As to definition, the threefold rule is a law on the service of prison sentence which provides that

the maximum duration of the convict's sentence shall not be more than three-fold the length of time
corresponding to the most severe of the penalties imposed upon him. No other penalty to which he may
be liable shall be inflicted after the sum total of those imposed equals the same maximum period. On the
other hand, the Indeterminate Sentence Law (ISLAW) is a sentence with a minimum term and a
maximum term of which the court is mandated to impose for the benefit of a guilty person who is not
disqualified to avail therefore, when the maximum imprisonment exceeds 1 year.

As to application, the three-fold rule can only be applied if the convict is to serve 4 or more
sentences successively. It applies although the penalties were imposed for different crimes at different
times and under separate information. What is material is that the convict shall serve more than three
successive sentences. On the other hand, the application of ISLAW is mandatory in all cases. Exception if
it falls in any of the exceptions as explicitly provided for by Act No. 4103. Further, ISLAW also applies
to offenses punished by Special Law and the Revised Penal Code.

As to computation, in threefold rule, first you must determine the most severe penalty meted and
multiply the duration by 3. Add the maximum term of all the different sentences imposed upon the
convict. Compare the results in the first two steps. Lastly, the convict will serve out the lesser of the two
but in no case shall it exceed a period of forty years. On the other hand, in ISLAW, you must first
determine the maximum and minimum penalty for the offense charged.

As to who may apply, the application of the threefold rule lies within the discretion of the
Director of Prisons. Thus, the court should impose the correct penalties even if these will amount to more
than the lifetime of the prisoner. On the other hand, the application of ISLAW depends upon the
discretion of the court on which period to place it.