, 2, and 3) Battered Woman’s Syndrome (BWS): People v.
Genosa, 419 SCRA 537 (2004);
Espinosa v. People, G.R. No. 181071. March 15, 2010
(Rational Equivalence vis Totality of Circumstances)

State of Necessity (Avoidance of People v. Ricohermoso, 56 SCRA 431 (1974);
Greater Evil) (§4) People v. Retubado, 417 SCRA 393 (2003);
Ty v. People, 439 SCRA 220 (2004);

Cf. RPC, Art. 101, 2nd rule;


Fulfillment of Duty or Lawful Cf. Civil Code, Art. 429;
Exercise of Right (§5) People v. Delima, 46 Phil. 738 (1922);
People v. Oanis, 74 Phil. 257 (1943);
People v. Catbagan, 423 SCRA 536 (2004);


Obedience to Lawful Superior People v. Beronilla, 96 Phil. 566 (1955);
Order (§6) Nassif v. People, 73 Phil. 67 (1946);
Tabuena v. Sandiganbayan, 268 SCRA 332 (1997);

 19

Table 6.
Exempting Circumstances Illustrative Cases
(i) In Re M’Naghten, 8 Eng. Rep 718;
Insanity and Imbecility (i) People v. Belonio, 429 SCRA 579 (2004);
(ii) People v. Estrada, 333 SCRA 699 (2000);
(iii) People v. Villa Jr., 331 SCRA 142 (2000);
(iv) People v. Madarang, 332 SCRA 99 (2000);
(v) People v. Aldemita, G.R. Nos. L-55033-34. November
13, 1986;
(vi) People v. Banez, 301 SCRA 248 (1999);
(vii) People v. Caneta, 309 SCRA 199 (1999);
(viii) People v. Diaz, 320 SCRA 168 (1999);
(ix) People v. Medina, 286 SCRA 44 (1998);
(x) People v. Tabugoca, 285 SCRA 312 (1998);
(xi) People v. Puno, 105 SCRA 151 (1981);
(xii) People v. Bonoan, 64 Phil. 87 (1937);
(xiii) People v. Dungo, 199 SCRA 860 (1991);
(xiv) People v. Taneo, 58 Phil. 255 (1933);
(xv) People v. Formigones, 87 Phil. 658 (1950);
(xvi) People v. Buenaflor, G.R. No. 93752. July 15, 1992;

Cf. RPC, Art. 101, 1st rule;
Cf. RA 9344, secs. 1 [c],[d], [e], 20, 57, 58, 59; cf. A.M. No.
Minority 02-1-19-SC (Rule on Commitment of Children), A.M. No. 02-
1-18-SC (Rule on Juveniles in Conflict with the Law);
(ii) People v. Pruna, G.R. No. 138471, October 10, 2002;
(iii) People v. Gavino, 399 SCRA 285 (2003);
(iv) People v. Rullepa, G.R. No. 131516, March 5, 2003;
(v) People v. Estepano, 307 SCRA 707 (1999);
(vi) People v. Doquena, 68 Phil. 580 (1939);
(i) RPC, Art. 67;
Accident (ii) People v. Agliday, 367 SCRA 273 (2001);
(iii) US v. Tanedo, 15 Phil. 196 (1910);
(iv) People v. Bindoy, 56 Phil. 15 (1931);
(i) People v. Lising, 285 SCRA 595 (1998);
Irresistible (ii) People v. Elicanal, 35 Phil. 209 (1916);
Force/Uncontrollable Fear (iii) People v. Loreno, 130 SCRA 311 (1984);
of an Equal or Greater (iv) US v. Caballeros, 4 Phil. 350;
Injury (v) US v. Exaltacion, 3 Phil. 339 (1905);
(vi) People v. Fronda, 222 SCRA 71 (1993);
(vii) People v. Morales, 427 SCRA 765 (2004);

Cf. RPC, Art. 101, 3rd rule;
(i) US v. Vincentillo, 19 Phil. 118 (1911);
Insuperable or Lawful Cause (ii) People v. Bandian, 63 Phil. 530 (1936);
Absolutory Causes and Other Special Situations
(1) People v. Lua Chu, 56 Phil. 44 (1931);
Entrapment and Instigation (2) Araneta v. CA, 142 SCRA 532 (1986);
(3) Cabrera v. Pajares, 142 SCRA 127 (1986);
(4) People v. Ahmad, 419 SCRA 677 (2004);
Effect of Pardon RPC, Arts. 23, 266-C; cf. RPC, Arts. 89(4), 94(1);
 20

Absolutory Causes RPC, Arts. 6(3), 7, 20, 16, 247, 280, 332, 344;
People v. Oyanib, 354 SCRA 196 (2001);
Acts Not covered by Law RPC, Art. 5;
and in Instances of People v. Veneracion, 249 SCRA 244 (1995);
Excessive Punishment

Table 7.
Name Classification Nature Period Accessory Relevant
Penalties
Laws/Cases
Death* Capital *Indivisible, Art. 40 § *RA 9346;
Grave
§ People v. Bon,
G.R. No.
166401.
October 30,
2006;
Reclusion Afflictive Indivisible, 20y1d-40y Art. 41 § Pp v. Gatward,
Perpetua Grave 267 SCRA 785
(1997);
§ Pp v. Malakas,
G.R. No.
92150.
December 8,
1993;
§ Arts. 9, 27, 70,
71;
Life - NA - - NA - No definite None § Pp v. Gatward,
Imprisonment duration, supra;
(LI) dependent § RA 9165;
on law § Pp v. Medina
providing Jr., 404 SCRA
for the 248 (2003);
penalty § Pp v.
Ballabare, 264
SCRA 350
(1996);
§ Pp v.
Gregorio, 255
SCRA 380
(1996);
§ Pp v. Malakas,
G.R. No.
92150.
December 8,
1993;
§ Pp v. Lusa,
288 SCRA 296
(1998); cf. Pp
v. Saberola,
297 SCRA 733
(1998) (LI and
RP same only
 21

Table 7.
Name Classification Nature Period Accessory Relevant
Penalties Laws/Cases
for purposes
of the
Indeterminate
Sentence
Law);
LI w/o parole Not RA 9346, s.3
provided
40 yrs. w/o Not RA 9372, ss. 3,4
parole provided
Reclusion Afflictive Divisible, 12y1d-20y Art. 41 Arts. 9, 25, 27, 70,
Temporal Grave 71
Prision Mayor 6y1d-12y Art. 42
Prision Correctional Divisible, 6m1d-6y Art. 43
Correccional Less Grave
Arresto Mayor 1m1d-6m Art. 44 § Pp v. Juatan,
260 SCRA 532
(1996);
§ Arts. 9, 25, 27,
70, 71;
Destierro Correctional Indivisible, Arts. 9, 25, 27, 70,
Less Grave 71;
Arresto Menor Light Divisible, 1d-30d Art. 44
Light
Public Censure Indivisible,
Light
Fine Common Divisible Afflictive if Arts. 9, 26, 66, 70,
Penalty to excess of 71, 75;
Afflictive, P6Th;
Correctional
correctional
and Light
if between
Penalties
P200 to
P6Th; light if
less than
P200
Bond to keep As may be Arts. 9, 25, 27, 35,
peace determined 70, 71;
by the court

Table 8.
Participation/Stage Consummated Frustrated Attempt

Principal P 1 2

Accomplice 1 2 3

Accessory 2 3 4
P = penalty prescribed; # = degrees lower from P