1. G.R. No. 155076 February 27, 2006 LUIS MARCOS P.

LAUREL, Petitioner, vs.
HON. ZEUS C. ABROGAR, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court, Makati City, Branch 150,
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES& PHILIPPINE LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE COMPANY, Respondents.

DECISION

CALLEJO, SR., J.:

One is apt to conclude that "personal property" standing alone, covers both tangible and intangible
properties and are subject of theft under the Revised Penal Code. But the words "Personal property"
under the Revised Penal Code must be considered in tandem with the word "take" in the law. The
statutory definition of "taking" and movable property indicates that, clearly, not all personal properties
may be the proper subjects of theft. The general rule is that, only movable properties which have
physical or material existence and susceptible of occupation by another are proper objects of theft.

THREE CHARACTERISTICS OF CRIMINAL LAW

a. Generality
b. Territoriality
c. Prospectivity

GENERALITY

Article 14. Penal laws and those of public security and safety shall be obligatory upon all who live or
sojourn in the Philippine territory, subject to the principles of public international law and to treaty
stipulations. NCC