Professional Documents
Culture Documents
i. Permit the probation officer or an 8. Any person convicted for drug trafficking or
authorized social worker to visit his pushing under RA 9165 regardless of the
home and place of work; penalty imposed (Sec. 24, RA 9165).
j. Reside at premises approved by it
and not to change his residence NOTE: In multiple prison terms, those imposed against
without its prior written approval; or the accused found guilty of several offenses should not
k. Satisfy any other condition related to be added up, and their sum total should not be
the rehabilitation of the defendant determinative of his disqualification from probation since
and not unduly restrictive of his the law uses the word “maximum” not “total” term of
liberty or incompatible with his imprisonment (Francisco v. CA, et. al, G.R. No. 108747,
freedom of conscience(Sec. 10, PD April 6, 1995).
968).
Q: Arnel Colinares was found guilty of frustrated
CRITERIA OF PLACING AN OFFENDER ON homicide by the RTC. On appeal, the CA affirmed his
PROBATION conviction. On petition for review, SC ruled that he was
Criteria on determining whether an offender may be only guilty of attempted homicide, which penalty is
placed on probation “probationable”. Is Colinares now entitled to apply for
In determining whether an offender may be placed on probation upon remand of the case to the lower court,
probation, the court shall consider all information even after he has perfected his appeal to a previous
relative to the character, antecedents, environment, conviction (frustrated homicide) which was not
mental and physical condition of the offender, and “probationable”?
available institutional and community resources. A: YES. What is clear is that, had the RTC done what
was right and imposed on Arnel the correct penalty of
When probation shall be denied Probation shall be two years and four months maximum, he would have had
denied if the court finds that: the right to apply for probation. Arnel did not appeal
a. The offender is in need of correctional from a judgment that would have allowed him to apply
treatment that can be provided most effectively for probation. He did not have a choice between appeal
by his commitment to an institution; and probation. While it is true that probation is a mere
b. There is an undue risk that during the period of privilege, the point is not that Arnel has the right to such
probation the offender will commit another privilege; he certainly does not have. What he has is the
crime; or right to apply for that privilege. If the Court allows him
c. Probation will depreciate the seriousness of the to apply for probation because of the lowered penalty, it
offense committed(Sec. 8, PD 968). is still up to the trial judge to decide whether or not to
grant him the privilege of probation, taking into account
Remedy if the application for probation is denied An the full circumstances of his case (Colinares v. People,
order granting or denying probation shall not be G.R. No. 182748, December 13, 2011).
appealable(Sec. 4, PD 968 as amended by RA 10707).
PERIOD OF PROBATION
Hence, if granted, the remedy is a Motion for 1. The period of probation of a defendant
Reconsideration and if denied, a petition for certiorari. sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not
more than one year shall not exceed two years,
DISQUALIFIED OFFENDERS and in all other cases, said period shall not
Disqualification to avail the benefits of the probation exceed six years.
law (BAR 2004) 2. When the sentence imposes a fine only and the
1. Sentenced to serve a maximum term of offender is made to serve subsidiary
imprisonment of more than six (6) years; (BAR imprisonment in case of insolvency, the period
1990, 1995, 2002) of probation shall not be less than nor be more
2. Convicted of any crime against national than twice the total number of days of
security; subsidiary imprisonment. (BAR 2005)
3. Who have previously been convicted by final
judgment of an offense punishable by ARREST OF PROBATIONER
imprisonment of more than six (6) months and The court may issue the warrant for violations of any
one (1) day and/or a fine of more than one condition of the probation.
thousand pesos (P1,000.00);
4. Who have been once on probation under the Effect after the arrest of the probationer
provision of this Decree; He shall be immediately brought before the court for
5. Who are already serving sentence at the time hearing, which may be informal and summary, of the
the substantive provisions of this Decree violation charged. If the violation is established, the court
became applicable pursuant to Section 33 may revoke or continue his probation and modify the
hereof; conditions thereof. If revoked, the court shall order the
6. If he perfected an appeal from the judgment of probationer to serve the sentence originally imposed. The
conviction (Sec. 4, PD 968 as amended by RA order revoking the grant of probation or modifying the
10707); terms and conditions thereof shall not be appealable.
7. If he is convicted of violation of Election
offenses(Sec. 264, BP 881); or NOTE: The defendant may be admitted to bail pending
the hearing and in such case, the provisions regarding
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Fencing under PD 1612 is a distinct crime from theft robbery—a fact which is wanting in this case. It should
and robbery. be noted that the suspect is engaged in the buy and sell of
Fencing vis-à-vis Robbery and Theft used garments, which are in the nature of personal
The law on fencing does not require the accused to have property. In civil law, possession of personal or movable
participated in the criminal design to commit, or to have property carries with it a’ prima facie presumption of
been in any wise involved in the commission of, the ownership. The presumption of “fencing” arises only
crime of robbery or theft. Neither is the crime of robbery when the article or item involved is the subject of a
or theft made to depend on an act of fencing in order that robbery or thievery (Sec. 5, PD 1612).
it can be consummated (People v. Hon. De Guzman,
G.R. No. 77368, October 5, 1993).
of the PNP and other law Secret detention places, solitary confinement,
enforcement agencies, if: incommunicado or other similar forms of detention,
i. By his act or omission, or where torture may be carried out with impunity are
negligence, he has led, prohibited (Sec. 7, RA 9745).
assisted, abetted or
allowed, whether directly RIGHTS TO PHYSICAL, MEDICAL AND
or indirectly, the PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
commission of torture by Before and after interrogation, every person arrested,
his/her subordinates; or detained or under custodial investigation shall have the
ii. He/she has knowledge of right to he informed of his/her right to demand physical
or, owing to the examination by an independent and competent doctor of
circumstances at the time, his/her own choice. Furthermore, any person arrested,
should have known that detained or under custodial investigation, including
acts of torture or other his/her immediate family, shall have the right to
cruel, inhuman and immediate access to proper and adequate medical
degrading treatment or treatment. The physical examination and/or
punishment will be psychological evaluation of the victim shall be contained
committed, is being in a medical report, duly signed by the attending
committed, or has been physician, which shall include in detail his/her medical
committed by his/her history and findings, and which shall he attached to the
subordinates or by others custodial investigation report. Such report shall be
within his/her area of considered a public document (Sec. 12, RA 9745).
responsibility and, despite
such knowledge, did not NOTE: Any person who does not wish to avail of the
take preventive or rights may knowingly and voluntarily waive such rights
corrective action either in writing, executed in the presence and assistance of
before, during or his/her counsel (Sec. 12, RA 9745).
immediately after its
commission, when he/she RIGHTS OF A VICTIM
has the authority to prevent 1. To have a prompt and impartial investigation
or investigate allegations by the CHR and other concerned government
of torture or other cruel, agencies such as the DOJ, the PAO, the PNP,
inhuman and degrading the NBI and the AFP;
treatment or punishment
but failed to prevent or NOTE: A prompt investigation shall mean a
investigate allegations of maximum period of sixty (60) working days
such act, whether from the time a complaint for torture is filed
deliberately or due to within which an investigation report and/or
negligence. resolution shall be completed and made
2. Any public officer or employee will be liable available. An appeal whenever available shall
as an accessory if he/she has knowledge that be resolved within the same period prescribed
torture or other cruel, inhuman and degrading herein.
treatment or punishment is being committed
and without having participated in its 2. To have sufficient government protection
commission, either as principal or accomplice, against all forms of harassment, threat and/or
takes part subsequent to its commission: intimidation as a consequence of the filing of a
a. By profiting from or assisting the complaint for torture or the presentation of
offender to profit from the effects of evidence for such complaint; and
the act of torture or other cruel,
inhuman and degrading treatment or NOTE: The protection extends to other persons
punishment; or involved in the investigation/prosecution such
b. By concealing the act of torture or as his/her lawyer, witnesses and relatives.
other cruel, inhuman and degrading
treatment or punishment and/or 3. To be given sufficient protection in the manner
destroying the effects or instruments by which he/she testifies and presents evidence
of torture in order to prevent its in any forum to avoid further trauma (Sec. 9,
discovery; or RA 9745).
c. By harboring, concealing or assisting
in the escape of the principal/s in the Compensation to Victims of Torture
act of torture or other cruel, inhuman Any person who has suffered torture shall have the right
and degrading treatment or to claim for compensation as provided for under
punishment, provided the accessory Republic Act No. 7309: Provided, that in no case shall
acts are done with the abuse of the compensation be any lower than Ten thousand pesos
official’s public functions (Sec. 13, (P10,000.00).
RA 9745).
NOTE: Victims of torture shall also have the right to
Prohibited Detention claim for compensation from such other financial relief
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programs that may be made available to him/her under 4. Statements made to a private person; and
existing law and rules and regulations (Sec. 18, RA (People v Tawat, G.R. No 62871, May 25,
9745). 1985)
5. Forensic investigation is not tantamount to
R.A. 7438 - An Act Defining Certain Rights of Person custodial investigation, therefore Miranda
Arrested, Detained or Under Custodial Investigation rights is not applicable(People v. Tranca, 235
and the Duties of the Arresting, Detaining and SCRA 455, August 17, 1994).
Investigating Officers
(Miranda Rights Law) ANTI-HAZING LAW
RA 8049
This is a special penal law enacted pursuant to Section Hazing
12, par. 4, Art. III of the 1987 Constitution. “Hazing” is an initiation rite or practice as a prerequisite
The custodial investigation shall include the practice of for admission into membership in a fraternity, sorority or
issuing an invitation to a person who is under organization by placing the recruit, neophyte or applicant
investigation in connection with an offense he is in some embarrassing or humiliating situations such as
suspected to have committed (R.A. 7438, Sec. 2). forcing him to do menial, silly, foolish and other similar
tasks or activities or otherwise subjecting him to physical
NOTE: Rights during custodial investigation apply only or psychological suffering or injury (Sec. 1, RA 8049).
against testimonial compulsion and not when the body of
the accused is proposed to be examined (e.g. urine ALLOWABLE INITIATION RITES
sample, photographs, measurements, garments, shoes) 1. Those conducted by “organizations” which
which is a purely mechanical act. shall include any club or the AFP, PNP, PMA,
or officer and cadet corp. of the Citizen's
In the case of Galman v. Pamaran, G.R. Nos. 71208-09, Military Training and CAT. The physical,
August 30, 1985, it was held that the constitutional mental and psychological testing and training
safeguard is applied notwithstanding that the person is procedure and practices to determine and
not yet arrested or under detention at the time. However, enhance the physical, mental and psychological
Fr. Bernas has qualified this statement by saying that fitness of prospective regular members of the
jurisprudence under the 1987 Constitution has AFP and the PNP as approved by the Secretary
consistently held, following the stricter view, that the of National Defense and the National Police
rights begin to be available only when the person is Commission duly recommended by the Chief
already in custody (People v. Ting Lan Uy, G.R. No. of Staff, AFP and the Director General of the
157399, November 17, 2005). PNP.
2. Those conducted by any fraternity, sorority or
Furthermore, in the case of People v. Reyes, G.R. No. organization; Provided, that:
178300, March 17, 2009, the court held that: “The a. Written notice must be given to the
mantle of protection afforded by the above-quoted school authorities or head of
provision covers the period from the time a person is organization seven (7) days prior to
taken into custody for the investigation of his possible the conduct of initiation.
participation in the commission of a crime from the time b. The written notice must indicate:
he was singled out as a suspect in the commission of the i. That the period of initiation
offense although not yet in custody. activities will not exceed
three (3) days,
Infraction of the rights of an accused during custodial ii. The names of those to be
investigation or the so-called Miranda Rights render subjected to such activities,
inadmissible only the extrajudicial confession or and
admission made during such investigation. "The iii. An undertaking that no
admissibility of other evidence, provided they are physical violence be
relevant to the issue and is not otherwise excluded by law employed (Sec. 2, RA
or rules, is not affected even if obtained or taken in the 8049).
course of custodial investigation" (Ho Wai Pang v. c. Two (2) representatives of the school
People, G.R. No. 176229, October 19, 2011). or organization must be assigned to
be present during the initiation; they
Unavailability of Miranda Rights shall ensure that no physical harm
1. During a police line-up, unless admissions or will be inflicted (Sec. 3, RA 8049).
confessions are being elicited from the suspect;
(Gamboa v. Cruz, G.R. No. L-56291, June 27, PERSONS LIABLE
1988) 1. The following are liable as PRINCIPAL:
2. During administrative investigations; a. The officers and members of the
(Sebastian, Jr. v Garchitorena, G.R. No fraternity, sorority or organization
114028, October 18, 2000) who actually participated in the
3. Confessions made by an accused at the time he infliction of physical harm;
voluntarily surrendered to the police or outside b. The parents of the officer or member
the context of a formal investigation; (People v of the fraternity, sorority or
Baloloy, G.R. No 140740, April 12, 2002) organization, when they have actual
knowledge of the hazing conducted
in their home but failed to take any
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NOTE: Any person charged shall not be entitled to the NOTE: An acquittal or permanent dismissal of a criminal
mitigating circumstance that there was no intention to case before the courts of law shall qualify the accused
commit so grave a wrong (Sec. 4, RA 8049). thereof to qualify and acquire a license (Sec. 4, RA
10591).
Q: The Information merely states that psychological pain
and physical injuries were inflicted on the victim. Should Carrying of firearms outside of residence or place of
the motion to quash the Information be granted? business
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A permit to carry firearms outside of residence shall be qualified individual may be issued the appropriate license
issued by the Chief of the PNP or his duly authorized under the following categories:
representative to any qualified person whose life is under a. Type 1 license – allows a citizen to own and
actual threat or his/her life is in imminent danger due to possess a maximum of two (2) registered
the nature of his/her profession, occupation or business. firearms;
The burden is on the applicant to prove that his/her life is b. Type 2 license – allows a citizen to own and
under actual threat by submitting a threat assessment possess a maximum of five (5) registered
certificate from the PNP (Sec. 7, RA 10591). firearms;
c. Type 3 license – allows a citizen to own and
Professionals that are considered to be in imminent possess a maximum of ten (10) registered
danger due to the nature of their profession, firearms;
occupation or business d. Type 4 license – allows a citizen to own and
a. Members of the Philippine Bar; possess a maximum of fifteen (15) registered
b. Certified Public Accountants; firearms; and
c. Accredited Media Practitioners; e. Type 5 license – allows a citizen, who is a
d. Cashiers, Bank Tellers; certified gun collector, to own and possess
e. Priests, Ministers, Rabbi, Imams; more than fifteen (15) registered firearms.
f. Physicians and Nurses;
g. Engineers; and For Types 1 to 5 licenses, a vault or a container secured
h. Businessmen, who by the nature of their by lock and key or other security measures for the
business or undertaking, are exposed to high safekeeping of firearms shall be required.
risk of being targets of criminal elements (Sec.
7, RA 10591). For Types 3 to 5 licenses, the citizen must comply with
the inspection and bond requirements (Sec. 9).
Firearms that may be registered Acquisition or purchase and sale of firearms and
Only small arms may be registered by licensed citizens ammunition
or licensed juridical entities for ownership, possession Firearms and ammunition may only be acquired or
and concealed carry. Small arms Small arms are firearms purchased from authorized dealers, importers or local
intended primarily designed for individual use or that manufacturers and may be transferred or sold only from a
which is generally considered to mean a weapon licensed citizen or licensed juridical entity to another
intended to be fired from the hand or shoulder, which are licensed citizen or licensed juridical entity.
not capable of fully automatic bursts of discharge (Sec.
3(dd), RA 10591). During election periods, the sale and registration of
firearms and ammunition and the issuance of the
Possession of light weapon corresponding licenses to citizens shall be allowed on the
A light weapon shall be lawfully acquired or possessed condition that the transport or delivery thereof shall
exclusively by the AFP, PNP and other law enforcement strictly comply with the issuances, resolutions, rules and
agencies authorized by the President in the performance regulations promulgated by the Commission on Elections
of their duties. (Sec. 21, RA 10591).
the possession of an individual other than the necessary license or permit thereof (Sec. 41,
licensee and those with revoked licenses in RA 10591).
accordance with the rules and regulations (Sec.
3(v), RA 10591).
3. Carrying the registered firearm outside his/her Grounds for revocation, cancellation or suspension of
residence without any legal authority therefore license or permit
or absence of permit to carry outside of The Chief of the PNP or his/her authorized representative
residence (Sec. 31, RA 10591). may revoke, cancel or suspend a license or permit on the
4. Unlawful manufacture, importation, sale or following grounds:
disposition of firearms or ammunition or parts a. Commission of a crime or offense involving
thereof, machinery, tool or instrument used or the firearm, ammunition, of major parts
intended to be used in the manufacture of thereof;
firearms, ammunition or parts thereof. (Sec. 32, b. Conviction of a crime involving moral
RA 10591). turpitude or any offense where the penalty
5. Arms smuggling (it refers to the import, carries an imprisonment of more than six (6)
export, acquisition, sale, delivery, movement years;
or transfer of firearms, their parts and c. Loss of the firearm, ammunition, or any parts
components and ammunition, from or across thereof through negligence;
the territory of one country to that of another d. Carrying of the firearm, ammunition, or major
country which has not been authorized in parts thereof outside of residence or workplace
accordance with domestic law in either or both without, the proper permit to carry the same;
country/countries) (Sec. 33, RA 10591). e. Carrying of the firearm, ammunition, or major
6. Tampering, obliteration, or alteration of parts thereof in prohibited places;
firearms identification (Sec. 34, RA 10591). f. Dismissal for cause from the service in case of
7. Use of an imitation firearm – This refers to a government official and employee;
replica of a firearm or other device that is so g. Commission of any of the acts penalized under
substantially similar in coloration and overall Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as
appearance to an existing firearm as to lead a the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of
reasonable person to believe that such imitation 2002″;
firearm is a real firearm. An imitation firearm h. .Submission of falsified documents or
used in the commission of a crime shall be misrepresentation in the application to obtain a
considered as a real firearm and the person license or permit;
who committed the crime shall be punished in i. Noncompliance of reportorial requirements;
accordance with RA 10591 (Sec. 35, RA and
10591). j. By virtue of a court order (Sec. 39, RA 10591).
8. Violating the procedure regarding firearms in
custodia legis - During the pendency of any ELEMENTS
case filed in violation of RA 10519, seized 1. The existence of the subject firearm; and
firearm, ammunition, or parts thereof, 2. The fact that the accused who possessed the
machinery, tools or instruments shall remain in same does not have the corresponding license
the custody of the court. If the court decides for it. (Evangelista v. People, G.R. No. 163267,
that it has no adequate means to safely keep the May 5, 2010; People v. Eling, G.R. No.
same, the court shall issue an order to turn over 178546, April 30, 2008).
to the PNP Crime Laboratory such firearm,
ammunition, or parts thereof, machinery, tools Ownership is not essential
or instruments in its custody during the The rule is that ownership is not an essential element of
pendency of the case and to produce the same illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. What the
to the court when so ordered. No bond shall be law requires is merely possession which includes not
admitted for the release of the firearm, only actual physical possession but also constructive
ammunition or parts thereof, machinery, tool or possession or the subjection of the thing to one's control
instrument (Sec. 36, RA 10591). and management (People v. De Gracia, G. R. Nos.
9. Planting evidence – Willfully and maliciously 102009-10 July 6, 1994). OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE
inserting, placing, and/or attaching directly or (BP 881)
indirectly, through any overt or covert act, any
firearm, or ammunition or parts thereof in the Gun Ban
person, house, effects or in the immediate An election offense is committed by any person who,
vicinity of an innocent individual for the although possessing a permit to carry firearms, carries
purpose of implication or incriminating the any firearms outside his residence or place of business
person or imputing the commission of any during the election period, unless authorized in writing
violation of the provision of RA 10591 to said by the Commission: Provided, that a motor vehicle,
individual (Sec. 38, RA 10591). water or air craft shall not be considered a residence or
10. Failure to notify lost or stolen firearm or light place of business or extension hereof.
weapon (Sec. 40, RA 10591).
11. Illegal transfer/registration of firearms – NOTE: This prohibition shall not apply to cashiers and
transferring possession of any firearm to any disbursing officers while in the performance of their
person who has not yet obtained or secured the duties or to persons who by nature of their official duties,
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weapon
11. Illegal
transfer/registration of
firearms.