COURTS CAN NOW IMPOSE COMMUNITY SERVICE INSTEAD OF IMPRISONMENT

FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES

On August 2019, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11362 or the "Community
Service Act".

Said Law allows Courts to require community service in lieu of imprisonment for the penalties
of Arresto Menor and Arresto Mayor.

Section 3 of RA No. 11362 provides that:

"Section. 3 Community Service - The Court, in its discretion may, in lieu of service in Jail,
require that the penalties of Arresto Menor to Arresto Mayor be served by the defendant by
rendering community service in the place where the crime was committed, under such terms as
the court shall determine, taking into consideration the gravity of the offense and the
circumstances of the case"

The Court is given discretion in imposing community service, the number of hours to be worked,
and the period within which to complete the service.

Q: What are the possible offenses covered by the Community Service Act?
A: Some of the covered offenses are the following:
✅ Slight Physical Injury
✅Theft (the value does not exceed 5k)
✅ Estafa (the value does not exceed 40k)
✅ Other Deceits
✅ Malicious Mischief (Except Art.328 par.1)
✅ Alarms and Scandals
✅ Light Coercion
✅ Slander
✅ Intriguing Against Honor
✅ Grave Threats without condition
✅ Other Light Threats
✅ Other forms of Trespass
✅ Resistance and Disobedience

Q: Who will supervise the Community Service?

A: RA 11362 provides that the Community Service shall be under the supervision of a Probation
Officer.

Q: Are there any other requirements?

A: The accused shall undergo rehabilitative counselling under Social Welfare and Development
Officer of the City or Municipality concerned with the assistance of DSWD.
In case of violation of the terms regarding community service, the court may again order arrest.