CRIMINAL LAW I
Diaz Conde, L-18208, 14 February 1922 requirement of mens rea
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)
US v. Bustos, L-12592, 8 March 1918
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)
6. Bill of attainder (Art. 3, Sec. 22, 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.
E. Construction and interpretation Padilla v. Dizon, AC No. 3086, 23
1. Liberally in favour of the accused February 1988, 158 SCRA 127
2. Spanish text of the RPC prevails over the English text Magno v. CA, G.R. No. 96132, 26
People v. Abilong, L-1960, 26 November 1948. June 1992, 210 SCRA 475
3. Retroactive application when favourable to the accused Garcia v. CA, G.R. No. 157171, 14
Hernan v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 217874, 5 March 2006, 484 SCRA 617
December 2017. v. Intent distinguished from motive
4. Prescribed but undeserved penalties (Art. 5, RPC) b. Constructive intent (Culpa) Art. 3 and 365
People v. Formigones, L-3246, 29 November 1950 i. Elements
5. Suppletory application of RPC to Special Penal Laws ii. Imprudence or lack of skill
(Art. 10, RPC) iii. Negligence or lack of foresight
Ladonga v. People, G.R. No. 141066, 17 February 2005 People v. Pugay, L-74324, 17
People v. Simon, G.R. No. 93028, 29 July 1994 November 1988, 167 SCRA 439
II. General Principles of Criminal Liability Ivler v. San Pedro, G.R. No. 172716,
A. Felony, defined (Art. 3, RPC) 17 November 2010.
B. Elements of criminal liability c. Transferred intent (Art. 4, par. 1)
1. Physical element (Actus reus) i. Aberratio ictus
a. Act People v. Guillen, L-1477, 18 January
b. Omission 1950, 85 Phil. 307.
People v. Sylvestre and Atienza, G.R. No. ii. Error in personae
35748, 14 December 1931, 56 Phil. 353 People v. Sabalones, G.R. No.
People v. Talingdan, L-32126, 6 July 1978, 123485, 31 August 1998, 294 SCRA
84 SCRA 19 751
2. Mental element (Mens rea) iii. Praeter intentionem
a. Deliberate intent (Dolo) People vs. Albuquerque, G.R. No. 38773, 19
Manuel v. People, G.R. No. 165842, 29 November December 1933, 59 Phil. 150
2005 3. Concurrence
i. Elements of dolo 4. Resulting harm
ii. General and specific intent 5. Causation
People v. Puno, G.R. No. 97471, 17 Bataclan v. Medina, L-10126, 22 October 1957, 102 Phil.
February 1993, 219 SCRA 85 181
People v. Delim, G.R. No. 142773, 28 People v. Iligan, G.R. No. 75369, 26 November 1990
January 2003 Urbano v. Intermediate Appellate Court, G.R. No.
iii. Mistake of fact 72964, 7 January 1988
US v. Ah Chong, G.R. No. 5272, 19 C. Impossible Crimes (Art. 4, Par. 2)
March 1910, 15 Phil. 488 Intod v. CA, G.R. No. 103119, 21 October 1992, 215 SCRA 52
People v. Oanis, G.R. No. 47722, 27 People v. Saladino, L-3634, 30 May 1951, 89 Phil. 807
July 1943, 74 Phil. 257 Jacinto v. People, G.R. No. 162540, 13 July 2009.
iv. Malum prohibitum as exception to the III. Stages of execution
A. Attempted Stage
B. Frustrated Stage
C. Consummated crimes
US v. Eduave, G.R. No. 12155, 2 February 1917, 36 Phil. 209
Rivera v. People, G.R. No. 166326, 25 January 2006, 480
SCRA 188
Baleros v. People, G.R. No. 138033, 22 February 2006, 483
SCRA 10
D. Stages of execution in relation to specific felonies
1. Theft
Valenzuela v. People, G.R. No. 160188, 21 June 2007
2. Robbery
People v. Dio, L-36461, 29 June 1984, 130 SCRA 151
People v. Salvilla, G.R. No. 86163, 26 April 1990.
3. Illegal Trespass
People v. Lamahang, L-43530, 3 August 1935, 61 Phil.
703
4. Physical Injuries, Homicide, and Murder
People v. Borinaga, G.R. No. 33463, 18 December 1930,
55 Phil. 433
People v. Kalalo, G.R. No. 39303-05, 17 March 1934, 59
Phil. 715
People v. Trinidad, G.R. No. 79123-25, 9 January 1989,
169 SCRA 51
Martinez v. CA, G.R. No. 168827, 13 April 2007.
Mondragon v. People, L-17666, 30 June 1966, 17 SCRA
476
People v. Sy Pio, L-5848, 30 April 1954, 94 Phil. 885
5. Rape
People v. Orita, G.R. No. 88724, 3 April 1990, 184
SCRA 105
People v. Campuhan, G.R. No. 129433, 30 March 2000
6. Arson
US v. Valdes, L-14128, 10 December 1918.
E. Conspiracy and proposals to commit a felony (Art. 8)
Dungo v. People, G.R. No. 209464, 1 July 2015
1. Conspiracy and proposal, when punished?
2. As a manner of incurring criminal liability.
People v. Aguilos, G.R. No. 121828, 27 June 2003
IV. Circumstances that affect criminal liability
A. Justifying circumstances
1. Defense of self, relatives, and strangers
Manaban v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 150723, 11 July
2006.
Senoja v. People, G.R. No. 160341, 19 October 2004.
People v. Decena, G.R. No. 107874, 4 August 1994, 235
SCRA 67
People v. Dela Cruz, G.R. No. 128359, 6 December
2000, 347 SCRA 100
People v. Jaurigue, G.R. No. 384, 21 February 1946, 76
Phil. 174
People v. Narvaez, L-33466-67, 20 April 1983, 121
SCRA 389 (see also dissents of J. Abad Santos and J.
Gutierrez, Jr.)
Sabang v. People, G.R. No. 168818, 9 March 2007, 518
SCRA 35
People v. Dagani, G.R. No. 153875, 16 August 2006,
499 SCRA 64
Palaganas v. People, G.R. No. 165483, 12 September
2006, 501 SCRA 533
2. Avoidance of greater evil
People v. Ricohermoso, L-30527-28, 29 March 1974, 56
SCRA 431
People v. Norma Hernandez, CA-G.R. No. 22553-R, 14
April 1959, 55 OG 8465
3. Fulfillment of duty
People v. Delima, L-18660, 22 December 1922, 46 Phil.
738
People v. Lagata, L-1940-42, 24 March 1949, 83 Phil.
150
Mamangun v. People, G.R. No. 149152, 2 February
2007
People v. Dagani, G.R. No. 153875, 16 August 2006,
499 SCRA 64
4. Obedience to a lawful order of a superior
People v. Beronilla, L-4445, 28 February 1955, 96 Phil.
566
Tabuena v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 103501-03, 17
February 1997, 268 SCRA 332
B. Exempting Circumstances
1. Insanity
People v. Taneo, L-37673, 31 March 1933, 58 Phil. 255
People v. Bonoan, L-45130, 17 February 1937, 64 Phil.
87
People v. Puno, L-33211, 29 June 1981 (See also: J.
Makasiar’s dissent)
People v. Dungo, G.R. No. 89420, 31 July 1991, 199
SCRA 860
People v. Rafanan, L-54135, 21 November 1991, 204
SCRA 65
People v. Madarang, G.R. No. 132319, 12 May 2000,
332 SCRA 99
People v. Robios, G.R. No. 138453, 29 May 2002, 382
SCRA 581
People v. Opuran, G.R. Nos. 147674-75, 17 March 2004,
425 SCRA 654
Verdadero v. People, G.R. No. 216021, 2 March 2016
People v. Genosa, 341 SCRA 493, 419 SCRA 537
RA 9262 (Re: Battered Woman Syndrome)
See also: Maria Diory F. Rabajante, The Privilege of
Being Insane: An Examination of, and a Saner
Alternative to the Insane Rule on Insanity Defense, 49
San Beda L.J. 1 (March 2012)
2. Minority
RA 9344 as amended by RA 10630.
People v. Doqueña, G.R. No. 46539, 27 September 1939,
68 Phil. 580
Ortega v. People, G.R. No. 151085, 20 August 2008
People v. Mantalaba, G.R. No. 186227, 20 July 2011.
Samahan ng mga Progresibong Kabataan v. Quezon
City. G.R. No. 225442, 8 August 2017. (See also: J.
Leonen’s Separate Opinion)
3. Accident
US v. Tañedo, L-5418, 12 February 1910, 15 Phil. 196
People v. Castillo, G.R. No. 172695, 29 June 2007, 526
SCRA 215
People v. Retubado, G.R. No. 124058, 10 December 2003
Pomoy v. People, G.R. No. 150647, 29 September 2004,
439 SCRA 439 i. Lack of intent to commit so grave a E. Aggravating Circumstances
4. Irresistible force or uncontrollable fear of a greater wrong Art. 14 and 62 of the RPC.
injury People v. Ural, L-30801, 27 March People v. Legaspi, G.R. Nos. 136164-65, 20 April 2001
US v. Caballeros, G.R. No. 1352, 29 March 1905, 4 Phil. 1974, 56 SCRA 138 1. Classes of Aggravating Circumstance
350 People v. Gonzales, G.R. No. 139542, a. Generic
People v. Loreno, L-54414, 9 July 1984, 130 SCRA 311 21 June 2001, 359 SCRA 352 b. Qualifying
People v. Del Rosario, G.R. No. 127755, 14 April 1999, ii. Sufficient provocation c. Specific
305 SCRA 740 People v. Pagal, L-32040, 25 October d. Inherent
5. Insuperable cause 1977, 79 SCRA 570 e. Special
People v. Bandian, G.R. No. 45186, 30 September 1936, Urbano v. People, G.R. No. 182750, 2. Taking advantage of public office
63 Phil. 530 (see also: separate opinion of J. Villareal) 20 January 2009 People v. Capalac, L-38297, 23 October 1982, 117 SCRA
C. Other exculpatory causes iii. Vindication of a wrong 874
1. Instigation People v. Benito, L-32042, 13 People v. Gapasin, G.R. No. 73489, 25 April 1994, 231
People v. Lua Chu, G.R. No. 34917, 7 September 1931, February 1975, 74 SCRA 271 SCRA 728
56 Phil. 44 Bacabac v. People, G.R. No. 149372, 3. Insult to public authority
People v. Doria, G.R. No. 125299, 22 January 1999, 301 11 September 2007 People v. Tiongson, L-35123-24, 25 July 1984, 130
SCRA 668 iv. Passion or obfuscation SCRA 614
2. Pardon (Art. 266-C and Art. 344) US v. Hicks, G.R. No. 4971, 23 People v. Magdueño, L-68699, 22 September 1986, 144 SCRA
3. Absolutory circumstances September 1909, 14 Phil. 217 210
a. Art. 6 (3) US v. Dela Cruz, G.R. No. 7094, 29
b. Art. 20 March 1912, 22 Phil. 429 People v. Tac-an, G.R. Nos. 76338-89, 26 February
c. Art. 247 People v. Gelaver, G.R. No. 95357, 9 1990.
d. Art. 280* June 1993, 223 SCRA 310 4. Disregard of rank, age, or sex, and dwelling;
e. Art. 332 People v. Bello, L-18792, 28 February People v. Diaz, G.R. No. L-24002, 21 January 1974.
Intestate Estate of Manolita Gonzales v. 1964 People v. Arizobal, G.R. No. 135051-52, 14 December
People, G.R. No. 181409, 11 February 2010. v. Voluntary surrender or plea of guilt 2000, 348 SCRA 143
D. Mitigating Circumstances People v. Amaguin, G.R. Nos. 54344- People v. Daniel, G.R. No. L-40330, 20 November 1978
1. Classes of Mitigating Circumstances 45, 10 January 1994, 229 SCRA 166 People v. Apduhan, L-19491, 30 August 1968
a. Privileged People v. Dela Cruz, L-45284, 29 5. Abuse of confidence or obvious ungratefulness
i. Art. 13 (2) and Art. 68 December 1936, 63 Phil. 874 People v. Mandolado, L-51304-05, 28 June 1983, 123
ii. Art. 13 (1) and Art. 69 vi. Deafness, muteness, blindness, or other SCRA 133
People v. Jaurigue, G.R. No. 384, 21 physical defect which restricts the 6. The crime is committed in the palace of Chief Executive,
February 1946, 76 Phil. 174 offender’s means of action, defense, or in his presence, where public authorities are engaged in
People v. Narvaez, L-33466-67, 20 communication the discharge of their duties, or place dedicated to
April 1983, 121 SCRA 389 vii. Illness as would diminish the exercise of religious worship;
People v. Ulep, G.R. No. 132547, 20 will-power without depriving the 7. Nighttime, uninhabited place, or by a band;
September 2000 offender of consciousness of his acts. People v. Garcia, L-30449, 31 October 1979, 94 SCRA
Guillermo v. People, G.R. No. viii. Analogous circumstances 14
153287, 20 January 2009. Canta v. People, G.R. No. 140937, 28 People v. Rodas, G.R. No. 175881, 28 August 2007
b. Ordinary February 2001 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 (See also: Section
20(C) of RA 9344), use of motor vehicles, airships, or
other similar means;
24. Cruelty;
25. Organized or syndicated crime group;
26. Use of illegal firearms or explosives – see RA 10591
People v. Ladjaalam, G.R. Nos. 136149-51, 19 September
2000
Celino v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 170562, 29 June
2007
27. Use of dangerous drugs while committing a felony –
Sec. 25 of RA 9165
28. Use of information and communications technologies in
committing a felony – Sec. 6, RA 10175
F. Alternative Circumstances
1. Relationship
People v. Atop, G.R. No. 124303-05, 10 February 1998,
286 SCRA 157
2. Intoxication
US v. McMann, L-2229, 1 July 1905, 4 Phil. 561
3. Degree of Instruction
People v. San Pedro, L-44274, 22 January 1980, 95
SCRA 306
V. Persons Criminally Liable
A. Principals – Art. 17
People v. Yanson-Dumancas, G.R. No. 133527-28, 13
December 1999, 320 SCRA 584
People v. Maluenda, G.R. No. 115351, 27 March 1998, 288
SCRA 225
People v. Montealegre, L-67948, 31 May 1988
People v. Madali, L-67803, 30 July 1990
B. Accomplices – Art. 18
Abejuela v. People, G.R. No. 80130, 19 August 1991, 200
SCRA 806
People v. Doble, L-30028, 31 May 1982, 114 SCRA 131
People v. Doctolero, G.R. No. 34386, 7 February 1991, 193
SCRA 632
People v. De Vera, G.R. No. 128966, 18 August 1999, 312
SCRA 640
Garces v. People, G.R. No. 173858, 17 July 2007
C. Accessories – Art. 19 and 20 (RPC); PD 1612; PD 1829
People v. Talingdan, L-32126, 6 July 1978, 84 SCRA 19
Dizon-Pamintuan v. People, G.R. No. 111426, 11 July 1994
VI. Plurality of Crimes
A. Compound crime (delito compuesto)
People v. Tabaco, G.R. No. 100382, 19 March 1997
People v. Valdez, G.R. No. 127663, 11 March 1999
People v. Sanchez, G.R No. 131116, 27 August 1999, 313
SCRA 254
B. Complex crime proper (delito complejo)
People vs. Hernandez, L-6025-26, 18 July 1956, 99 Phil. 515
Enrile vs. Salazar, G.R. No. 92163, 5 June 1990, 184 SCRA
217
People v. Garcia, G.R. No. 141125, 28 February 2002
Batulanon v. People, G.R. No. 139857, 15 September 2006
C. Continuing crime (delito continuado)
People v. Madrigal-Gonzales, L-16688, 30 April 1963
Gamboa v. Court of Appeals, L-41054, 28 November 1975
People v. Mallari, G.R. No. L-58886, 13 December 1988
Santiago v. Garchitorena, G.R. No. 109266, 2 December 1993
D. Composite Crimes/Special Complex Crimes
1. Art. 266-B
2. Art. 267
3. Art. 294
4. Art. 297
5. Art. 320
E. Complex crimes in relation to Quasi-crimes disqualification 147270, 15 August 2001, 363 SCRA 275
Ivler v. San Pedro, G.R. No. 172716, 17 November 2010 b. Perpetual or temporary special 2. Probation Law (PD 968 as amended)
VII. Penalties disqualification See also: RA 10707
A. Imposable penalties c. Suspension from public office, the right to 3. Suspension of sentence
1. Principal penalties vote and be voted for, the profession or a. In cases of insanity – Art. 79
a. Capital punishment – Sec. 19, Art III of the calling b. Minors
1987 Constitution; RA 7659, RA 8177; RA d. Civil interdiction i. Section 31-35 of AM No. 02-1-18-SC
9346; Art. 40 and 47 Revised Penal Code; RA e. Indemnification ii. RA 9344
9346 f. Forfeiture or confiscation of the instruments VIII. Extinction of criminal liability
People v. Bon, G.R. No. 166401, 30 October and proceeds of the offense A. Total – Art.89-93
2006 g. Payment of costs Sermonia v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 109454, 14 June 1994
b. Afflictive penalties 3. Subsidiary penalty – Art. 39 Republic v. Desierto, G.R. No. 136506, 23 August 2001, 363
i. Reclusion perpetua – RA 7659, Art. 27 of See also: RA 10159 SCRA 585
Revised Penal Code B. Application and computation of penalties See also: Act No. 3326 as amended by Act No. 3763
People v. Lucas, G.R. No. 108172, 25 May 1. General rules – Art. 5, 21, 28, 29 (see also RA 10592), 46, Romualdez v. Marcelo, G.R. No. 165510, 28 July 2006
1994; 73-77 B. Partial – Art. 94-99; See also: amendments under RA 10592
People v. Lucas, G.R. No. 108172, 9 2. Specific Rules Cruz III v. Go, G.R. No. 223446, 28 November 2016
January 1995; a. Complex Crimes (Art. 48) IX. Civil Liability arising from criminal liability – Art. 100-
People v. Latupan, G.R. No. 112453, 28 b. Crime different from that which was intended 113
June 2001 – Art. 49 People v. Bayotas, G.R. No. 102007, 2 September 1994.
ii. Reclusion temporal c. Effect of degree of participation and stage of
iii. Perpetual or temporary absolute commission – Art. 50 -57, 60-61
disqualification – Article 30 d. Additional penalty for certain accessories –
iv. Perpetual or temporary special Art. 58
disqualification – Art. 31 e. Impossible crimes – Art. 59
v. Prision mayor – Art. 27 f. Effect of mitigating, aggravating, and
c. Correctional penalties – Art. 27, 39, and 44 qualifying circumstances – Art. 62-66
i. Prision correccional g. Incomplete justifying or exempting
ii. Arresto mayor circumstances – Art. 67 and 69
iii. Suspension h. Minors – RA 9344
iv. Destierro 3. Indeterminate Sentence Law
d. Light penalties – Art. 27, 39, and 44 People v. Lanuza, G.R. No. 188562, 17 August 2011
i. Arresto menor Talampas v. People, G.R. No. 180219, 23 November
ii. Public censure 2011
e. Common penalties – Art.25 People v. Temporada, G.R. No. 173473, 17 December
i. Fines – Art. 26 as amended by RA 10951, 2008. See CJ Puno Dissent and J. Corona Separate
39, and 66 Opinion
ii. Bond to keep the peace – Art. 27 and 35 C. Execution and service of penalties
2. Accessory penalties – Art. 40 -45 1. General rules – Art. 47, 70, 78, and 86-88,
a. Perpetual or temporary absolute In re Petition for Habeas Corpus, Pete Lagran, G.R. No.