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Probation is a privilege, not a right. It can be granted only if the accused deserves it. If granted, the
accused will be convicted but released. He will then comply with mandatory and discretionary conditions
imposed by the court and be placed under the supervision of a probation officer. The discretionary
conditions depend on the court's assessment of the accused but they must be constructive, consistent
with his conscience, not as burdensome as the original penalty of the crime and must not unreasonably
restrict his liberty. Note: must not unreasonably restrict his liberty. A penalty is always a restriction of
liberty but restrictions must be reasonable and proportionate to the offense. The mandatory conditions
are:
1.) To report to the probation officer within 72 hours from the time the order was received; and
2.) To regularly report to the probation officer at least once a month or sooner as may seem fit.
The Probation Law has objectives similar to the Indeterminate Sentence Law:
3.) Prevent further commission of crimes as he is placed under the probation officer's supervision
5.) Save the government from spending money for maintaining the accused in prison
Probation may be granted whether the penalty is imprisonment or a fine only. For imprisonment, the
penalty should be 6 years or less. Probation will be denied in any of the following circumstances:
1.) The accused needs correctional treatment that can best be provided if he is committed to an institution
2.) There is an undue risk that he will commit another crime during the probation period.
Regarding #3, there is a case where an accused's application for probation was denied because she
didn't comply with the court's orders in 54 counts of BP 22 violations and instead executed a simulated
(fake) deed of sale (Santos vs CA, GR127899, December 2, 1999.)
a.) Treason
i.) Piracy and mutiny (piracy is an international crime and can be tried by any country in the world.)
g.) Quasi-recidivism
5.) Those who were previously convicted of a crime punishable by at least 1 month and 1 day and/or a
fine of at least Php200.00
6.) Those who were once recipients of probation (probation can be granted to a person only once.)
7.) Those who were already serving sentence when the Probation Law took effect (Martial Law years)
8.) Those enjoying the benefits of PD 603 (the Child and Youth Welfare Code) and similar laws
9.) Those who perfected an appeal (probation and appeal are mutually exclusive remedies; you can't use
both at the same time.)
Regarding those suffering several prison terms, multiple terms are distinct from each other. However, if
the total number of prison terms doesn't exceed 6 years, the accused is entitled to probation. The
application for probation must also be file during the period for perfecting an appeal. Take note: conviction
becomes final if the accused applies for probation. If granted, the accused's sentence is suspended but
still stands. If he violates his probation, he can be arrested and brought to court for an informal summary
hearing (but can post bail while the hearing is going on as well.) If the violation is proven, the court may or
may not revoke the probation. If probation is revoked the accused will serve full sentence. The revocation
order is not appealable.
If the probation prisoner complies with his requirements throughout the period of probation the court will
give him a final discharge. The probationer 's civil rights will then be fully restored and his penalties and
fines will be discharged.
Duration of Probation
3.) Fine with subsidiary imprisonment: twice the period computed in Art. 39 of the Revised Penal Code