Professional Documents
Culture Documents
20. That the crime be committed with the aid of persons under fifteen (15) years
The following are aggravating circumstances: of age, or by means of motor vehicles, airships, or other similar means.
1. That advantage be taken by the offender of his public position. 21. That the wrong be done in the commission of the crime be deliberately
2. That the crime be committed in contempt of or with insult to the public augmented by causing other wrong not necessary for its commission.
authorities.
3. That the act be committed with insult or in disregard of the respect due the What is an aggravating circumstance?
offended party on account of his rank, age, or sex, or that it be committed in A circumstance which,
the dwelling of the offended party, if the latter has not given provocation. If present in the commission of a felony and
4. That the act be committed with abuse of confidence or obvious Not offset by an ordinary mitigating circumstance,
ungratefulness. Increases the penalty to be imposed upon the accused to its maximum period
5. That the crime be committed in the palace of the Chief Executive, or in his Without however,
presence, or where public authorities are engaged in the discharge of their Exceeding the penalty prescribed by the law for the felony committed,
duties, or in a place dedicated to religious worship. Or changes the nature of the felony
6. That the crime be committed in the nighttime or in an uninhabited place, or To a more serious one and
by a band, whenever such circumstances may facilitate the commission of Makes the accused liable for the penalty prescribed by the law
the offense. For the felony as charged.
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 What is the basis of aggravating circumstances?
a band. On the greater criminal perversity of the offender as shown by the:
7. That the crime be committed on the occasion of a conflagration, shipwreck, o Means employed
earthquake, epidemic, or other calamity or misfortune. o Time
8. That the crime be committed with the aid of armed men or persons who o Place, and
insure or afford impunity. o Occasion of the commission of the felony
9. That the accused is a recidivist. o The material execution of the act, or
A recidivist is one who, at the time of his trial for one crime, shall have been o In attributes
previously convicted by final judgment of another crime embraced in the o Private relations or
same title of this Code. o Other personal cause
10. That the offender has been previously punished for an offense to which the
law attaches an equal or greater penalty or for two or more crimes to which it What is the quantity of proof required?
attaches a lighter penalty. Clear and conclusive evidence
11. That the crime be committed in consideration of a price, reward, or promise. Must be based on positive and conclusive proof, not merely on hypothetical facts,
12. That the crime be committed by means of inundation, fire, poison, explosion, no matter how truthful suppositions and presumptions may seem.
stranding of a vessel of intentional damage thereto, derailment of a The list is exclusive.
locomotive, or by the use of any other artifice involving great waste and ruin.
13. That the act be committed with evident premeditation. Is “immoral motive” and “drug addiction” aggravating circumstances?
14. That craft, fraud, or disguise be employed. NO. It does not fall under any of the aggravating circumstances
15. That advantage be taken of superior strength, or means be employed to enumerated
weaken the defense. Unlike mitigating circumstances, the enumeration of aggravating
16. That the act be committed with treachery (alevosia). circumstances does NOT include “similar in nature” or “analogous” to
There is treachery when the offender commits any of the crimes against the those mentioned
person, employing means, methods, or forms in the execution thereof which Criminal statutes are to be strictly construed and no person should be
tend directly and specially to insure its execution, without risk to himself brought within their terms who is not clearly within them
arising from the defense which the offended party might make.
17. That means be employed or circumstances brought about which add HOWEVER,
ignominy to the natural effects of the act. Under Sec. 26 of RA 9165 (Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 approved on June 2,
18. That the crime be committed after an unlawful entry. 2002 and took effect on July 4, 2002)
There is unlawful entry when an entrance is effected by a way not intended Influence of dangerous drugs in the commission of the crime is considered as a
for the purpose. qualifying aggravating circumstance.
19. That as a means to the commission of a crime a wall, roof, floor, door, or
window be broken.
To appreciate this circumstance, inquire: Second circumstance: (in contempt or insult to public authorities)
Did the accused abuse his office in order to commit the crime? That the crime
Be committed
CASE LAW EXAMPLES In contempt or
1. Policeman on guard duty who could not have maltreated the prisoner- With insult
victim if he didn’t have access to the cell where the victim was confined. To the public authorities
2. When the accused identified himself as policeman although in civilian
clothes, and used his firearm in shooting the deceased.
3. When the accused used their authority as members of the police and What is the basis?
constabulary to disarm the deceased before shooting him Greater criminal perversity as shown by his lack of respect to the public
4. If he had not been a councilman he could not have induced the injured authorities
parties to pay these alleged fines. Even if a councilman is not an official
designated by law to collect public fines, it does not disprove the fact Nature?
that the accused did by taking advantage of his public position deceive Generic aggravating circumstance
and defraud the injured parties out of the money which they paid him.
RAMOS, MARY LOUISE M. San beda college alabang – school of law
CRIMINAL LAW, 1-a 2016 Atty. frias
What are the requisites? (E-N-K) On account of his
1. The public authority must be engaged in the performance of his official Rank,
duty Age, or
2. The public authority must not be the person against whom the crime is Sex, or
committed That it be committed
3. The offender knows him to be a public authority In the dwelling of
The offended party,
Who is a ‘public authority’? If the latter has not given provocation.
A person in authority
What are the four aggravating circumstances here? (R-A-S-D)
Who is a ‘person in authority’? 1. Act committed with insult or in disregard of the respect due the offended
Any person party on account of his rank
Directly vested with jurisdiction, 2. Act committed with insult or in disregard of the respect due the offended
Whether as an individual or party on account of his age
As a member of some court or 3. Act committed with insult or in disregard of the respect due the offended
Government-owned or –controlled corporation, party on account of his sex
Board or 4. It be committed in the dwelling of the offended party, if the latter has
Commission. not given provocation
The governor or mayor,
Councilor and What is the basis?
The barangay chairman and chairman are Based on the greater criminal perversity of the offender as shown by the
Also persons in authority. (G-M-C-B) personal circumstances of the offended party and the place of the commission of
the crime
REMEMBER: This applies to persons in authority ONLY.
What is the nature?
Aggravating circumstances of rank, age, and sex are specific in nature.
They only apply to crimes against persons or honor.
CASE EXAMPLE
It is not proper to consider these circumstances in crimes against property.
When the accused stabbed the victim at a public peace rally where many public
authorities were present. The place of the rally and of the crime was a public Robbery with homicide crime against property. Homicide is a mere
plaza, directly opposite the municipal building. The defendant’s denial that public incident of the robbery, the latter being the main purpose and object of the
authorities were there present cannot be accepted. criminal.
Justice Albert: Whenever there is a difference in social condition between
the offender and the offended party, this aggravating circumstance
Does this apply to a mere agent of a person in authority? sometimes is present
NO. A person in authority is any person who, by direct provision of law or by
election or by appointment by competent authority is charged with the What are the requisites?
maintenance of public order and the protection and security of life and property 1. There must be evidence
such as: 2. The accused deliberately intended to offend or insult the sex, rank or
o Barangay councilman age of the offended party
o Barangay policeman
o Barangay leader NOTE: It is not enough that the offended party is a woman, a person of higher
o Officers and members of the Barangay Community Brigades, and rank or older than the offender.
o Any person who comes to the aid of persons in authority
May these four aggravating circumstances be considered separately if they
concur in the same case?
Third circumstance: YES. If their elements are distinctively perceived and can subsist independently,
That the act be committed revealing a greater degree of perversity.
With insult or
In disregard of the respect
Due the offended party DISREGARD OF RESPECT DUE TO RANK
RAMOS, MARY LOUISE M. San beda college alabang – school of law
CRIMINAL LAW, 1-a 2016 Atty. frias
It is a generic aggravating circumstance.
o There must be proof which would clearly demonstrate the accused HOWEVER, there are certain crimes where disregard of respect due to sex is not
deliberately intended to act with insult or in disregard of the respect due the aggravating because it is either:
victim on account of his rank o Inherent in the commission of the crime, or
o There must be proof of the specific fact or circumstance that the accused o Is part of the elements of the crimes
deliberately intended to insult the rank of the victim These are crimes of:
o When the accused articulated his hatred against all policemen in general o Rape
does not by itself suffice to prove this circumstance o Parricide, or
o It cannot be demonstrated on circumstances that the accused knew the rank o Crimes against chastity such as:
or office of the victim especially so when no prior facts were established to Seduction
show why the accused would harbor so grave a grudge against the victim Abduction
simply because he was a man in police uniform Acts of lasciviousness
o Any doubt must be resolved in favor of the accused
CASE LAW EXAMPLES
CASE LAW EXAMPLES 1. The accused killed a female relative of such killer
1. Murder of the Assistant Chief of the Personnel Transaction of the CSC 2. The 35-year-old accused was armed and murdered the victim who was
by a clerk not able to offer any resistance. The accused needlessly removed her
2. Murder by Army Col./Army Gen. by a private citizen blouse.
3. Accused chief killing the chief of police
4. Murder by a pupil of his teacher There must be evidence that the accused deliberately intended to offend or insult
5. The killing of a Spanish consul by his subordinate chancellor the sex of the victim.
NOT appreciated in the following circumstances
DISREGARD OF RESPECT DUE TO AGE 1. When there is no evidence that the accused deliberately intended to
offend or insult the sex of the victim or showed manifest disrespect to
o There must be sufficient evidence to prove that they deliberately intended to her womanhood
offend or insult the age of the victim 2. The fact that the murder victim is a woman does not per se constitute
o Deliberate intent is necessary disregard of respect due her sex
o The mere fact that the victim was 74 years old does not warrant the 3. When the accused mistook the victim for a man
appreciation of this circumstance in the absence of proof that the accused 4. When a crime was committed through negligence or carelessness
deliberately intended to offend or insult the age of the offended party (because deliberate intent is necessary)
5. When sufficient provocation on the part of the offended party
immediately preceded the act
CASE LAW EXAMPLES 6. When in committing the crime, the accused acted under an impulse so
1. The deceased was an octogenarian, accused was 45 years old powerful as naturally to have produced passion or obfuscation
2. Victim was a sexagenarian while the accused was only 27 years old 7. Mistake in the blow
3. It is considered present when the offended person, by reason of his 8. Mistake in identity
age, could be the father of the victim. Even more so when the victim 9. When the crime was committed at the spur of the moment
was the accused’s father-in-law. It is ingrained in Philippine culture that 10. When the crime was committed upon an accidental meeting or
those advanced in age are respected especially in provinces. encounter between the offender and the offended party
4. When one of the murder case was a 12-year-old boy (tender age)
5. The victim was only 3 years old (tender age) THAT THE CRIME BE COMMITTED IN THE DWELLING OF THE OFFENDED
PARTY, IF THE LATTER HAS NOT GIVEN PROVOCATION
DISREGARD OF RESPECT DUE TO SEX
What is the basis?
What is the basis? Greater criminal perversity of the offender who violates the sanctity of privacy the
Greater perversity of the accused who, instead of giving due respect to the law accords to the human abode
woman for being part of the weaker sex, takes advantage of her weakness in
order to facilitate the crime Nature?
Generic aggravating circumstance
What is the nature? What is ‘dwelling’?
What are the requisites? (D-P-E) The dwelling need NOT be owned by the victim
1. Crime must be committed in the dwelling of the offended party 1. When the deceased was killed in a house where he was merely an
2. Offended party has not given provocation invited guest
3. There must be specific evidence to show that the offender intentionally One does not lose his right of privacy where he is offended in the house
and deliberately disregarded the respect the law accords to another’s of another because as an invited guest (or a housemaid), he, the
dwelling stranger is sheltered by the same roof and protected by the same
intimacy of life it affords. It may not be his house, but it is, even for a
CASE LAW EXAMPLES brief moment, home to him. He is entitled to respect even for that short
1. When robbery with rape was committed in the domicile of the victim moment.
without provocation on her part 2. When the deceased was killed in a makeshift room of a motor shop
2. When the deceased was murdered in his residence owned by her victim
3. When the victim was raped in her own house 3. When the deceased was killed in a house where she lived although she
4. When robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons is was not the owner
committed in the house of the victim. It is aggravating here because this
class of robbery can be committed without the necessity of trespassing Where dwelling is NOT appreciated
the sanctity of the offended party’s house 1. When the accused and the victim live in the same house
5. When the victim was shot in the porch of his house 2. When the crime was committed in a place not devoted to dwelling
6. When the victim was stabbed while standing near the door of his house 3. When the victim gave provocation because he loses his right to the
7. When the victim was shot as he opened the door of his house respect and consideration due him in his own house
8. When the victim was shot on the staircase of his house 4. When the deceased was killed in a place that was not an integral part of
9. When the victim, who was inside his house, was shot from outside her home
NOTE: It is not necessary that the accused should have actually 5. When the deceased was killed in his house by the accused while in the
entered the dwelling of the victim to commit the offense. It is enough act of adultery with the latter’s wife
that the victim was attacked inside his own house, although the NOTE: Although the Code provides that this circumstance cannot be
assailant may have devised means to perpetrate the assault from properly taken into account if the provocation was given by the offended
without. party, this is only true when there exists a close relation between the
10. When the victim was shot from under the house provocation and the commission of the crime in the dwelling of the
11. While inside the dwelling, the accused bound the victim’s hands and person from whom the provocation came.
took him to a place near the house where he was murdered. This is 6. Where the victim was called to come down from his house and killed in
aggravating because the act performed cannot be divided or the unity the immediate vicinity thereof
resulting from its details be broken up. 7. When the victim was attacked while seated on a bench outside the
12. When the crime was committed in a dependency of the house house. Although the bench was beside the steps leading to the door of
13. When abduction was committed in the house of the offended party the house, it cannot be considered as an integral part of a dependency
14. When the victim was taken from his house in the crime of illegal of the victim’s dwelling
detention 8. When dwelling is inherent in the crime of robbery with force upon things
9. Violation of domicile (Art. 128)
It does not require that the crime be committed in this Palace. Is it required that there be a religious minister or ceremony in said place?
NO. It is enough that the crime was committed in a place dedicated to religious
It may be considered aggravating although the Chief Executive may be outside worship, because the place deserves to be respected.
the Palace and may or may not be in the performance of his duties.
Aggravating in: rape committed in a chapel
It is necessary that there be specific evidence to show that the accused NOT aggravating: when accused had no intention to kill at the time she entered
deliberately disregarded the presence of the Chief Executive when he committed the chapel
the crime.
They may be considered separately against the accused if their elements are 2. Subjective Test
distinctively perceived and can subsist independently, revealing a greater degree Nighttime is aggravating because the darkness was purposely sought
of perversity. by the offender
What are the requisites? (F-S-A) NOTE: It is NOT aggravating when it fails to pass the objective and subjective
1. When it facilitated the commission of the crime tests.
2. When it is especially sought for by the accused to ensure the
commission of the crime or for purposes of impunity The crime must be commenced and accomplished at nighttime
3. When the offender took advantage of nighttime, uninhabited place or 1. Not considered aggravating when the rape committed was the result of
band for purposes of impunity a succession of acts which took place within the period of two hours,
commencing at 5pm and ending at 7pm.
NIGHTTIME 2. Not aggravating when the safe was thrown to the bay at night but the
taking of the money was done during daytime.
What is ‘nighttime’?
That period of darkness Instances when nighttime was specially sought for
Beginning at the end of dusk and 1. 8pm: accused sought it in order to realize the crime of homicide with
Ending at dawn; more ease
Civil Code: From sunset to sunrise 2. The design to murder the victim had been hatched as early as June 12
but the conspirators purposely waited until the nighttime of the next day
Is late afternoon nighttime? to carry out their plan
NO. There must be a convincing showing that the accused had purposely sought 3. When the accused arrived at the house of the victims at 7:20PM and
such time to facilitate the commission of the crime or prevent its discovery. proceeded to wait patiently until 4:00AM when his intended victims were
Is 6:00 PM nighttime? already asleep
NO. Dusk was just beginning and there was still twilight. Darkness had not 4. When the accused ascertained whether the occupants of the house
completely set in, and therefore, the night had not yet begun. were asleep, thereby indicating the desire to carry out the plot with the
least detection or to ensure its consummation with a minimum of
Is it aggravating when the accused learned about the plan to kill the victim only in resistance from the inmates of the house.
the evening of the commission of the offense? 5. Even if there was no direct evidence showing that the conspirators
NO. Here, it is merely incidental. sought the nighttime to commit the robbery with homicide, the fact that
they lingered in the restaurant close to three hours before carrying out
When is nighttime aggravating? (S-A-F) their plan to rob it indicates that they waited for darkness to deepen to
1. It is specially sought by the offender; or better pursue their evil scheme and to ensure their escape under cover
2. It was taken advantage of him; or of the night.
3. It facilitates the commission of the crime by insuring the offender’s 6. The accused admitted that he and his co-conspirators waited for
immunity from capture. nighttime before committing the robbery to better accomplish their plan.
Recidivist Quasi-recidivist
Previous crime and present crime Previous crime may be punished by
EXAMPLES: must be embraced under the same the RPC, special law or ordinance.
1. Theft and Estafa (both crimes against property) title of the RPC The second crime must be under the
2. Robberies and robbery with homicide and double serious physical RPC.
injuries (both crimes against property) Generic aggravating circumstance Special aggravating circumstance
3. Slight physical injuries, serious physical injuries, and murder (crimes May be offset by an ordinary Cannot be offset by an ordinary
against persons) mitigating circumstance mitigating circumstance
4. Slight physical injuries and homicide (crimes against persons)
5. Homicide and murder (crimes against persons)
Tenth circumstance: (reiteracion or habituality)
Is the lapse of time between the final judgment of conviction for the previous That the offender
felony and the time of trial for the subsequent trial material?
Has been previously punished
NO. No matter how many years have intervened between the first and second
For an offense to which
felonies, lapse of time is still immaterial.
The law attaches
An equal or greater penalty or
What if the accused received absolute pardon?
For two or more crimes
Recidivism is still present.
To which it attaches
A pardon for a preceding offense does not obliterate the fact that the accused is
A lighter penalty.
a recidivist upon his conviction of a second offense.
Can recidivism and habitual delinquency co-exist and be considered separately? What is the basis?
YES. Greater criminal perversity of the accused as shown by his propensity to commit
crimes.
NOTES:
1. If three crimes were committed on the same date, there is only Nature?
recidivism, not habitual delinquency. They should not be considered as Generic aggravating circumstance
three convictions but only as one, and as mere aggravating
circumstance of recidivism
RAMOS, MARY LOUISE M. San beda college alabang – school of law
CRIMINAL LAW, 1-a 2016 Atty. frias
What are the three situations contemplated in this paragraph? 3. Should be alleged in the information in order to be appreciated
1. At the time of his trial for a crime, 4. It necessitates the presentation of a certified copy of the sentence
The accused has been convicting an accused
Previously punished for an offense
To which the law attaches NO REITERACTION:
An equal penalty 1. If the accused were still serving their respective sentences at the time of
the commission of the crime
2. At the time of his trial for a crime, 2. If there records do not disclose that the accused has been previously
The accused has been punished for an offense to which the law attaches an equal or greater
Previously punished for an offense penalty or for two or more crimes to which it attaches a lighter penalty
To which the law attaches 3. If the penalty for the previous conviction is lower than the present
A greater penalty conviction
3. At the time of his trial for a crime, Eleventh circumstance: (in consideration of a price, reward, or promise)
The accused has been That the crime be committed
Previously punished for In consideration of a
Two or more crimes Price,
To which the law attaches Reward, or
A lighter penalty Promise
What are the requisites? (Reyes, 2012) – (T-S-C)
1. That the accused is on trial for an offense Basis?
2. That he previously served sentence for another offense to which the law Greater moral depravity on the part of the offeror and acceptor
attaches an equal or greater penalty,
Or for two or more crimes to which it attaches a lighter penalty than that Nature?
for the new offense; and Qualifying aggravating circumstance
3. That he is convicted of the new offense
Price, reward, or promise involves the principal by inducement and principal by
Reiteracion vs. Recidivisim direct participation
Reiteracion Recidivism There are always two persons criminally liable:
Not necessary that the felonies be Previous and subsequent convictions 1. The person offering the price, reward or promise – principal by
embraced in the same title of the must be for felonies embraced in the inducement
RPC same title of the RPC 2. The person accepting the same and executing the act – principal by
Final conviction for the crime is not It is enough that there is a final direct participation
enough. judgment of conviction for a previous
The accused must have served the felony. Against whom is price, reward, or promise considered an aggravating
sentence. Service of sentence is not necessary. circumstance?
There must be two or more previous One previous final judgment of Equally against offeror and acceptor.
conviction and punishments, provided conviction is sufficient provided that
that these previous convictions are the previous and subsequent What is the essential element in order the price, reward, or promise may be
for crimes to which the law attaches a convictions are for felonies embraced considered aggravating?
lighter penalty in the same title of the RPC It must be the sole motivating factor in the commission of the crime,
Without which the crime would not have been committed.
NOTES:
NOTES:
1. Actual punishment or service of sentence is essential in reiteracion
1. It is only a generic aggravating circumstance if it concurs with treachery
2. Reiteracion requires that if there is only one prior offense, then that
(qualifying aggravating)
offense must be punishable by an equal or greater penalty than the one
2. Price need not be in money only
for which the accused has been convicted. Likewise, the prosecution
has to prove that the offender has been punished for the previous
offense.
People v. Manansala: In such an offense, evident premeditation must People vs. Ubina: this determination to kill all who stood in their way is
relate to the killing and not to the robbery. evident form the answer of accused to the deceased mayor’s call for
help when the accused said that even if the deceased would call all his
Justice Ramon C. Aquino: in the case of implied conspiracy, evident policemen he is not afraid of them.
premeditation may NOT be appreciated, in the absence of proof as to
how and when the plan to kill the victim was hatched or what time 2. Even if at the time the offender determined to commit the crime, a victim
elapsed before it was carried out, so that it cannot be determined if the had not been identified.
accused had sufficient time between its inception and its fulfillment
dispassionately to consider and accept the consequences. US v. Manalinde: The fact that the arrangement between the instigator
and the tool considered the killing of unknown persons, the first
encounter, does not bar the consideration of the circumstance of
premeditation.
NOTES:
Twentieth circumstance:
1. Unlawful entry must be used as means of entrance and not for escape
That the crime be committed
2. Unlawful entry absorbs breaking down a wall
With the aid of
3. Must be alleged in the information
Persons under fifteen (15) years of age, or
By means of
Inherent in the following felonies:
Motor vehicles,
1. Violation of domicile
Airships, or
2. Evasion of service of sentence (“jail breaking”)
Other similar means
3. Trespass to dwelling
RAMOS, MARY LOUISE M. San beda college alabang – school of law
CRIMINAL LAW, 1-a 2016 Atty. frias
that on his way to the camp, he happened to see the second murder
What is the basis? victim sitting by the window of his house.
Greater criminal perversity on the part of the offender as shown by the aid of
persons under 15 years of age, the use of motor vehicles, airships and similar 2. When it was merely incidental and was not purposely sought to facilitate
means to facilitate the commission of the crime. the commission of the offense or to render the escape of the offender
easier and his apprehension difficult
Nature? 3. If not alleged in the information
Generic aggravating circumstances
EXCEPT use of motor vehicles which is a qualifying aggravating circumstance Twenty-first circumstance:
That the wrong done
AID OF MINORS In the commission of the crime
Be deliberately augmented
After divesting a student of his cellphone and wristwatch at the point of a knife, A By causing other wrong
hand the same to a 12-year-old boy who immediately fled and lost himself in the Not necessary
crowd. For its commission
MOTOR VEHICLE
What is the basis?
The accused must use the motor vehicle in: (G-C-F) Greater criminal perversity on the part of the offender as shown by causing
o Going to the place of the crime another wrong not necessary for its commission.
o Carrying away the effects thereof and
o Facilitating their escape Nature?
Qualifying aggravating circumstance
CASE LAW EXAMPLES
1. When the accused deliberately availed themselves of a tricycle to When is there cruelty?
facilitate the commission of the offense, giving them cover in the course There is cruelty when
thereof The culprit enjoys and delight
2. After Pedro had bumped the deceased with the jeep he was driving, the In making his victim suffer
accused father jumped from the jeep and with a blunt instrument Slowly and gradually,
stabbed his victim twice on the neck. The defendant used a jeep and it Causing him unnecessary physical pain in
facilitated the commission of the crime. The consummation of the
3. The use of a motor vehicle is aggravating in murder where the said Criminal act.
vehicle was used in transporting the victim and the accused.
4. The accused and his companions made good their escape by speeding What is the test of cruelty (ensanamiento) to be considered as an aggravating
away in the jeep in order to avoid discovery of their identities circumstance?
5. The accused brought the complaining witness to Tourist Spot in a Whether the accused deliberately and sadistically augmented the wrong by:
taxicab. The use of the motor vehicle facilitated the taking of the victim o Causing another wrong not necessary for its commission or
and her subsequent rape. o Inhumanely increased the victim’s suffering or
6. The accused abducted the complainant by pushing her into a cab and o Outraged or
bringing her to the place where he later raped her o Scoffed at his person or corpse
It must be shown that the accused enjoyed and delighted in making the victim
Use of a motor vehicle is NOT aggravating in: suffer slowly and gradually, causing him unnecessary physical or moral pain in
1. When there is no showing that the motor vehicle was purposely used to the consummation of the criminal act.
facilitate the commission of the crime or where it is not shown that
without it the offense charged could not have been committed CASE LAW EXAMPLES
1. Pouring boiling hot liquid to the victim at various times prior to the
People vs. Mill: in the case of the two murders at bar, the primary murder
purpose of the accused in riding on a motorized tricycle was to return to 2. Victim was stoned, stabbed and beheaded. He was inflicted with
their camp after shooting one murder victim and it was just incidental numerous wounds before he was murdered.
3. Accused soldier boxed the victim, belting him, threatening him by firing
his pistol in the air.
RAMOS, MARY LOUISE M. San beda college alabang – school of law
CRIMINAL LAW, 1-a 2016 Atty. frias
4. The victim was already weak and dying when the accused inserted the 2. The corpse of the deceased was outraged when it was dismembered
cassava trunk inside her private organ. with the cutting off the head and limbs and opening up of the body to
5. The accused augmented the victim’s sufferings by strangulating him remove the intestines, lungs and liver. The killer scoffed at the dead
with a rope and setting him on fire after having struck him twice on the when the intestines were removed and hung around the victim’s neck as
head a necklace and the lungs and liver were described as pulutan.
6. There is no incompatibility between treason and decent, human 3. Dumping the body into a ravine to hide the effects of his criminal act
treatment of prisoners 4. When the accused decapitated the victim and showed the severed head
7. The accused cut of the ear of the deceased to the neighborhood, shouting it was the deceased’s head.
NOTES: NOTES:
1. Number of wounds suffered by the victim is not the test to determine 1. In scoffing at the victim, the accused must be already dead after the
cruelty acts were committed
2. Rape may be aggravating in murder as a form of cruelty 2. It must be alleged in the information
3. Cruelty cannot be presumed 3. Scoffing at the corpse of the victim may be deducible from the
information
NO CRUELTY 4. There is no scoffing if there is no proof that the purpose of the accused
1. If the prosecution did not show that the accused enjoyed inflicting was to insult the victim or to show contempt for the dead
injuries upon the victim 5. There is no scoffing if the fact relied upon is based merely on
2. If the criminal acts were caused not by any sadistic bend but by the speculation
drugs that diminished the accused’s mental capacity 6. It is a well-settled rule that an aggravating circumstance must be proved
3. If the intention was not to make the victim suffer but to conceal the as fully as the crime itself and any doubt as to its existence must be
corpus delicti resolved in favor of the accused
4. If the criminal acts were committed solely to ensure death and to
conceal the corpus delicti Scoffing Ignominy
5. If the acts were committed after the victim died Throwing the victim’s cadaver into the
6. If the acts were committed after the victim died and the operation was river
conceived solely for the purpose of facilitating the sinking of the
cadavers and preventing their discovery Aggravating circumstances not found in Art. 14, but are peculiar to certain
7. If the reason why the accused kicked the deceased or placed his right crimes:
foot on the body of the deceased was to verify whether the latter was 1. Violation of domicile: papers of effects not constituting evidence of a
still alive, and not for the purpose of deliberately and inhumanely crime be not returned immediately after the search made by the
increasing the victim’s sufferings offender
8. If the wrongful act is directed against an animal owned by the family of 2. Interruption of religious worship: crime committed with violence or
the deceased because these acts do not augment the suffering of the threats
victim 3. Direct assault: when the assault is committed with a weapon or when
the offender is a public officer or employee, or when the offender lays
Ignominy Cruelty hands upon a person in authority
Moral suffering Physical suffering 4. Less serious physical injuries: if inflicted upon the offender’s parents,
ascendants, guardians, curators, teachers, or persons of ranks, or
What is ‘outrage’? persons in authority
To subject to gross insult. 5. Slavery: if the crime be committed for the purpose of assigning the
offended party to some immoral traffic
What is ‘scoff’? 6. Qualified trespass to dwelling: if the offense be committed by means
To show contempt by derisive acts or language. of violence or intimidation
7. Grave threats: if the threat be made in writing or through a middleman
8. Grave coercion: if the coercion be committed for the purpose of
CASE LAW EXAMPLES compelling another to perform any religious act or to prevent him from
1. Accused mocked or outraged at the person or corpse of the victim by so doing
having an anal intercourse with her after she was already dead
ALTERNATIVE CIRCUMSTANCES The alternative circumstance of relationship shall be taken into consideration
when the offended party is the: (S-A-D-L-A)
Art. 15. Their concept. – 1. Spouse
Alternative circumstances are 2. Ascendant
Those which must be taken 3. Descendant
Into consideration as 4. Legitimate, natural or adopted brother or sister
Aggravating or mitigating 5. Relative by affinity in the same degrees of the offender
According to the
Nature and effects of the NOTES:
Crime and the other conditions o The RPC is silent as to when relationship is mitigating and when it is
Attending its commission. aggravating.
They are the o It will depend upon the nature and effects of the crime and other
Relationship, conditions attending its commission.
Intoxication, and o Relationship is mitigating in crimes against property
The degree of instruction and o Exempting in theft, swindling, and malicious mischief
Education of the offender.
CASE LAW DOCTRINES
The alternative circumstance of 1. In crimes against chastity, relationship is always aggravating whether
Relationship shall be taken into consideration the offender is a higher or a lower degree relative of the offended party
When the offended party is the 2. Relationship is always aggravating in rape
Spouse, 3. Relationship is aggravating in rape if the accused is the brother-in-law of
Ascendant, the victim
Descendant, 4. Relationship is NOT aggravating if the accused is the stepbrother of the
Legitimate, stepsister victim
Natural, or 5. Uncle inflicts physical injuries on his niece NEITHER aggravating nor
Adopted brother or sister, or mitigating
Relative by affinity in the 6. Aggravating in murder:
Same degrees of the offender. a. Victim is the father-in-law of the accused
b. Offenders are the father-in-law and brother-in-law of the victim
The intoxication of the offender c. Offender is the stepson of the victim
Shall be taken into consideration 7. The word “step” in conjunction with a degree of kinship presupposes a
As a mitigating circumstance when valid marriage
The offender has committed a felony 8. The alternative circumstance of relationship is limited only to those
In a state of intoxication, mentioned in the law
If the same is not habitual or 9. Relationship is inherent in parricide: (K-D-F)
Subsequent to the plan to a. A person is killed
Commit said felony; b. The deceased is killed by the accused
But when the intoxication is c. The deceased is the father, mother, or child, whether
Habitual or intentional, legitimate or illegitimate, or a legitimate other ascendant or
It shall be considered as descendant, or the legitimate spouse of the accused
An aggravating circumstance. The key element is the relationship of the offender with the victim.
10. Relationship must be alleged in the information.
RA 7659: the qualifying circumstances of minority and relationship must
What are the alternative circumstances? (R-I-D) be specifically alleged in the information and duly proved during the trial
1. Relationship with equal certainty as the crime itself to warrant the imposition of the
2. Intoxication death penalty.
When is intoxication mitigating? Neither aggravating nor mitigating in the following instances:
1. NOT habitual 1. Where the medical certificate does not show that the accused was
2. NOT subsequent to the plan to commit the felony intoxicated
2. Where there was no showing that intoxication was habitual or intentional
Who is a habitual drunkard? 3. Where it did not sufficiently impair the accused’s will-power or his
o One given to intoxication by excessive use of intoxicating drinks capacity to understand the wrongfulness of his acts
o Habit should be actual and confirmed 4. Where there is no proof that the amount of liquor the accused had taken
o Unnecessary that it be a matter of daily occurrence was of such quantity as to affect his mental faculties
o Lessens individual resistance to evil thought and undermines will-power 5. Where there is no proof that the accused is a habitual and excessive
making its victim a potential evildoer drinker or that he intentionally got drunk in order to commit the drink
2. Cooperation in the commission of the offense CASES OF THE ACCUSED FOUND NOT TO BE A PRINCIPALY BY I.C.
By performing another act 1. The act of only kicking the victim before he was stabbed by the principal
Without which it would not by direct participation
Have been accomplished 2. The act of opening the gate upon hearing a knock
3. Merely introducing somebody to the principal by direct participation is
DOCTRINES: not evidence of indispensable cooperation
1. The accused must unite with the criminal design of the principal by 4. Forcing the victim to drink beer with her would-be rapist especially when
indispensable cooperation. the rapist already had the intention to have sexual intercourse with ABC
2. The cooperation that the law punishes is the assistance knowingly or and he could have consummated the act even without such force of
intentionally rendered which cannot exist without previous cognizance of drink
the criminal act intended to be executed. 5. Joining a brother in stoning the venting
3. If contributory acts were made after the crime was committed, the 6. Convincing the rape victim to come with her until she received the
accused cannot be considered to be principal by indispensable money from the rapist
cooperation.
4. Raised suspicion does not make an accused a principal by Art. 18. Accomplices. –
indispensable cooperation. The prosecution failed to establish that the Accomplices are the persons who,
accused’s acts were of such importance that the crime would not have Not being included in Article 17,
been committed without him or that he participated in the actual murder. Cooperate in the
5. An accused may be both a principal by direct participation and a Execution of the offense
principal by indispensable cooperation. By previous or
Simultaneous acts.
CASE LAW EXAMPLES
1. Holding the victim’s hands to prevent him from drawing his pistol and
Who is an accomplice?
defending himself, while his co-accused was simultaneously stabbing
An accomplice is a person who,
the victim repeatedly.
Not being included in Article 17
2. By immobilizing the hand of Roberto and by the act of Narciso’s
As a principal by direct participation,
companion in covering the mouth of the deceased, apparently to
By inducement, or
prevent any attempt on the part of the murder victim to call for help,
By indispensable cooperation,
NOTES
1. Even if only two of the principals are the brothers of the accused and
the others are not related to him, he is still exempt from criminal liability
2. The mother who assisted her daughter to obtain, gain or profit from the
crime of theft committed is criminally liable as an accessory
3. An accessory is criminally liable, regardless of his relationship to the
principal, when his acts falls under Art. 19, par. 1 or by profiting himself
or assisting the offender to profit from the crime.
This is because he acts not under the natural impulse of blood or of
close relationship, but under the motivation of material gain or profit.