Criminal Law 1 Syllabus 6. Bill of attainder (Art. 3, Sec.

22, 1987 Constitution)

SAN BEDA COLLEGE OF LAW
Mendiola, Manila
CRIMINAL LAW I
Prescribed textbook/s:
1. Revised Penal Code Book I by Luis B. Reyes
and/or
2. Commentaries on Criminal Law Book I by Atty.
Maximo P. Amurao Jr.
NB: Closed book policy shall be observed during
class. Only handwritten notes will be allowed.
I. General Principles of Criminal Law
A. Nature and definition
Ient v. Tullett Prebon, G.R. No. 189158, 11 January
2017
B. Characteristics of Criminal Law
1. General (Art. 2, RPC)
Minucher v. Scalzo, G.R. No. 142396, 11 February
2003
Liang v. People, G.R. No. 125865, 28 January 2000
2. Territorial (Art.2, RPC)
People v. Tulin, G.R. No. 111709, 30 August 2001,
364 SCRA 10
3. Prospective (Article 21 and 22, RPC)
a. Effects of repeal
C. Sources of Criminal Law
1. Revised Penal Code
2. Special Penal Laws
D. Constitutional Limitations on Criminal Law
1. Due process and Equal protection (Art. 3, Sec. 1,
1987 Constitution)
White Light Corp. v. City of Manila, G.R. No.
122846, 20 January 2009
Garcia v. Drilon, G.R. No. 179267, 25 June 2013
2. Freedom of expression (Art. 3, Sec. 4, 1987
Constitution)
Guingguing v. People, G.R. No. 128959, 30
September 2005.
3. Freedom of religion (Art. 3, Sec. 5, 1987
Constitution)
Estrada v. Escritor, AM No. P-02-1651, 22 June
2006, 492 SCRA 1
4. No excessive fines, nor cruel, degrading or
inhuman punishment. (Art. 3, Sec. 19, 1987
Constitution)
People v. Echagaray, G.R. No. 117472, 7 February
1997, 267 SCRA 682
Corpuz v. People, G.R. No. 180016, 29 April 2014
5. Non-imprisonment for debt or non-payment of poll
tax ( Art. 3, Sec. 19, 1987 Constitution)
People v. Ferrer, L-32613-14, 27 December 1972,
48 SCRA 382
7. Ex-post facto laws (Art. 3, Sec. 22, 1987
Constitution)
US v. Diaz Conde, L-18208, 14 February 1922
E. Construction and interpretation
1. Liberally in favour of the accused
2. Spanish text of the RPC prevails over the English
text
People v. Abilong, L-1960, 26 November 1948.
3. Retroactive application when favourable to the
accused
4. Prescribed but undeserved penalties (Art. 5, RPC)
People v. Formigones, L-3246, 29 November 1950
5. Suppletory application of RPC to Special Penal
Laws (Art. 10, RPC)
Ladonga v. People, G.R. No. 141066, 17 February
2005
People v. Simon, G.R. No. 93028, 29 July 1994
II. General Principles of Criminal Liability
A. Felony, defined (Art. 3, RPC)
B. Elements of criminal liability
1. Physical element (Actus reus)
a. Act
b. Omission
People v. Sylvestre and Atienza, G.R. No. 35748,
14 December 1931, 56 Phil. 353
People v. Talingdan, L-32126, 6 July 1978, 84
SCRA 19
2. Mental element (Mens rea)
a. Deliberate intent (Dolo)
Manuel v. People, G.R. No. 165842, 29 November
2005
i. Elements of dolo
ii. General and specific intent
People v. Puno, G.R. No. 97471, 17 February 1993,
219 SCRA 85
People v. Delim, G.R. No. 142773, 28 January 2003
iii. Mistake of fact
US v. Ah Chong, G.R. No. 5272, 19 March 1910, 15
Phil. 488
People v. Oanis, G.R. No. 47722, 27 July 1943, 74
Phil. 257
iv. Malum prohibitum as exception to the requirement
of mens rea
Padilla v. Dizon, AC No. 3086, 23 February 1988,
158 SCRA 127
Magno v. CA, G.R. No. 96132, 26 June 1992, 210
SCRA 475
Garcia v. CA, G.R. No. 157171, 14 March 2006, 484
SCRA 617
v. Intent distinguished from motive
b. Constructive intent (Culpa) Art. 3 and 365 People v. Borinaga, G.R. No. 33463, 18 December
i. Elements 1930, 55 Phil. 433
ii. Imprudence or lack of skill People v. Kalalo, G.R. No. 39303-05, 17 March
iii. Negligence or lack of foresight 1934, 59 Phil. 715
People v. Pugay, L-74324, 17 November 1988, 167 People v. Trinidad, G.R. No. 79123-25, 9 January
SCRA 439 1989, 169 SCRA 51
Ivler v. San Pedro, G.R. No. 172716, 17 November Martinez v. CA, G.R. No. 168827, 13 April 2007.
2010. Mondragon v. People, L-17666, 30 June 1966, 17
c. Transferred intent (Art. 4, par. 1) SCRA 476
i. Aberratio ictus People v. Sy Pio, L-5848, 30 April 1954, 94 Phil.
People v. Guillen, L-1477, 18 January 1950, 85 885
Phil. 307. 4. Robbery
ii. Error in personae People v. Dio, L-36461, 29 June 1984, 130 SCRA
People v. Sabalones, G.R. No. 123485, 31 August 151
1998, 294 SCRA 751 People v. Salvilla, G.R. No. 86163, 26 April 1990.
iii. Praeter intentionem 5. Rape
People vs. Albuquerque, G.R. No. 38773, 19 People v. Orita, G.R. No. 88724, 3 April 1990, 184
December 1933, 59 Phil. 150 SCRA 105
People v. Campuhan, G.R. No. 129433, 30 March
2000
3. Concurrence 6. Arson
4. Resulting harm US v. Valdes, L-14128, 10 December 1918.
5. Causation
Bataclan v. Medina, L-10126, 22 October 1957, 102
Phil. 181 E. Conspiracy and proposals to commit a felony (Art.
People v. Iligan, G.R. No. 75369, 26 November 8)
1990 1. Conspiracy and proposal, when punished?
Urbano v. Intermediate Appellate Court, G.R. No. 2. As a manner of incurring criminal liability.
72964, 7 January 1988 People v. Aguilos, G.R. No. 121828, 27 June 2003

C. Impossible Crimes (Art. 4, Par. 2) IV. Circumstances that affect criminal liability
Intod v. CA, G.R. No. 103119, 21 October 1992, 215 A. Justifying circumstances
SCRA 52 1. Defense of self, relatives, and strangers
People v. Saladino, L-3634, 30 May 1951, 89 Phil. Manaban v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 150723, 11
807 July 2006.
Jacinto v. People, G.R. No. 162540, 13 July 2009. Senoja v. People, G.R. No. 160341, 19 October
2004.
People v. Decena, G.R. No. 107874, 4 August 1994,
III. Stages of execution 235 SCRA 67
A. Attempted Stage People v. Dela Cruz, G.R. No. 128359, 6 December
2000, 347 SCRA 100
B. Frustrated Stage People v. Jaurigue, G.R. No. 384, 21 February
1946, 76 Phil. 174
People v. Narvaez, L-33466-67, 20 April 1983, 121
C. Consummated crimes
SCRA 389 (see also dissents of J. Abad Santos
US v. Eduave, G.R. No. 12155, 2 February 1917, 36
and J. Gutierrez, Jr.)
Phil. 209
Sabang v. People, G.R. No. 168818, 9 March 2007,
Rivera v. People, G.R. No. 166326, 25 January
518 SCRA 35
2006, 480 SCRA 188
People v. Dagani, G.R. No. 153875, 16 August
Baleros v. People, G.R. No. 138033, 22 February
2006, 499 SCRA 64
2006, 483 SCRA 10
Palaganas v. People, G.R. No. 165483, 12
September 2006, 501 SCRA 533
D. Stages of execution in relation to specific felonies 2. Avoidance of greater evil
1. Theft People v. Ricohermoso, L-30527-28, 29 March
Valenzuela v. People, G.R. No. 160188, 21 June 1974, 56 SCRA 431
2007 People v. Norma Hernandez, CA-G.R. No. 22553-R,
2. Illegal Trespass 14 April 1959, 55 OG 8465
People v. Lamahang, L-43530, 3 August 1935, 61 3. Fulfillment of duty
Phil. 703 People v. Delima, L-18660, 22 December 1922, 46
3. Physical Injuries, Homicide, and Murder
Phil. 738 People v. Del Rosario, G.R. No. 127755, 14 April
People v. Lagata, L-1940-42, 24 March 1949, 83 1999, 305 SCRA 740
Phil. 150 5. Insuperable cause
Mamangun v. People, G.R. No. 149152, 2 February People v. Bandian, G.R. No. 45186, 30 September
2007 1936, 63 Phil. 530 (see also: separate opinion of J.
People v. Dagani, G.R. No. 153875, 16 August Villareal)
2006, 499 SCRA 64
4. Obedience to a lawful order of a superior C. Other exculpatory causes
People v. Beronilla, L-4445, 28 February 1955, 96 1. Instigation
Phil. 566 People v. Lua Chu, G.R. No. 34917, 7 September
Tabuena v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 103501-03, 1931, 56 Phil. 44
17 February 1997, 268 SCRA 332 People v. Doria, G.R. No. 125299, 22 January 1999,
301 SCRA 668
B. Exempting Circumstances 2. Pardon (Art. 266-C and Art. 344)
1. Insanity 3. Absolutory circumstances
People v. Taneo, L-37673, 31 March 1933, 58 Phil. a. Art. 6 (3)
255 b. Art. 20
People v. Bonoan, L-45130, 17 February 1937, 64 c. Art. 247
Phil. 87 d. Art. 280*
People v. Dungo, G.R. No. 89420, 31 July 1991, e. Art. 332
199 SCRA 860 Intestate Estate of Manolita Gonzales v. People,
People v. Rafanan, L-54135, 21 November 1991, G.R. No. 181409, 11 February 2010.
204 SCRA 65
People v. Madarang, G.R. No. 132319, 12 May D. Mitigating Circumstances
2000, 332 SCRA 99 1. Classes of Mitigating Circumstances
People v. Robios, G.R. No. 138453, 29 May 2002, a. Privileged
382 SCRA 581 i. Art. 13 (2) and Art. 68
People v. Opuran, G.R. Nos. 147674-75, 17 March ii. Art. 13 (1) and Art. 69
2004, 425 SCRA 654 People v. Jaurigue, G.R. No. 384, 21 February
Verdadero v. People, G.R. No. 216021, 2 March 1946, 76 Phil. 174
2016 People v. Narvaez, L-33466-67, 20 April 1983, 121
People v. Genosa, 341 SCRA 493, 419 SCRA 537 SCRA 389
RA 9262 (Re: Battered Woman Syndrome) People v. Ulep, G.R. No. 132547, 20 September
See also: Maria Diory F. Rabajante, The Privilege of 2000
Being Insane: An Examination of, and a Saner Guillermo v. People, G.R. No. 153287, 20 January
Alternative to the Insane Rule on Insanity Defense, 49 2009.
San Beda L.J. 1 (March 2012) b. Ordinary
2. Minority i. Lack of intent to commit so grave a wrong
RA 9344 as amended by RA 10630. People v. Ural, L-30801, 27 March 1974, 56 SCRA
People v. Doqueña, G.R. No. 46539, 27 September 138
1939, 68 Phil. 580 People v. Gonzales, G.R. No. 139542, 21 June
Ortega v. People, G.R. No. 151085, 20 August 2008 2001, 359 SCRA 352
People v. Mantalaba, G.R. No. 186227, 20 July ii. Sufficient provocation
2011. People v. Pagal, L-32040, 25 October 1977, 79
3. Accident SCRA 570
US v. Tañedo, L-5418, 12 February 1910, 15 Phil. Urbano v. People, G.R. No. 182750, 20 January
196 2009
People v. Castillo, G.R. No. 172695, 29 June 2007, iii. Vindication of a wrong
526 SCRA 215 People v. Benito, L-32042, 13 February 1975, 74
People v. Retubado, G.R. No. 124058, 10 SCRA 271
December 2003 Bacabac v. People, G.R. No. 149372, 11
Pomoy v. People, G.R. No. 150647, 29 September September 2007
2004, 439 SCRA 439 iv. Passion or obfuscation
4. Irresistible force or uncontrollable fear of a greater US v. Hicks, G.R. No. 4971, 23 September 1909, 14
injury Phil. 217
US v. Caballeros, G.R. No. 1352, 29 March 1905, 4 US v. Dela Cruz, G.R. No. 7094, 29 March 1912, 22
Phil. 350 Phil. 429
People v. Loreno, L-54414, 9 July 1984, 130 SCRA People v. Gelaver, G.R. No. 95357, 9 June 1993,
311
223 SCRA 310
People v. Bello, L-18792, 28 February 1964
v. Voluntary surrender or plea of guilt
People v. Amaguin, G.R. Nos. 54344-45, 10
January 1994, 229 SCRA 166
People v. Dela Cruz, L-45284, 29 December 1936,
63 Phil. 874
vi. Deafness, muteness, blindness, or other physical
defect which restricts the offender’s means of action,
defense, or communication
vii. Illness as would diminish the exercise of will-
power without depriving the offender of
consciousness of his acts.
viii. Analogous circumstances
Canta v. People, G.R. No. 140937, 28 February
2001
E. Aggravating Circumstances
Art. 14 and 62 of the RPC.
People v. Legaspi, G.R. Nos. 136164-65, 20 April
2001
1. Classes of Aggravating Circumstance
a. Generic
b. Qualifying
c. Specific
d. Inherent
e. Special
2. Taking advantage of public office
People v. Capalac, L-38297, 23 October 1982, 117
SCRA 874
People v. Gapasin, G.R. No. 73489, 25 April 1994,
231 SCRA 728
3. Insult to public authority
People v. Tiongson, L-35123-24, 25 July 1984, 130
SCRA 614
People v. Magdueño, L-68699, 22 September 1986,
144 SCRA 210
People v. Tac-an, G.R. Nos. 76338-89, 26 February
1990.
4. Disregard of rank, age, or sex, and dwelling;
People v. Diaz, G.R. No. L-24002, 21 January 1974.
People v. Arizobal, G.R. No. 135051-52, 14
December 2000, 348 SCRA 143
People v. Daniel, G.R. No. L-40330, 20 November
1978
People v. Apduhan, L-19491, 30 August 1968
5. Abuse of confidence or obvious ungratefulness
People v. Mandolado, L-51304-05, 28 June 1983,
123 SCRA 133
6. The crime is committed in the palace of Chief
Executive, in his presence, where public authorities
are engaged in the discharge of their duties, or place
dedicated to religious worship;
7. Nighttime, uninhabited place, or by a band;
People v. Garcia, L-30449, 31 October 1979, 94
SCRA 14
People v. Rodas, G.R. No. 175881, 28 August 2007
People v. Damaso, L-30116, 20 November 1978, 86
SCRA 370 (uninhabited)
8. Crime committed on the occasion of conflagration,
shipwreck, earthquake, epidemic, or other calamity or
misfortune;
9. Aid of armed men or persons who afford impunity;
10. Recidivism
People v. Baldera, L-2390, 24 April 1950, 86 Phil.
189
11. Reiteracion
12. Habitual delinquency (Art. 62, par. 5);
People v. Melendrez, G.R. No. 39913, 19 December
1933, 59 Phil. 154
13. Quasi- recidivism (Art. 160)
14. Price, reward, or promise;
15. Inundation, fire, poison, etc.
16. Evident premeditation;
US v. Manalinde, G.R. No. 5292, 28 August 1909,
14 Phil. 77
People v. Ilaoa, G.R. No. 94308, 16 June 1994, 233
SCRA 231
People v. Bibat, G.R. No. 124319, 13 May 1998, 290
SCRA 27
17. Craft, fraud, or disguise;
People v. Empacis, G.R. No. 95756, 14 May 1993,
222 SCRA 59
18. Taking advantage of superior strength, or means
employed to weaken the defense;
People v. Bigcas, G.R. No. 94534, 2 July 1992, 211
SCRA 631
19. Treachery;
People v. Sangalang, L-32914, 30 August 1974, 58
SCRA 737
People v. San Pedro, L-44274, 22 January 1980, 95
SCRA 306
People v. Castillo, G.R. No. 120282, 20 April 1998,
289 SCRA 213
People v. Arizobal, G.R. No. 135051-52, 14
December 2000, 348 SCRA 143
People v. Escote, G.R. No. 140756, 4 April 2003,
400 SCRA 603
People v. Villonez, G.R. Nos. 122976-77, 16
November 1998, 359 Phil. 95, 1998
People v. Guzman, G.R. No. 169246, 26 January
2007
20. Ignominy;
People v. Torriefel CA-GR. No. 659-R, 29
November 1947, 45 OG 803
People v. Jose, L-28232, 6 February 1971, 37
SCRA 450
People v. Butler, L-50276, 27 January 1983, 120
SCRA 281
People v. Saylan, L-36941, 29 June 1984, 130
SCRA 159
People v. Sultan, G.R. No. 132470, 27 April 2000,
331 SCRA 216
21. Unlawful entry;
22. Breaking of wall, roof, floor, door, or window;
23. Aid of persons under fifteen years old, use of
motor vehicles, airships, or other similar means;
24. Cruelty;
25. Organized or syndicated crime group; B. Complex crime proper (delito complejo)
26. Use of illegal firearms or explosives – see RA People vs. Hernandez, L-6025-26, 18 July 1956, 99
10591 Phil. 515
People v. Ladjaalam, G.R. Nos. 136149-51, 19 Enrile vs. Salazar, G.R. No. 92163, 5 June 1990,
September 2000 184 SCRA 217
Celino v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 170562, 29 People v. Garcia, G.R. No. 141125, 28 February
June 2007 2002
27. Use of dangerous drugs while committing a felony Batulanon v. People, G.R. No. 139857, 15
– Sec. 25 of RA 9165 September 2006
28. Use of information and communications
technologies in committing a felony – Sec. 6, RA C. Continuing crime (delito continuado)
10175 People v. Madrigal-Gonzales, L-16688, 30 April
F. Alternative Circumstances 1963
1. Relationship Gamboa v. Court of Appeals, L-41054, 28
People v. Atop, G.R. No. 124303-05, 10 February November 1975
1998, 286 SCRA 157 People v. Mallari, G.R. No. L-58886, 13 December
2. Intoxication 1988
US v. McMann, L-2229, 1 July 1905, 4 Phil. 561 Santiago v. Garchitorena, G.R. No. 109266, 2
3. Degree of Instruction December 1993
People v. San Pedro, L-44274, 22 January 1980, 95
SCRA 306
D. Composite Crimes/Special Complex Crimes
1. Art. 266-B
V. Persons Criminally Liable 2. Art. 267
A. Principals – Art. 17 3. Art. 294
People v. Yanson-Dumancas, G.R. No. 133527-28, 4. Art. 297
13 December 1999, 320 SCRA 584 5. Art. 320
People v. Maluenda, G.R. No. 115351, 27 March
1998, 288 SCRA 225
People v. Montealegre, L-67948, 31 May 1988 E. Complex crimes in relation to Quasi-crimes
People v. Madali, L-67803, 30 July 1990 Ivler v. San Pedro, G.R. No. 172716, 17 November
2010
B. Accomplices – Art. 18
Abejuela v. People, G.R. No. 80130, 19 August VII. Penalties
1991, 200 SCRA 806 A. Imposable penalties
People v. Doble, L-30028, 31 May 1982, 114 SCRA 1. Principal penalties
131 a. Capital punishment – Sec. 19, Art III of the 1987
People v. Doctolero, G.R. No. 34386, 7 February Constitution; RA 7659, RA 8177; RA 9346; Art. 40
1991, 193 SCRA 632 and 47 Revised Penal Code; RA 9346
People v. De Vera, G.R. No. 128966, 18 August People v. Bon, G.R. No. 166401, 30 October 2006
1999, 312 SCRA 640 b. Afflictive penalties
Garces v. People, G.R. No. 173858, 17 July 2007 i. Reclusion perpetua – RA 7659, Art. 27 of Revised
Penal Code
People v. Lucas, G.R. No. 108172, 25 May 1994;
C. Accessories – Art. 19 and 20 (RPC); PD 1612; PD People v. Lucas, G.R. No. 108172, 9 January 1995;
1829 People v. Latupan, G.R. No. 112453, 28 June 2001
People v. Talingdan, L-32126, 6 July 1978, 84 ii. Reclusion temporal
SCRA 19 iii. Perpetual or temporary absolute disqualification –
Dizon-Pamintuan v. People, G.R. No. 111426, 11 Article 30
July 1994 iv. Perpetual or temporary special disqualification –
Art. 31
VI. Plurality of Crimes v. Prision mayor – Art. 27
A. Compound crime (delito compuesto) c. Correctional penalties – Art. 27, 39, and 44
People v. Tabaco, G.R. No. 100382, 19 March 1997 i. Prision correccional
People v. Valdez, G.R. No. 127663, 11 March 1999 ii. Arresto mayor
People v. Sanchez, G.R No. 131116, 27 August iii. Suspension
1999, 313 SCRA 254 iv. Destierro
d. Light penalties – Art. 27, 39, and 44
i. Arresto menor
ii. Public censure
e. Common penalties – Art.25 VIII. Extinction of criminal liability
i. Fines – Art. 26, 39, and 66 A. Total – Art.89-93
ii. Bond to keep the peace – Art. 27 and 35 Sermonia v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 109454, 14
2. Accessory penalties – Art. 40 -45 June 1994
a. Perpetual or temporary absolute disqualification Republic v. Desierto, G.R. No. 136506, 23 August
b. Perpetual or temporary special disqualification 2001, 363 SCRA 585
c. Suspension from public office, the right to vote and See also: Act No. 3326 as amended by Act No. 3763
be voted for, the profession or calling Romualdez v. Marcelo, G.R. No. 165510, 28 July
d. Civil interdiction 2006
e. Indemnification
f. Forfeiture or confiscation of the instruments and B. Partial – Art. 94-99; See also: amendments under
proceeds of the offense RA 10592
g. Payment of costs Cruz III v. Go, G.R. No. 223446, 28 November 2016
3. Subsidiary penalty – Art. 39
See also: RA 10159
IX. Civil Liability arising from criminal liability – Art.
100-113
B. Application and computation of penalties People v. Bayotas, G.R. No. 102007, 2 September
1. General rules – Art. 5, 21, 28, 29 (see also RA 1994.
10592), 46, 73-77
2. Specific Rules
a. Complex Crimes (Art. 48)
b. Crime different from that which was intended – Art.
49
c. Effect of degree of participation and stage of
commission – Art. 50 -57, 60-61
d. Additional penalty for certain accessories – Art. 58
e. Impossible crimes – Art. 59
f. Effect of mitigating, aggravating, and qualifying
circumstances – Art. 62-66
g. Incomplete justifying or exempting circumstances –
Art. 67 and 69
h. Minors – RA 9344
3. Indeterminate Sentence Law
People v. Lanuza, G.R. No. 188562, 17 August
2011
Talampas v. People, G.R. No. 180219, 23
November 2011
People v. Temporada, G.R. No. 173473, 17
December 2008. See CJ Puno Dissent and J.
Corona Separate Opinion

C. Execution and service of penalties

1. General rules – Art. 47, 70, 78, and 86-88,
In re Petition for Habeas Corpus, Pete Lagran, G.R.
No. 147270, 15 August 2001, 363 SCRA 275
2. Probation Law (PD 968 as amended)
See also: RA 10707
3. Suspension of sentence
a. In cases of insanity – Art. 79
b. Minors
i. Section 31-35 of AM No. 02-1-18-SC
ii. RA 9344