1

Criminal Law is that branch or division of law which defines crimes, treats of their nature, and provides
for their punishment.
Crime is an act committed or omitted in violation of a public law forbidding or commanding it.
Sources of PH Criminal Law
1. RPC
2. Special Penal Laws passed by Congress
3. Penal Presidential Decrees issued during Martial Law
No common law crimes in the Philippines
Common law crimes the body of principles, usages, and rules of action, which do not rest for their
authority upon any express and positive declaration of the will of the legislature.
-Even if it be socially or morally wrong, no criminal liability is incurred if there is no law punishing it.
-Court decisions ARE NOT SOURCES OF CRIMINAL LAW, bec they merely explain the meaning of the law
and applies its meaning.
Power to define and punish crimes with the State. Basis: POLICE POWER.
-attributes that by natural law belong to the sovereign power instinctively charged by the common will
of the members of society to look after, guard and defend the interest of the community, the individual
and social rights and liberties of every citizen and the guaranty of the exercise of his rights.
Limitations on the power of law-making body to enact penal legislation.
1. No ex post facto law or bill of attainder shall be enacted. (Art. III, Sec. 22, 1987 Consti)
-Ex post facto law is one which:
(1) makes criminal an act done BEFORE the passage of the law, WHICH WAS INNOCENT WHEN
DONE and PUNISHES SUCH ACT;
(2) aggravates a crime, or makes it greater than it was, WHEN IT WAS COMMITTED;
(3) CHANGES THE PUNISHMENT and inflicts GREATER PUNISHMENT than the law annexed to the
crime when committed;
(4) ALTERS THE LEGAL RULES OF EVIDENCE, AUTHORIZES CONVICTION UPON LESS OR
DIFFERENT TESTIMONY THAN THE LAW REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF COMMISSION.
(5) assumes to REGULATE CIVIL RIGHTS AND REMEDIES ONLY.
(6) deprives person accused of a crime some LAWFUL PROTECTION TO WHICH HE HAS BECOME
ENTITLES, such as former conviction, acquittal or proc of amnesty.
-To give law retroactive application TO THE PREJUDICE OF THE ACCUSED is to make it an ex post
facto law.
-Bill of attainder (1) legislative act which (2) inflicts punishment (3)without trial. In esse,
substitution of legislative act for judicial determination of guilt.
2. No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due process of law. (Art. III,
Sec. 1, 1987 Consti)
-Criminal laws must be of general application and must clearly define the acts and omissions
punished as crimes.
Constitutional rights of the accused. (Art. III, 1987 Consti)
1. Right to speedy disposition of their cases
2. Right to due process of law.
3. The right to bail.
4. The right to be presumed innocent.
Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.
Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

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a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
5.
6.
7.

8.

Right to be heard by himself and counsel

Right to be informed of the nature and cause of accusation against him
Right to speedy, impartial and public trial
Right to meet the witnesses face-to-face
Right to have compulsory processes (subpoena) to secure attendance of witnesses and
the production of evidence (subpoena duces tecum)
Right against self-incrimination
Right against excessive fines, cruel, degrading or inhuman punishment.
Right against double jeopardy.
-Double jeopardy if an act punished by a law and an ordinance, conviction or acquittal
under either shall CONSTITUTE A BAR TO ANOTHER PROSECUTION FOR THE SAME ACT.
Right to free access to the courts and quasi-judicial bodies and adequate legal assistance.

Statutory Rights of the accused (Section 1, Rule 115, Rules on Criminal Procedure, Rules of Court)
*same as Constitutional Rights of Accused
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Right to be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved beyond reasonable doubt.*
To be informed of the nature and cause of accusation against him.*
To be present and defend in person and by counsel at every stage of the proceedings.*
To testify as witness in his own behalf, subject to cross examination. His silence shall not in
any manner prejudice him.
To be exempt from being compelled to be a witness against himself.*
To confront and cross-examine witnesses against him at trial.
To have compulsory processes issued to secure the attendance of witnesses and production
of other evidence in his behalf.*
To have speedy, impartial and public trial.*
To appeal in all cases allowed and in the manner prescribed by law.

Rights of the accused which may be waived (confrontation and cross-examination [ratio: personal
right]) and rights which may not be waived (to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation
against him[ratio: involve public interest]).
CHARACTERISTICS OF CRIMINAL LAW
1. GENERAL. Criminal law is binding on all who live or sojourn in Philippine territory.
-PH sovereign state with obli and right of every govt to uphold its laws and maintain order
within its domain, with GENERAL JURISDICTION to punish persons for OFFENSES COMMITTED
WITHIN ITS TERRITORY, REGARDLESS OF THE NATIONALITY OF THE OFFENDER.
General Rule (GR): The jurisdiction of the civil courts is not affected by the military character of
the accused.
Civil courts have concurrent jurisdiction with general courts-martial over soldiers of the AFP.
-even in times of war, PROVIDED that in the place of commission of the crime, no hostilities are
in progress and civil courts are functioning.
RPC or other penal law NOT APPLICABLE when MILITARY COURT TAKES COGNIZANCE Articles
of war will apply.
The prosecution of an accused before a court-martial is a bar to another prosecution of the
accused FOR THE SAME OFFENSE court martial is a court not an administrative body,
otherwise accused would be placed in double jeopardy.
Offenders accused of war crimes are triable by military commission.
Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.
Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

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-EO 68 which established National War Crimes Office is valid and constitutional. Promulgation of
EO is exercised by President, of his powers as Commander-in-Chief of the AFP.
-Military commission has jurisdiction as long as technical state of war continues includes
armistice, military occupation up to effective date of treaty of peace.
EXCEPTIONS:
A. Treaties or treaty stipulations.
-Bases Agreement US jurisdiction over (1) offenses committed within any base, EXCEPT
where offended party and offender are both Philippine citizens, or offense is against the
security of the Philippines; (2) offense committed outside the bases by any member of the
armed forced of US, offended party also member of armed force of US; (3) offense
committed outside the bases by any member of armed forces of US against security of US.
-RP-US Visiting Forces Accord (1) US military authorities shall have the right to exercise
WITHIN PH all criminal and disciplinary jurisdiction conferred on them by military law over
US PERSONNEL IN RP; (2) exclusive jurisdiction over US personnel w/ respect to offenses
related to security of US, BUT NOT UNDER THE LAWS OF RP; (3) primary right to exercise
jurisdiction over US personnel in relation to: offenses SOLELY against property or security or
person of US personnel; and offenses arising out of any act or omission done in
performance of official duty.
B. Laws of Preferential Application
-RA 75 in favor of diplomatic representatives, and their domestic servants.
EXCEPTION: Not applicable when the foreign country adversely affected does not provide
similar protection to our diplomatic representatives.
C. Principles of Public International Law.
-Persons exempt from the operation of our criminal laws by virtue of principles of PIL:
(1) Sovereigns and other chiefs of state
(2) Ambassadors, ministers plenipotentiary, ministers resident and charges daffairs
-A consul is not entitled to privileges and immunities of an ambassador or minister. Other
commercial representatives of foreign nations do not possess the status of, and cannot
claim the privileges and immunities accorded to ambassadors and ministers.
2. TERRITORIAL. Criminal laws undertake to punish crimes committed within PH territory.
PH Territory as defined in Art. I, 1987 Constitution.
EXCEPTIONS. ART. 2 of RPC.
3. PROSPECTIVE. That a penal law cannot make an act punishable in a manner in which it was not
punishable when committed.
-Crimes are punished under the laws in force at the time of their commission. (Art. 366, RPC)
EXCEPTIONS. Whenever a new statute dealing with crime established a condition MORE
LENIENT OR FAVORABLE TO THE ACCUSED. It can apply retroactively.
EXCEPTION TO EXCEPTION:
(1) Where the offender is a habitual criminal (Art. 62, RPC)
(2) Where the new law is EXPRESSLY MADE INAPPLICABLE TO PENDING ACTIONS OR EXISTING
CAUSE OF ACTION.
Effects of Repeal of Criminal Law
Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.
Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

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1. New Law makes PENALTY LIGHTER may apply EXCEPT if habitual delinquent or NEW LAW
expressly provided that it will not apply to pending actions or existing causes of action
2. New Law imposes HEAVIER PENALTY law at the time of commission applies
3. New law TOTALLY obliterates the offense charged in the old law THE CRIME IS OBLITERATED.
REPEAL IS ABSOLUTE THE OFFENSE CEASES TO BE CRIMINAL.
When the new law and the old law penalize the SAME OFFENSE, the offender can be tried under the
OLD LAW.
When the repealing law fails to penalize the offense under the old law, the accused cannot be convicted
under the new law.
A person erroneously accused and convicted under a repealed statute may be punished under the
repealing statute.
A new law which omits anything in the old law dealing on the same subject, operates as repeal of
anything not so included in the amendatory act.
cessante ratione legis cessat ipsa lex
the reason for the law ceasing, the law itself also ceases
Article 1
January 1, 1932. Time RPC (Act No. 3815) took affect.
Theories in Criminal Law PH mainly follows classical

Classical theory
Basis of criminal Liability: Human free will
Purpose of penalty: retribution

Positivist Theory

Man is essentially creature, with

An absolutely free will to choose between
Good and evil
Focus: offence

Man subdued occasionally by a

strange and morbid
phenomenon which contains him
to do wrong
Focus: offender

Established mechanical and direct

Proportion between crime and penalty

Crime is essentially a social and natural

phenomenon which can be created
and checked.
enforcement and of individual
Measures in each particular case
after a thorough personal and
individual investigation

Scant regard to human element

Article 2
Rationale: affects political and economic life of the nation
Philippine vessel/aircraft registered in Philippine Bureau of Customs
REGISTRATION: Vessel - MARINA; Aircraft CIVIL AERONAUTICS BOARD. Registration wc makes it
PH ship/airship.
-Extends to crew, passengers; stowaways * law does not distinguish
RTC recognizes/has jurisdiction over crimes punishable in the Philippines
Under Art. 2; where filed first

Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.

Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

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Foreign merchant ship/airship considered an extension of country to which it belongs.
- On the high seas- X TRIABLE
- On PH waters - / TRIABLE
Rule as to jurisdiction over crimes committed aboard foreign merchant vessel
French Rule X TRIABLE, unless commission affects peace and security
Of the territory and safety of the state is
endangered.
English Rule - TRIABLE, unless merely affects things within the vessel
- Refer to internal management.
- PH OBSERVES THE ENGLISH RULE.
Disorders disturb peace of the ship sovereignty of home of ship i.e. homicide
- disturb public peace maybe suppressed
- offenders punished by proper authorities of local jurisdiction

Warship territory of country which they belong.

*Offender should forge/counterfeit any coin or currency note of the PH OR obligations and securities
issued by the Government. Includes, those responsible for the introduction of said obligations and
securities.
*When offender while being a public officer or employee, should commit an offense in the exercise of
his functions. PO-E still liable even if committed abroad.
*When the offender should commit any of the crimes against national security and the law of the
nations treason, sedition, espionage, piracy and mutiny on the high seas.
Continuing offense on board a foreign vessel TRIABLE forbidden conditions existed during the time
the ship was within territorial waters.
Offenses committed on board a foreign merchant vessel while on PH waters is triable before our
court. PH territory extends 3 miles from the headlands, foreign vessel enters this 3 mile limit its
officers and crew are subject to our territorial jurisdiction.
Crimes not involving a breach of public order committed on board a foreign merchant vessel in transit
not triable by our courts.
Smoking opium constitutes a breach of public order.
RA 9372 Human Security Act of 2007 has extra-territorial application, subject treaties of which PH is
signatory.
Article 3
Felonies- acts or omissions punishable by RPC.
Elements
1. act/omission must be external
2. must be punishable by RPC
3. performed/incurred by means of dolo/culpa
Act any bodily movement tending to produce some effect in the external world.
- Defined by RPC + external

Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.

Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

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Only external act is punished. Internal acts are beyond the sphere of penal law.
Omission inaction
- Failure to do/ perform a positive duty which one is bound to do
- There must be a law requiring. The doing/ performance of an act.
- Abandonment of persons in danger. (Art. 275, RPC)
- Nullum crimen, nulla poena sine lege there is no crime when there is no law punishing it.
Forging

Vs.

Counterfeit

Simple
Did not try to imitate genuine signature

Complex
- Imitate genuine signature and
purported it as ones signature

- made fraudulent copy/specimen

- copy exactly

Extradition Theory legal surrender of a fugitive to the jurisdiction of another state,

country/government for trial.
Public Officer person elected through popular election, appointed takes part in
governance as an employee.
KINDS OF FELONIES
1. Intentional
2. Culpable
3. Punishable by special laws
Punished by law - punished by RPC, X special laws.

Negligence

Vs.

- Lack of foresight
- Deficiency of perception

- lack of skill
- deficiency of action

Crime
-

Vs.

Punished by SPL
Statutes
Dolo( Deceit)
Intentional Felonies

Imprudence

Felonies
- RPC only

Vs.

ACT malicious
- w/ deliberate intent
- intention to cause injury
to another

Culpa(fault)
Culpable Felonies
- X malicious
- unintentional
- incident of another act
performed without malice
- results from negligence/imprudence

A criminal act is presumed voluntary, as well as negligent acts.

A person who caused an injury, without intention to cause an evil, may be held liable for a culpable
felony.

Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.

Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

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Imprudence deficiency of action. Involves lack of skill. If a person fails to take the necessary precaution
to avoid injury to person/damage to property.
Negligence a deficiency of perception. Involves lack of foresight. If a person fails to pay proper
attention and to use due diligence in foreseeing the injury/damage impending.
Reason for punishing acts of negligence A man must use common sense, and exercise due diligence in
all his acts; it is his duty to be cautious, careful and prudent, if not from instinct, then through fear of
incurring punishment.
A criminal act is presumed to be voluntary.
Acts executed negligently are voluntary.
Requisites of Dolo/Malice
1. Freedom- capacity to act on his own.
2. Intelligence- necessary to determine the morality of human acts.
3. Intent- presumed, mental state, presupposed Freedom & Intelligence
- Shown by OVERT ACTS
- Refers to general intent only.
The existence of intent is shown by the overt acts of a person. Intent is a mental state, the existence
of which is shown by the overt acts of a person.
Presumption, in commission of an unlawful act. There is criminal intent will to commit a crime.
Presumption of criminal intent does not arise from the proof of the commission of an act which is NOT
UNLAWFUL.

Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea

- Crime is not committed if the mind of the person performing the act complained be
innocent.
There is no felony BY DOLO if there is no intent.
PP vs. Sia
PP vs Formalan

U.S. vs. Ah Chong

Vs.
There is fault or
Negligence in Oanis

PP vs. Oanis

Ignorantia legis non excusat

- Ignorance of the law excuses no one from compliance therewith.
Ignorantia facti excusat
-ignorance/mistake of fact relieves the accused of criminal liability
Mistake of fact misapprehension of fact on the part of the person who accused injury to another
- Destroy presumption of criminal intent
- Involves lack of intent

Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.

Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

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Requisites:
1. Act done would have been lawful had the facts been as the accused believed them to be (U.S.
vs. Ah Chong)
2. Intention of accused in performing the act must be lawful
3. Mistake must be without fault or carelessness on part of the accused
Error in Personae mistake in the identity of the victim
-

X mistake of fact
X relieve from criminal liability-act < malicious , willful

Mistake of fact is not a defense in culpable felonies.

Defense in intentional felonios
- Criminal intent is necessary.
Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea
- Act itself does not make a man guilty unless his intentions more so.
Actus me invite factus non ost mens actus
- An act done by me against my will is not my act
When accused is negligent, mistake of fact is not a defense.
- PP vs. Oanis
When the accused is charged with intentional felony, absence of criminal intent is a defense.
Criminal intent is replaced by negligence and imprudence in felonies committed by means of culpa.
Dolo is not required in crimes punished by special laws.
-Sufficient that the prohibited act is done freely and consciously. Motive is immaterial.
-When doing of an act is prohibited by a special law, it is considered that the act is injurious to public
welfare and the doing of the prohibited act is the CRIME ITSELF.
Good faith and absence of criminal intent not valid defenses in crimes punished by special laws.
People vs. Sunico
- Poll desks, duty he transfer names of excess voters, X transfer some were not allowed to vote.
Person causing damage/injury to another, without malice/fault; not criminally liable under RPC; act
must be lawful
Mala in Se

Vs.

Mala Prohibita

- wrongful from their nature

- wrong merely bec. Prohibited

by statute

- so serious on their effects on society

as to call for unanimous condemnation
by its members

- violation of mere rules of

designed to secure a more
orderly regulation of the
affairs of society

- intent governs

- criminal intent is not

necessary
- intent to perpetrate act is
sufficient is done & freely

Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.

Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

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and consciously has the
law been violated? Act
alone constitutes offense
- originally defined and
penalized by special laws

- refers to felonies defined and

penalized by the RPC
- inherently immoral

- made criminal, only by

special laws good faith,
absence of criminal intent;
not valid defenses

act is inherently immoral, but punished under special law, they are MALA IN SE.
People vs Sunico
Intent

vs.

- Purpose to use a particular means

to effect each result

Motive
- moving power w/c impels
one to action for a definite
result
- not essential element of
crime
- not sufficient for conviction
(alone)
- need not be proved

MOTIVE:

RELEVANT
1. Doubt as to identity of killer/assistant or;
2. Proceeds from unreliable source;
3. Testimony inconclusive and not free from doubt
4. No eyewitness
5. Suspicion likely to fall upon a # of persons
6. Evidence is merely circumstantial

NEED NOT BE ESTABLISHED

How proved....
by testimony of witness on acts/ statements of the accused
Motive alone, not sufficient to support conviction
- Cannot take the place of proof beyond reasonable doubt
Disclosure of motive is an aid in completing the proof of the commission of the crime
Lack of motive, may be an aid in showing innocence of the accused
Article 4
One who commits an intentional felony is responsible for all the consequences which may
naturally and logically result therefrom, whether foreseen, intended, or not
El que es causa de la causa es causa del mal causado
- He who is the cause of the cause is the cause of the evil caused
People vs. Mariano
- Rape of 6yrs old girl, died be her head hit the powerment
People vs. Bindoy
- Making awat only
Suicide, killed another, criminally liable? X.
Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.
Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

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Helping another to commit suicide, felony? YES.
People vs. Rona
- Intend to kill one, but killed another due to darkness
People vs. Mabugat
- Abberatio ictus
- Sweethearts
- Intended to shoot another, hit niece
People vs. Cagoco
- Praeter intentionem
- Hit A on back of head, caused head to hit pavement, death
People vs. Paje
- hold-up
jumped off jeepney
Person has not committed a felony, he is not criminally liable for the result which is not
intended. Ex. People vs. Bindoy (p.65-66)
Person committing felony is still criminally liable, even if different from that which he intended
to commit:
1. Error in personae- mistake in identity of victim
2. Abberatio ictus- mistake in the blow
3. Praeter intentionem- result is greater than that intended not MC
When a person has not committed a felony, he is not criminally liable for the result which is not
intended.
Requisites of par. 1 of Art.4:
1. Must be intentional felony
2. Wrong done to aggrieved party be the direct, natural and logical consequence of the felony
committed by the offender
No felony is committed when:
1. Act/omission is not punishable by the RPC
2. Covered by JC in Art. 11
Acting in self defense - due
Fulfilment of duty care liable for culpable felony
Person who creates in anothers mind an immediate sense of danger, which causes the latter to
do something resulting to the latters injuries, is liable for said injuries. (People vs. Toling)
Wrong done must be the direct, natural and logical consequence of felonious act.
Offended party is not obliged to submit to a surgical operation to relieve the accused from the
natural and ordinary results his crime.
Felony committed must be the proximate cause of the resulting injury.
Proximate cause - natural and continuous sequence, unbroken by any efficient intervening
cause, produces the injury, and without which the result would not have occurred.
Natural - occurrence in the ordinary cause of human life/events
Logical rational connection b/w act of the accused & resulting injury/damage (a relation of
cause and effect)
Proximate Legal Cause - is that acting first and producing the injury, either immediately, or by
setting other events in motion, all constituting a natural and continuous chain of events, each
having a causal connection with its immediate predecessor.
Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.
Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Cause and effect relationship is not altered/changed because of pre-existing conditions

not efficient intervening causes
Weak/diseased condition of the victim
Nervousness/temperament of the victim
Causes inherent in the victim
Neglect of victim or by 3rd person
Erroneous/unskillful medical/surgical treatment

Felony committed is NOT proximate cause of resulting injury

1. Active force intervened between felony committed and resulting injury distinct act/fact
absolutely foreign from felonious act of the accused (intervening cause)
2. Resulting injury is due to intentional act of the victim
Not direct, natural and logical consequence of felony committed
- offender is not responsible.
U.S vs. Valdez jumped off, cannot swim.
People vs. Reloj
People vs. Plamonte stabbed, had/infected w/ disease (mucous colitis) due to stabbing, he died.
When death is presumed to be the natural consequence of physical injuries inflicted.
Death of the victim is presumed to be the natural consequence of the physical injuries inflicted, when
the ffg facts are established:
- Death may be expected from the physical injuries inflicted
- Death occurred, reasonable time after the injury
- Victim at the time the physical injuries were inflicted has in normal health
Not direct, natural and logical consequence of the felony committed. from distinct act or fact
absolutely foreign from the criminal act, offender is not responsible for such consequences.
Impossible Crimes
Requisites:
1. Act performed would be an offense against persons/property
2. Act has done with evil intent to do injury to another
3. Accomplishment inherently impossible or means employed is either inadequate/ineffectual
- Legal/physical impossibility
4. Act performed should not constitute a violation of another provision of the RPC

Act performed, offense other than felony against persons/property

= X impossible crimes
Purpose in punishing: to suppose criminal propensities/tendencies.

Inherently Impossible (1) legal and (2) physical impossibility

i.e. murder corpse
theft of watch he lost to a prior act of theft
Employment of inadequate means
Means employed is adequate X impossible crime; IT IS Frustrated Felony
-poison placed in soup is not enough
Employment of ineffectual means
- Substance in soup w/c he believed would kill, but is in fact sugar
- w/ intent to kill, pointed an empty revolver

Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.

Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

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Intod vs. Court of Appeals intending to kill A, peppered his house with bullets but A was not at home.
R:Guily of impossible crime, factual impossibility of producing crime.
Article 5
applies only to acts mala in se
based on the phrase taking into consideration the degree of MALICE
Trial of Criminal Case:
- acts which should be suppressed
- not covered by law
Requisites:
1. Act committed by the accused appears not punishable by any law
2. Court deems it proper to repress such act.
3. Court must render proper decision by
dismissing the case , and
Acquitting the accused
4. Judge must make a report to the Chief Executive through the Secretary of Justice
stating reason which induce him to believe, said act should be made subject of penal legislation.
Rationale : nullum crimen poena sine lege
excessive penalties
Requisites:
1. Court after trial finds accused guilty
2. Penalty provided by law which the court imposes for the crime committed appears to be clearly
excessive because
a. Accused acted with lesser degree of malice
b. There is no injury or the injury caused is of lesser gravity
3. Court should not suspend the execution of sentence
4. Judge should submit statement, to the Chief Executive through the Secretary of Justice,
recommending executive clemency.
Penalties are not excessive when intended to enforce public policy
Duty of Judicial officers, is to respect and apply the law, as interpreted by the SC
Basis: Dura lex, sed lex
Article 6
Consummated Felony when all the elements necessary for its execution and accomplishment are
present.
Frustrated Felony when the offender performs all the acts of execution which would produce the
felony as a consequence but which, nevertheless, do not produce it by reason of causes independent of
the will of the perpetrator.
Attempted Felony when the offender commences the commission of a felony directly by overt acts,
and does not perform all the acts of execution which should produce the felony by reason of some
cause or accident other than his own spontaneous desistance.
Development of crime
1. Internal Acts mere ideas in the mind of a person. Not punishable.
Intention and effect must concur.
- Mere intention producing no effect is no more a crime than a mere effect without the intention
is a crime.
2. External Acts
Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.
Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

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a. Preparatory Acts
- Not punishable, GR
Except... when law provides for their punishment they are considered in
themselves by law, as crimes.
b. Acts of Execution
- punishable under RPC
Stages of Execution:
1. Attempted felony
Requisites:
1. Offender begins the commission of a felony directly (taking direct part on execution
of the act) by overt acts (external act, must have direct connection w/ crime intended to
be committed)
2. not performed all acts of execution which should produce the felony
3. act not stopped by his own spontaneous desistance
4. non-performance of all acts of execution was due to cause/accident, other than his
own spontonous desistance
External acts must be directly connected w/ crime intended to be committed
Overt Acts physical activity deed, indicating the intention to commit a particular crime.
Indeterminate offense purpose of offender in performing an act is not certain. Nature in relation to its
objective is ambiguous.
The intention of the accused must be viewed from the nature of the acts executed by him, and not
from his admission.
-Acts susceptible of double interpretation, in favor and against accused, show an innocent as well as
punishable act, MUST NOT AND CANNOT FURNISH GROUNDS BY THEMSELVES FOR AN ATTEMPTED
CRIME.

People vs. Tabago

- Motion to withdraw pistol
- Chief of Police hugged him, withdrawal of pistol
- Asked companions to fire, X fire bec. Chief is holding sabage; fined but X aim at anybody
H X. Act is not an event set of homicide could be interpreted in many ways
What is mortal wound? Fatal death would naturally result therefrom -> would cause death
->crimes against person for it to be frustrated consummated
It is necessary that a mortal wound be inflicted
Only offenders who personally execute the commission of a crime, can be guilty of attempted felony,
bec of word direct.
Preparatory
vs.
Event Acts
- X punishable
- punishable
- Aint be ascertain if it
- there must be direct is done
in connection or in
connection to felony relation
to the commission of
intended to be felony
committed
Intention of accused must be viewed from the nature of acts executed by him, and not from his
admission.
Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.
Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

14
-

For event acts to constitute an attempted offense it is necessary that the objective be
known and established or such that acts be of such nature that they obviously disclose
the criminal objective necessary intended

Desistance should be made before all acts of execution are performed

- Desistance w/c exempts from criminal liability has reference to the crime intended to be
committed and has no reference to the crime actually committed by the offender before
his desistance.
Subjective Phase portion of the acts constituting the crime, starting from the point
where the offender begins the commission of the crime to that point where he has still control over his
acts, including their natural cause.
- If stopped by any cause outside of his own voluntary desistance -> not been passed -> attempt
- Not so stopped but continues until he performs the last act, but crime is not produced. ->
Frustrated!
2. Frustrated Felony
Elements/ Requisites:
1. Offender performs all acts of execution
- has performed the last act necessary to produce the crime
AC in certain cases has emphasized belief of the accused
People vs. Sy Pio
- Fired at Sy (felony hit) -> but hit Kiap (hit @ shoulder)
- Escape
- Knew that he did not hit fatally bec. able to escape
- Knew that he did not perform all acts of execution
H: Belief of accused was emphasized!
Attempted murder only.
Attempted -> accused knew that he had not actually perform all acts of execution necessary to
kill his victim.
Frustrated -> accused thought they had killed; believed that he had performed all the acts
necessary to consummate the crime (murder)
What should be considered is whether all the acts of execution performed by the offender
would produce the felony as a consequence.
Stage of execution was held to be frustrated, wound inflicted was mortal.
Stage of execution was held to be attempted x wound inflicted
2. Acts performed would produce the felony
On crimes against persons (murder), require that the victim should die to consummate the
felony, it is necessary for the frustration of the same that a mortal wound is inflicted.
3. Felony is not produced
- otherwise, it would be consummated.
4. By reason independent of the will of the peprpetrator
- timely intervention of 3rd person -> frustrated
- offender prevented its consummation -> X frustrated, but? May be convicted of another
felony physical injuries (in whatever stage it is in)

Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.

Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

15
Us vs. Adiao frustrated theft took gather belt from baggage of Japanese
- Put it in his drawer
- Convicted of frustrated theft by RTC
- SC considered consummated
- All elements necessary for execution & accomplishment are present
- Actual taking w/ intent to gain
US vs. Dominguez estafa
- Took money to be given to cashier w/ intent to misappropriate
H: frustrated estafa
Lacking in element: damage to OP
DIFFERENCE: ELEMENTS OF 2 CRIMES
People vs. Dio
F: stolen boxes of rifles
discovered by MP in checkpoint
H: consummated theft
bec. Timely discovery boxes
Ability to dispose freely
(Fact determinative of consummation)

People vs. Espiritu

F: removed pcs. of hospital linen
to their truck
- discovered by guard when
they tried to pass chekpt.
H:frustrated theft

Why are decisions different?

- When meaning of element is controversial, there is bound to crime diff. Rulings as to the stage of
execution of that felony.
- X frustrated theft. The moment you take personal property w/ intent to gain, it is already
consummated theft. Free disposal is not an element, moment of deprivation = consummated
- X frustrated rape.
Frustrated

Vs.
Attempted
Offender has not accomplished his criminal purpose

- Performed all the acts of execution

which would produce the felony as a
consequence

- merely commences the commission of a

felony directly by overt acts; does not
perform all acts of execution

- No intervention of foreign/extraneous
cause/agency between the beginning
of the consummation of the crime and
the moment when all of the acts have
been performed which should result in
the consummated crime.

- there is intervention and the offender does not

arrive at the point of performing all the
acts which should produce the crime.

- Will produce result

- will not produce result

Attempted & Frustrated

vs.
Impossible Crime
Evil intent of the offender is not accomplished
-

Possible of accomplishment
Intervention of certain cause/accident
in which the offender had no part

- cant be accomplished
- inherently impossible
- means employed is
inadequate/ineffectual

3. Consummated Felony
- all elements necessary for its execution and accomplishment are present
- every crime has its own elements which must all be present to constitute a culpable violation of a
precept of law
Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.
Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

16

How to determine whether the crime is only attempted, frustrated/ consummated?

Consider: a.) nature of the offense
b.) elements constituting the felony
c.) manner of committing the same
Manner of committing the crime
1. Formal crimes consummated in one instant, no attempt
- Between the thought the deed there is no chain of acts that can be severed
in any link.
i.e. slander w/n defamatory words were spoken publicly
Sale of marijuana/prohibited drugs mere act of selling/acting as broker
2. Crimes consummated by mere attempt/proposal/event act
i.e. flight to enemys country mere attempt to flee
Corruption of minors mere proposal to minor to satisfy the lust of another
reason overt act in itself
3. Felony by omission
- no attempted stage
- offender does not execute acts, omits to perform them
4. Crime requiring the intervention of 2 persons to commit them, consummated by mere
agreement
i.e. corruption of public offices
- offer is rejected attempted
- return money given frustrated
5. Material crimes there are 3 stages of execution
No attempted/frustrated impossible crime.
X attempt. Performed all acts for the execution of the same, but nevertheless crime is not
produced by reason of the fact that act intended is by its nature impossible/ bec. Means are
essentially inadequate or ineffectual to produce result desired by him.
Article 7
Light felonies - infractions of law punishable only for the commission of which the penalty of arresto
menor (1-30 days) or a fine not exceeding 200 pesos or both is provided.
General Rule: Light felonies are punishable only when they have been consummated.
Ratio: The wrong done is so slight that there is no need of providing a penalty.
Exception: If committed against person/property, it is punishable even if attempted or frustrated.
Ratio: presupposes moral depravity in the offender.
Light felonies punished by RPC
Against person: Slight physical injuries; Maltreatment
Against property:
+ Theft by hunting/gathering fruits, cereals or other forest or farm products upon an inclosed estate or
field where trespass is forbidden; where the value is stolen property does not exceed 5php and offender
was prompted by hunger, poverty, or the difficulty of earning a livelihood;
+ Alteration of boundary marks
+ Malicious mischief when damage isnt more than 200/cant be estimated
+ Intriguing against honor
Article 8
General Rule: Conspiracy and proposal to commit felony are not punishable.
Exception: When law specifically provides a penalty therefore (treason, coup detat, rebellion,
insurrection, sedition)
Reason: Conspiracy and proposal are only preparatory acts
Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.
Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

17

APC specifically provides penalty for mere conspiracy

Act.115 Treason betraying ones country < attempting to kill a soveign overthrow
government
- Concerns external security of the state.
Act.136 Coup d etat. Sudden violent, illegal seizure of power from government
Rebellion act of violent or open resistance to an established government.
- Insurrection. Violent uprising against any authority/ government.
Act.141 Sediction. Conduct/speech inciting people to rebel against authority of the state
Concerns internal security of the state should not be actually committed if committed, only a manner
of incurring criminal liability conspiracy is absorbed, not punishable as separate offense.
Act.186 conspiracy in monopolies and combinations in restrain of trade.
Agreement to commit a crime
-

Conspirators do not perform overt acts

Security of state is outraged
Not guilty if public is undisturbed

Conspiracy as felony

vs.
As manner of incurring criminal liability
Relates to a crime actually committed

-Not separate offense

-Conspiracy is absorbed
-Act of one is act of all
-Not punishable as a separate offense
Indications of Conspiracy (Doctrine of Implied Conspiracy)
When defendants by their acts, aimed at the same object, one performing one part and
another performing another part, so as to complete it, with a view to the attainment of the
same object, and their acts, though apparently independent were, in fact converted and
cooperative, indicating, closeness of personal association, concerted actions and
concurrence of sentiments acting in concert to the fulfilment of a common design.
For collective responsibility to be established it is sufficient that at the time of aggression, all
of them acted in concert, each doing his part to fulfil their common design.
Neither joint nor simultaneous action per se is sufficient proof of conspiracy. It must be
shown to exist as clearly and convincingly as the commission itself. There must be unity of
purpose and unity of in execution of the unlawful objective.
Period of time to afford opportunity for meditation and reflection, not required in
conspiracy, it arise on the very instant the plotters agree. Expressly or impliedly, to commit
the felony and faith with decide to pursue it.
Requisites:
1. That two or more persons come to an agreement
- presupposes meeting of the minds of 2 or more persons
2. That the agreement concerned the commission of a felony
- Agreement to act, to effect, to bring about what has already been conceived and determined
3. That the execution of the felony be decided upon
- Conspirators have made up their minds to commit the crime
Direct proof is not essential to establish conspiracy.

Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.

Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

18
-May be inferred from the collective acts of the accused, before, during and after the commission of the
crime.
-Acts point to a joint purpose and design, concerted action and community of interests.
Must be proven beyond reasonable doubt
- Evidence of actual cooperation is required
Crime of treason/rebellion actually committed after and because of the proposal, liable for
treason/rebellion as principal by inducement.
Requisites of proposal:
1. Person has decided to commit a felony
2. Proposes its execution to some other person/persons
No criminal proposal when:
1. Person who proposes, is not determined to commit the felony
2. No decided, concrete and formal proposal
3. It is not the execution of a felony that is proposed.
When felony is proposal?
When is there conspiracy?
Problem: proponents of rebellion DESISTED: before in rebellious act is performed by material executors
arrest
Should they be exempt? Conspiracies? Desisted. Should be exempted, law would rather prevent than
punish crimes and encouragement should be given to those who hearken the voice of conscience.
Proposal? Consummated the moment he made proposal to another person.
Not necessary any that the person to whom the proposal is made agrees to commit
treason/rebellion making of proposal w/c constitute the felony if accepted -> conspiracy
The crimes in wc conspiracy and proposal are punishable are against the security of the State or
economic security. If the culprit succeeds in his criminal enterprise, he would obtain the power and
therefore impunity for crime committed.
Article 9
The gravity of the felonies is determined by the penalty attached to them by law.
Capital Punishment death penalty suspended!
Afflictive Penalty fine exceeding P6,000
-

Penalty prescribed for the offense is composed of two/more distinct penalties,

higher/highest must be effective, or two/more periods corresponding to two
different divisible penalties, higher/maximum period

Under art.25 Reclusion Perpetua

Reclusion temporal
Perpetual/temporary, absolute/special disqualification Prison Mayor
Grave felony penalty is composed of 2 periods of an afflicted penalty, or two periods corresponding to
different effective penalties.
Correctional - fine NOT exceeding P6,000

Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.

Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

19
-

Penalty prescribed for the offense is composed of 2/more distinct penalties , higher
or maximum period is correctional.
Prision correcional
Arresto mayor
Suspension
Destions

Less Grave felony penalty is composed of 2 periods of a correctional penalty, or of 2 periods

corresponding to different correctional penalties
Light felony fine not exceeding 200
- Arresto menor
- Censure

US vs. Basa
-Offered to furnish street lamps to municipality.
Prohibition against interest in Municipal contracts
At price stated therein, X accepted.
H: attempt. X accepted
Navarra vs. People
F: exchange of property of husband of woman councilor and
That of municipality were approved by municipal council
H: consummated
People Vs Moreno
Reckless imprudence
Under motor vehicle law
Article 39 & 100, indemnity to
Heirs and subsidiary imprisonment
Were applied subsidiarily.

People Vs Gayroma

People Vs De Lima (digest)

People Vs Hernandez

People Vs Navarro
Girl 13 year 11 months 10 days old
Prosecuted for selling cocoa
More than selling price fixed
By government prosecutor failed to establish
Discernment
Article 12 par. 3 applied
-Lack of intelligence.
Article 10
RPC not intended to supersede special penal laws.
They are supplementary only, unless, special law should specially, provide the contrary.
Provisions of RPC on penalties cannot be applied to offenses punishable under special laws.
- special laws do not provide for a scale of penalties, does not contain 3 period.
Offenses under special laws, not subject to provisions, relating to attempted and frustrated
crimes.
- law must provide penalty.
Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.
Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes

20
Special law has to fix penalties for attempted and frustrated crime.
When special law covers the mere attempt to commit the crime
Defined by it, attempted stage is punishable by the same penalties
Provided by that law.
No accessory penalty, unless special law provides therefore.
Special laws amending RPC are subject to its provisions.

Criminal Law I Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang. Academic Year 2016-2017.

Athena Angeline C. Lajom
References: The Revised Penal Code, Luis B. Reyes