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vo4auwz| 8Facutty or Crvit Law (1734)
CRIMINAL LAW
2021 GOLDEN NOTES
FACULTY OF CIVIL LAW
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
MANILAThe UST GOLDEN NOTES is the annual student-edited bar review
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Released in the Philippines, 2021.ACADEMIC YEAR 2020-2021
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‘AdviserFACULTY OF CIVIL LAW
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For being our guideposts in understanding the intricate sphere of Criminal Law.
- Academics Committee 2021DISCLAIMER
THE RISK OF USE OF THIS BAR
REVIEW MATERIAL SHALL BE
BORNE BY THE USERTABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I: REVISED PENAL CODE (RPC) BOOK 1
1 _ PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL LAW
A. FUNDAMENTAL AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES IN CRIMINAL LAW.
1. Malain se and Mala Prohibita..
2. Interpretation of Penal Laws.
3 Applicability and effectivity
a. Generality...
b. Territoriality
¢. Prospectivity /Irretrospectivit
1. Criminal liabilities and felonies..
a. Classifications of felonies... -
b. Aberratio ictus error in personae, and practer intentionem
Impossible crime...
Stages of acts of execution...
£
8
Conspiracy and proposal : a . 1
Continued crimes...
Complex crimes and composite crimes.
a. Justifying circumstances...
b. Exempting circumstances.
Mitigating circumstances...
a
Agggravating circumstances
Alternative circumstances,
Absolutory causes.
3. Persons liable and degree of participation.
Principal’ ncennnen
b. Accomplices..
Accessories.
d._ Multiple offenders,
4. Penalties.
‘a Imposable penalties...
b. Classification.
Duration and effect
d._ Application of penalties...
Modification and extinction of criminal liability.
Civil liability in criminal cases.
an
PART I: REVISED PENAL CODE (RPC) BOOK I
B, CRIMES UNDER THE REVISED PENAL CODE
CRIMES AGAINST NATIONAL SECURITY AND THE LAW OF NATIONS
CRIMES AGAINST THE FUNDAMENTAL LAWS OF THE STATE..
CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER...
CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC INTERES:
CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC MORALS ..
CRIMES COMMITTED BY PUBLIC OFF
CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS.
CRIMES AGAINST PERSONAL LIBERTY AND SECURITY.
CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY.
CRIMES AGAINST CHASTITY...
CRIMES AGAINST THE CIVIL STATUS OF PERSONS.CRIMES AGAINST HONO!
CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE...
PART Ill: SPECIAL PENAL LAWS
INDETERMINATE SENTENCE LAW (ACT 4103, AS AMENDED)
PROBATION LAW (PD 968 ASAMENDED BY RA 10707}
ANTI-CARNAPPING LAW (RA 10883)..
ANTFELECTRICITY AND ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES /MATERIALSPILFERAGE ACT.
FISHERIES CODE (RA 8550, AS AMENDED BY RA 10654)..
ANTI-FENCING LAW (PD 1612)
BOUNCING CHECKS LAW (B.P. 2:
SWINDLING BY SYNDICATE - INCREASING THE PENALTY FOR CERTAIN FORMS OF SWINDLING
ORESTAFA (PD 1689)
MIGRANT WORKERS AND OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ACT OF 1995 (RA 8042, AS AMENDED BY RA
10022).
ANTFILLEGAL NUMBERS GAMES LAW INCREASING THE PENALTIES FOR ILLEGAL NUMBERS
GAME (PD 1602, AS AMENDED BY RA 9287)
COMPREHENSIVE LAW ON FIREARMSAND AMMUNITION (PD 1866, AS AMENDED BY RA 8294
AND RA 10591),
ANTLHAZING LAW ( )
COMPREHENSIVE DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT (R.A. 9165)
CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES
ANTI-GRAFT AND CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT (RA 3019, AS AMENDED)...
ANTF-PLUNDER ACT (RA 7080, AS AMENDED)...
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING ACT OF 2004 (RA 9160, AS AMENDED)..
OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE (PD 1829)
ANT-TORTURE ACT (RA 9745)
HUMAN SECURITY ACT (RA 9372
‘THE TERRORISM FINANCING PRE\
ANTE-WIRE TAPPING ACT (RA 4200)..
CYBERCRIME PREVENTION ACT (RA 10175)
ANTI-CHILD PORNOGRAPHY LAW (RA 9775)
ANTI-PHOTO AND VIDEO VOYEURISM ACT OF 2009 (RA 9995)
ANTI-SEXUAL HARASSMENT (RA 7877)
ANTL-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT (RA 9208, AS AMENDED BY RA 10364
ANTI-VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN ACT (RA 9262)..
ANTI-CHILD ABUSE LAW (RA 7610, AS AMENDED).
SAFE SPACES ACT (RA 11313}
DATA PRIVACY ACT OF 2012 (RA 10173).
ANTF-ARSON LAW (PD 1613).
ANTFHIJACKING LAW (RA 6235)
ANTLPIRACY AND ANTI-HIGHWAY ROBBERY (PD 532)
CHILDREN'S SAFETY ON MOTORCYCLES ACT (RA 10666)
ENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE ACT (RA 9344, AS AMENDED BY RA 10630 IN RELATION TO FD.
‘TRUST RECEIPTS LAW (PD 115)
ANTIALIAS LAW (CA.142, AS AMENDED) .CRIMINAL LAW
BOOK I, REVISED PENAL CODE
FUNDAMENTAL AND GENERAL
PRINCIPLES IN CRIMINAL LAW.
PNR
Criminal law is a branch of law which defines
crimes, treats of their nature, and provides for
their punishment.
‘Theories in criminallaw
1. Classical theory ~ The basis of criminal
liability is human free will and the purpose of
the penalty is retribution. It is endeavoured
to cstablish a mechanical and direct
proportion between crime and_ penalty.
‘There is a scant regard to the human
element.
NOTE: The RPC is generally governed by this,
theory,
2. Posiivist theory ~ The basis of criminal
liability is the sum of the social, natural, and
economic phenomena to which the actor is
exposed. The purposes of penalty are
prevention and correction. The penalties
imposed must not only be retributive but
must also be reformative. (Campanilla, 2020)
‘This theory is exemplified in the provisions
regarding impossible crimes (Art. 4, RPC), the
mitigating circumstances of voluntary
surrender and plea of guilty (Art. 13, par. 7,
PC), and habitual delinquency. (Art. 62, par.
5, RPC)
3. Eelectic or Mixed theory ~ It is a
combination of positivist and classical
thinking wherein crimes that are economic
and social in nature should be dealt in a
positive manner; thus, the law is more
compassionate. Ideally, the classical theory is
applied to heinous crimes, whereas, the
positivist is made to work on economic and
social crimes.
4. Utilitarian or Protective theory - The
primary purpose of punishment under
criminal law is the protection of society from
actual and potential wrongdoers. The courts,
therefore, in exacting retribution for the
wronged society, should direct the
punishment to potential or actual
wrongdoers since criminal law is directed
agalust acts or omissions which the society
does not approve. Consistent with this theory
is the mala prohibita principle which
punishes an offense regardless of malice or
criminal intent.
Equipoise Rule
Where the evidence in a criminal case is evenly
balanced, the constitutional presumption of
innocence tilts the scales in favor of theaccused.
Under this rule, where the evidence on an issue
of fact is in equipoise or there is doubt on which
side the evidence preponderates, the party
having the burden of proof loses. The equipoise
rule finds application if the inculpatory facts and
circumstances are capable of two or more
explanations, one of which is consistent with the
innocence of the accused and the other consistent
with his guilt, for then the evidence does not
fulfill the test of moral certainty, and does not
suffice to produce a conviction. (Marla Tin v.
People, GR. No, 126480, August 10, 2001)
Legal basis for inflicting punishment
The power to punish violators of criminal law
comes within the police power of the State. It is
the injury inflicted to the public which a criminal
action seeks to redress and not the injury to the
individual
‘Sources of criminal or penaliaws
1. The Revised Penal Code (RPC) (Act No. 3815)
and its amendments;
2. Special penal laws passed by the Philippine
Commission, Philippine Assembly, Philippine
Legislature, National Assembly, Batasang
Pambansa, and Congress of the Philippines;
3. Penal Presidential Decrees issued during
Martial Law by President Marcos:
4. Penal Executive Orders issued during
President Corazon Aquino’s term;
5. Decisions of the Supreme Court of the
Philippines and Spain;
6. Codigo Penal of Sp
7. Various penal ordinaces passed by local
legislative bodies.
and
NOTE: There are no common law crimes in the
Philippines (Reyes, 2017), as embodied in the
Latin maxim aullum crimen, nulla poeno sine lege-
there is no crime when there is no law punishing
the same.
Univensiry oF Santo Tomas @
Pacuury or civit LawBook |— FELONIES
Limitations on the power of Congress to enact
penal_laws (Article I. Sec 22, 1987
Constitution)
1. Ex post facto law - The Congress cannot
make an ex post facto law. (Article ill, Sec 22,
1987 Constitution) This limitation probibite
the passage of retroactive laws which are
prejudicial to the accused.
2. Bill of attainder - The Congress cannot
make a bill of attainder. (Article Il, Sec 22,
1987 Constitution) This limitation requires
that criminal laws must be of general
application and must clearly define the acts
and omissions punished as crimes.
3. Equal Protection Clause ~ The Congress
must legislate laws that equally treat
persons or properties similarly situated
with respect to the conferment of rights or
imposition of obligations. (Article Il, Sec 22,
1987 Constitution; Campanilla, 2020)
4. Due Process Clause - The Congress must.
legislate laws that do not deprive a person
his life, liberty, or property and must be
given the opportunity to be heard and
afforded all rights to which he is entitled,
(Article I, Sec 22 1987 Constitution;
Campanilla, 2020)
Basic maxims in criminallaw
1. Nullum crimen, nulla poena sine lege
(There is no crime when there is no law
punishing the same) - No matter how
wrongful, evil, or bad the act is, if there is no
law defining the act, the same is not
considered a crime.
2. Actus non facit reum, nisi mens sit rea (The
act cannot be criminal where the mind is not
criminal) - This is true to a felony
characterized by dolo (deceit), but not to a
felony resulting from culpa (fault)
3. Doctrine of Pro Reo - Whenever a penal law
to be construed or applied admits of two
interpretations, one lenient to the offender
and one strict to the offender, the
interpretation which is lenient or favorable
to the offender will be adopted.
4. Actus me invito factus non est meus actus
(An act done by me against my will is not my
act) — Whenever a person is under a
compulsion of irresistible force or
uncontrollable fear to do an act against his
will, in which that act produces a crime or
offense, such person is exempted in any
criminal lability arising from said act.
Following the Doctrine of Pro Reo, crimes under
Art. 48 of the RPC are complexed and punished
with a single penalty (that prescribed for the
most serious crime and to be imposed in its
maximum period). The rationale being that the
accused who commits two crimes with a single
criminal impulse demonstrates lesser perversity
than when the crimes are committed by different
sets and several criminal resolutions. (People ¥
Comadre, G.R. No, 153559, June 8, 2004)
Crime
‘The generic term used to refer to a wrongdoing
punished either under the RPC or under a special
Jaw. It is an act committed or omitted in violation
of a public law forbidding or commanding it,
(Bouvier’s Law Dictionary, 2012, as cited in Reyes,
2017)
Classifications ofcrime
1. As to the manner or mode of execution
(art 3, RPC)
a Dolo or felonies
deliberate intent
b. Gulpa or those committed by means of
fault
committed with
2. As tothe stage of execution (Art. 6, RPC)
a Consummated
b. Frustrated
Attempted
3. As togravity (Art. 9, RPC)
a Light felonies
b. Less grave felonies
Grave felonies
4, Astonature
a Malain se
b. Mala prohibite
5. Astocount
Compound
Composite or special complex
Complex, under Art. 48 of the RPC
Continued
Continuing
panee
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
2021 GoLDENNoTESCRIMINAL LAW
6. As todivision and,
a. Formal felonies - those which are always therefore,
consummated (eg. physical injuries). good faith
b. Material felonies - those which have and lack of
various stages of execution, criminal
& Those which do not admit of the intent are
frustrated stage (eg. rape and theft} valid
defenses
Speciallaw unless they
are the
A penal law which punishes acts not defined and products of
penalized by the RPC. They are statutes enacted criminal
by the legislative branch which are penal in negligence or
character, but are not amendmentsto the RPC. culpa’
Mitigating | Such’
POTENT and circumstance
aggravatin }s are not
Malo ins vis-i-vis mala prohibita (1999, 5 appreciated
2001, 2003, 2005, 2010,2017 BAR) Asto | circumsta | unless the
attending | nces are | special law
7m circumstance | appreciate | has adopted
Pirin es din] the scheme or
There | It is sufficient imposing | scale of
must bea that the the penalties
criminal | prohibited penalties [under — the
intent’ | actwasdone RPC
(a) Good | (a) Good
Wrong | Wrong faith; faith; oF
from its | merely () lack | (b) | lack of
very because it is of criminal
nature | prohibited by criminal | intent are not
aa ty Astotega | mentor | valid
iminal | Criminal Astrea | (0) defenses.
intent | intent is not a negligence | It is enough
governs | necessary are valid | that the
defenses. | prohibition
Generally, | Generally, it was
it is] is punishable voluntarily
punishabl | under special violated
Astotheir |e under | laws Criminal | Criminal
concepts | the RPC liability is | liability is
NOTE: Notall incurred | generally
violations of Asto | even incurred only
special laws criminal | when the} when the
are mala liability | crime is | crime is
prohibit. attempted | consummate
Even if the or q
crime is frustrated
punished The The penalty
under a penalty is | of the
special law, if computed | offender is
the act on the| the same as
punished is Aetonete® | basis of | they are all
taney artcpation |S a | penal
wrong the principal
same is offender,
malum in se, accomplic
3 UNIVERSITY oF SaNTo Tomas
Pacuty oF Civ LawBook |— FELONIES
accessory.
NOTE: The crime of technical malversation,
punished under Art. 220 of the RPC, was held to
be a crime that is malum prohibitum. The law
punishes the act of diverting public property
earmarked by law or ordinance for a particular
public purpose for another public purpose. The
prohibited act is not inherently immoral, but
becomes a criminal offense because positive law
forbids its commission on considerations of
public policy, order, and convenience. Therefore,
good faith and lack of criminal intent are not
valid defenses. (Ysidoro v. People, G.R. No. 192330,
November 14, 2012) (2015 BAR)
Miolations of special Jaws which are
considered malain se
‘The following examples of violations under
special penal laws are considered mala in se:
1. Piracy in Philippine waters (P.D. No. 532):
2. Brigandage in the highways (P.D. No. 532)
and
3. Plunder (RA. 7080).
NOTE: When the special laws require that the
punished act be committed knowingly and
willfully, criminal intent is required to be proved
before criminal liability may arise.
Effect_on_the nature of the crime when
covered by special law and it uses the
CaealesinneRee
Even if a special law uses the nomenclature of
penalties under the RPC, that alone will not make
the act o omission a crime mala in se.'The special
law may only intend for the Code to apply as
supplementary to the special law. (People ¥.
Simon, GR. No 93028, July 29, 1994)
EN
When the law is clear and unambiguous, there is
no room for Interpretation but only for the
application of the law. However, if there is
ambiguity:
1. Penal laws are strictly construed against the
State and liberally in favor of the accused.
2. In the interpretation of the provisions of the
RPC, the Spanish text is controlling
Pon eg
urea
GR: Penal laws are applied prospectively.
XPN: When retrospective application will be
favorable to the person guilty of a felony,
provided that:
1. The offender is NOT a habitual dolinquent
under Art. 62(5); and
2. The new or amendatory law does NOT
provide against its retrospective application,
Reason for the exception: The sovereign, in
enacting a subsequent penal law more favorable
to the accused, has recognized that the greater
severity of the former law is unjust.
Habitual delinquent
He isa person who, within a period of ten years
from the date of his release or last conviction of
the crimes of falsification, robbery, estafa, theft,
or serious or less serious physical injuries, is
found guilty of any sald crimes a third tme or
oftener.
Ex-post facto law
It is an act which when committed was not a
crime, cannot be made so by statute without
violating the constitutional prohibition as to ex
post facto laws.
‘APPLICABILITY AND EFFECTIVITY
OF THE PENAL CODE
Rone a
en RIK ESOL
Pesan
1. Generality
GR: Penal laws and those of public security and
safety shall be obligatory upon all who live or
sojourn in Philippine territory, subject to the
principles of international law and to treaty
stipulations. (Art. 14, Civil Code of the Philippines)
(2015 BAR)
XPNs:
1. Treaty stipulations and_ international
agreements, eg. PH-US Visiting Forces
Agreement and Asion Development.
Philippines Agreement (1966);
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
2021 GoLDENNoTES
4CRIMINAL LAW
2
2. Laws of Preferential Application, eg. RA,
75 penalizes acts which would impair the
proper observance by the Republic and its
inhabitants of the immunities, rights, and
privileges of duly-accredited foreign
diplomatic representatives in the
Philippines. (2014 BAR);
The principles of publicinternational law;
4, Parliamentary Immunity: Members of the
Congress are not liable for libel or slander
in connection with any speech delivered
on the floor of the house during a regular
oor special session. (Art. IV, Sec. 11, 1987
Constitution);
5. Public vessels of foreign fri
6, Members of foreign country stationed in
the Philippines with its consent.
idly power;
Examples:
a. Sovereigns and other Chiefs of
States.
b. Ambassadors, ministers,
plenipotentiary, ministers
residents, and charges d'affaires.
NOTE: Only the heads of the diplomatic
missions, as well as members of the
diplomatic staff, excluding the members
of administrative, technical and service
staff, are accorded diplomatic rank.
A_consul_is_not entitled to the
privileges and immunities of an
ambassador or minister,
Consuls, vice-consuls, and other
commercial representatives of foreign
nation are NOT diplomatic officers.
Consuls are subject to the penal laws of
the country where they are assigned.
(Minucher v. CA, GR. No. 142396,
February 11, 2003)
Territoriality
GR: The penal laws of the country have
force and effect only within its territory.
(1994 BAR)
XPNs: Art. 2of the RPC (2000 BAR)
1. Should commit an offense while on a
Philippine ship or airship (fact of
registration isin the Philippines);
2. Should forge or counterfeit any coi
currency note of the Philippine Islands
or obligations and securities issued by
the Government of the Philippine
Islands (Arts 163 & 156);
3. Should be liable for acts connected with
the introduction into these islands of
the obligations and securities
mentioned in the preceding number;
4. While being public officers | or
employees, should commit an offense in
the exercise of their functions; or
5. Should commit any of the crimes
against national security and the law of
nations. (Arts. 114-123)
Extraterritoriality.
It means the law will have application even
outside the territorial jurisdiction of the
state. (Gapit, 2013)
Q: X went to Ninoy Aquino International
Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City and boarded
an airship of the Philippine Airlines
destined for USA. As the airship passes
the Pacific Ocean, X killed Y, a fellow
passenger. Which court can try the case
of murder committed by X: is it the
Philippine Courts or the U.S. Courts?
A: The Philippine Courts. Art. 2 of the RPC
provides that its provisions shall be applied
to those who “should commit an offense
while on a Philippine ship or airship.”
(Gapit, 2013)
3. Prospectivity /Irretrospectivity
GR: Acts o omissions classified as crimes will be
scrutinized in accordance with relevant penal
laws if committed after the effectivity of those
penal laws,
The law enforced at the time of the commission
of a certain crime should be applied. Article 366
of the RPC provides that crimes are punished in
accordance with the law in force at the time of
their commission. (Gapit, 2013)
NOTE: The maxim Lex Prospicit, Non Respicit
means the law looks forward, never backward.
XPN; Penal Laws shall have a retroactive effect,
insofar as they favor the persons guilty of a
felony, although at the time of the publication of
such laws a final sentence has been pronounced
and the convict is serving the same. (Art. 22, RPC)
XPNs to the XPN: The new law cannot be
given retroactive effect even if favorable to
the accused
Univensiry oF Santo Tomas @
Pacuury or civit LawBook |— FELONIES
a. When the new law is expressly made
inapplicable to pending actions or
existing causes of actions. (Tavera
Valdez, GR. No. 922, November 8 1902)
b. When the offender is a habitual
delinquent as defined in Rule Sin Art. 62
OfRPC. (Art. 22, par. 5, RPC)
FELONIES
PNT
Felonies
Felonies are acts or omissions punishable by the
RPC,
NOTE: If it is not under the RPC, it is called an
offense.
Act as contemplated in criminal law
An act refers to any bodily movement tending to
produce some effect in the external world, it
being unnecessary that the same be actually
produced, as the possibility of its production is
sufficient. (Reyes, 2017)
Omissi a
An omission contemplated In criminal law means
inaction the failure to perform a positive duty
which one is bound to do. There must be 2 law
requiring the doing or performance of a duty.
(Reyes, 2017)
Examples: Misprision of treacon, failure of an
accountable officer to render accounts
Hlements of felonies (2015 BAR)
1. Anactor omission;
2. Punishable by the Revised Penal Code; and
3. The act is performed or the omission
incurred by means of deceit or fault. (People
v. Gonzales, GR. No. 80762, March 19, 1990)
Kinds of felonies
1. Intentional felonies (Dolo) ~ committed
with deliberate intent to cause injury to
another (with malice);
2. Culpable felonies (Culpa) - where the
wrongful acts result from imprudence,
negligence, lack of foresight, or lack of ski
(unintentional, without malice).
1.999, 2001,2003, 2005.2010 BAR)
Asto [Actismalicious ]Act is not]
Malice malicious
With deliberate [Injury caused is
intent Junintentional,
jit being an
Asto incident of|
intent another —_act|
performed
without malice
Has intention [Wrongful _ act
Astothe |to cause alresults from
source of |wrong imprudence,
the wrong negligence, lack|
committed lof foresight, or|
lack of skill
Requisites ofdalo
NOTE: If any of the aforesaid requisites is absent,
there is NO dolo.
1. Criminal intent (wens rea) ~ the purpose
use a particular means to effect such result
Intent to commit an act with malice, being
purely a mental process, is presumed from
the proof of commission ofan unlawful act. It
is a mental state; hence, its existence is
shown by overt acts
NOTE: If there is NO criminal intent, the act
is justified. Hence, offender incurs NO
criminal liability.
2. Freedom of action ~ voluntariness on the
part of the person to commit the act or
NOTE: If there is lack of freedom, the
offender is exempt from liability
3. Intelligence - the capacity to know and
understand the consequences and morality
of humanacts
NOTE: If there is lack of intelligence, the
offender is exempt from liability.
‘Requisites of culpa
1. Griminal negligence on the part of the
offender, that is, the crime was the result of
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
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negligence, reckless imprudence, lack of
foresight, or lack of skill
2. Freedom of action on the part of the
offender, that is, he was not acting under
duress; and
3. Intelligence on the part of the offender in
performing the negligent act.
Negligence
Deficiency in perception or lack of foresight, or
failure to pay proper attention and to use due
diligence in foreseeing injury or damage to be
caused.
Imprudence
Deficiency in action or lack of skill, or failure to
take necessary precaution to avoid injury to
another.
Negligence vis-a-vis Imprudence
Prote eed
Deficiency of action [Deficiency of perception
Lack offoresight [Lack of skill
Examples of crimes which _cannot_be
7 :
imprudence}
1. Murder
2. Treason
3. Robbery
4. Malicious mischief
Mens rea
Is the criminal intent or evil mind. In general,
the definition of a criminal offense involves not
only an act or omission and its consequences but
also the accompanying mental state of the actor
(Encyclopaedia Britannica)
Examples:
1. In theft, the mens rea is the taking of
property belonging to another with intent ta
gain,
2. In falsification, the mens rea is the
commission of forgery with intent to pervert
the truth.
3. In robbery, the mens reo Is the taking of
property belonging to another coupled with
the employment of intimidation or violence
‘upon personsor things.
tmtent
Refers to the use of a particular means to effect
the desired result. It is a mental state, the
existence of which is demonstrated by the overt
acts of a person,
Categories of intent in criminal law
1, General criminal intent - It is presumed
from the mere doing of a wrong act (or the
actus reus). This does not require proof.
NOTE: In felonies by means of dolo, the third
clement of vol
ntariness is general inte:
2. Specific criminal intent - It isnot presumed
because it is an ingredient or element of a
crime. It must be alleged in the information
and must be established and proven by
prosecutor.
NOTE: In some felonies, proof of specific
intent is required to produce the crime such
as in frustrated and attempted homicide,
robbery, and acts of lasciviousness.
Eresumption—of criminal intent {rom the
Criminal intent is always presumed to exist,
provided that there is proof of the commission of
an unlawful act.
NOTE: This presumption does not arise when the
act performed is lawful. Moreover, the
presumption can always be rebutted by proof of
lack of intent. (2014 BAR)
‘Grime may be committed without criminal
intent (1996 BAR)
A crime may be committed without criminal
intent if suchis:
1. A culpable felony, wherein intent is
substituted by negligence or imprudence
2. Amalum prohibitum
Motive
It is the moving power or force which impels a
person toa desired result.
Motive_as_determinant of criminal Uability
4999,2013 BAR)
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GR: Motive Is not an element of a crime and
becomes immaterial in the determination of
criminal Liability.
XPNs: Motive is material when:
1. The acts bring about variant crimes;
Eg, there is a need to determine whether
direct assault is present, as in offenses
against persons in authority when the
assault is committed while not being in
‘the performance of his duties;
2. The identity of the accused is doubtful;
3. The evidence on the commission of the
crime is purely circumstantial;
4, In ascertaining the truth between two
antagonistic theories or versions of the
killing; and
5. Where there are no eyewitnesses to the
crime and where suspicion is likely to fall
upon a number of persons.
NOTE: Good faith is not a defense to the
prosecution ofa malum prohibitum,
tad fie
Moving power which] Purpose to use a
impels one to act for a| particular means
definite result. to effect such
result
Tt is NOT an essential] Generally, it is an
element of a crimeessential element
Heace, It need NOT be| of acre.
proved for purposes of}
conviction,
TM NI
ees
To determine:
1. Whether these felonies can be complexed or
not (Art. 48, RPC);
2. The prescription of the crime and the
prescription of the penalty (Art. 90, RPC):
3. Whether the accessory is liable (Art. 16, RPC);
4. The duration of the subsidiary penalty [Art
39(2), RPC);
5, The duration of the detention in case of
fhilura to post the bond to keep the peace
(Art 35);and
6. The proper penalty for quasl-offenses (Art
365, par. 1, RPC),
1. Grave - those to which the law attaches the
capital punishment or penalties which in any
of their periods are afflictive, in accordance
with Art. 25 of the RPC. (Art. 9, par. 1, RPC)
2. Less grave ~ those which the law punishes
with penalties which in their maximum
period are correctional, in accordance with
Art. 25 ofthe RPC. (Art 9, par: 2, RPC)
NOTE: The criminal can still be rehabilitated
and hence can be the subject of probation
and Alternative Dispute Resolution insofar as
the civil aspect is concerned,
3. Light - those infractions of law for the
commission of which the penalty of arresto
menor or a fine not exceeding 40,000 pesos,
or both, is provided. (Art 9, par. 3, RPC as
amended by RA. No, 10951, August 29, 2017)
penalty for felonies punished under RPC
1. Stages of execution
2. The degree of participation: and
3. The presence of attending circumstances.
NOTE: For special penal laws, it must be
expressly provided that the aforementioned
factors are to be considered,
2 i i
‘The principals, accomplices, and accessories
Whentighté i
GR: Light felonies are punishable only when they
are consummated,
Examples:
1. Anattempt to conceal one’s true name is
not punishable. (Art. 178, par. 2, RPC)
2. Attempt to commit Alarms and Scandals
is not punishable. (Art. 15, RPC)
RATIO: It involves insignificant moral and
material injuries, if not consummated, the wrong
done is so slight that a penalty is unnecessary
(also known as the De Minimis principle)
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XPN: Light felonies are punishable in all stages
‘when committed against persons or property
(Art 7, RPC)
NOTE: However, this provision is not
always applicable.
Example: If the offender is only an
accomplice and there are two or more
mitigating circumstances without any
compensating aggravating circumstance,
the appropriate penalty will be two
degrees lower. It must be noted that the
penalty lower than arresto menor is public
ceasure. There is no two degrees lower
than arresto menor.
Personaliable inlight felonk
Only the principals and their accomplices are
made liable for the commission of light felonies.
Accessories are not liable for the commission of
light felonies. (Art 19, RPC)
L js si i
felonies
Slight physical injuries (Art 266);
‘Theft (Art 309, pars. 7and 8);
Alteration of boundary marks (Art. 313);
Malicious mischief (Art. 328, par. 3; Art 329,
par. 3):
Intriguing against honor (Art. 364); and
Alarms and Scandals. (Are. 155)
NOTE: Ifone assists in the escape of another who
committed Alarms and Scandals, he is not liable
under RPC but may be liable under P.D. 1829
penalizing Obstruction of Apprehension of
Prosecution of Criminal Offenders.
LEMENTS OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY
ease
Criminal lability (1997, 1999, 2001, 2004,
2009 BAR)
Criminal liability is incurred by any person:
1. Committing a felony although the wrongful act
done be different from that which he intended
(Art. 4, par. 1, RPC);and
2. Performing an act which would be an offense
against persons or property, were it not for
the inherent impossibility of its
accomplishment or on account of the
employment of inadequate or ineffectual
means. (Art. 4, par.2, RPC)
‘Requisites forthe application of _the
Provinaer Cause Doart Te
1. That an
committed; and
2. ‘That the wrong done to the aggrieved party be
the direct, natural, and logical consequence of,
the felony committed by the offender. (US. v.
Brobst, G.R. No. 4935, October 25 1909)
intentional felony has been
When considered as the “direct, natural, and
logical consequence” of the feloniousact
1. Blow was efficient cause of death;
2. Blow accelerated deatl
3. Blow was the proximate cause of death.
(Reyes, 2017)
): In an act to discipline his child, the father
claims that the death of his child was not
tended by him, Is his contention correct?
A: NO. He Is lable under Art. 4 (1) of the RPC. In
order that a person may be criminally liable fora
felony different from that which he intended to
commit, itis indispensable that: (a) a felony was
committed; and (b) the wrong done to the
aggrieved person be the direct consequence of
the crime committed by the perpetrator.
In beating his son and inflicting upon him
physical injuries, he committed a felony. As a
direct consequence of the beating suffered by the
child, the latter expired. His criminal liability for
the death of his son is, thus, clear. (People v. Sales,
GR.No. 177218, October 3,201)
1. Mistake in identity (error in personae) - The
offender intends the injury on one person but
the harm fell on another. In this situation, the
intended victim was not at the scene of the
crime.
Example: A, wanting to kill B, killed C
instead. (2003, 2015 BAR)
NOTE: There are only two (2) persons
involved: (1) the actual but unintended
victim; and (2) the offender.
EFFECT: Art. 49 of RPC. It depends when the
intended crime and the crime actually
committed are punished with different
penalties. (Reyes, 2017)
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