Criminal   Law   –   branch   or   division   of   law   which   defines   crimes,   treats   of   their   nature,   and  provides  for  their  punishment.    Crime   –   defined   as   an   act   committed   or   omitted   in   violation   of   a   public   law   forbidding   or  commanding  it.    Limitations  • Ex  post  facto  law  and  bill  of  attainder  • Due  process  and  equal  protection    Characteristics  • General   –   Criminal   law   is   biding   on   all   persons   who   live   and   or   sojourn   in   Philippine  

territory.  (Art.  14,  NCC)  o Civil   courts  have  concurrent   jurisdiction  with   the  military   courts  or  general   courts-­‐

martial  over  soldiers  of  the  AFP.  (In  times  of  war:  Provided  that  in  the  place  of  the  commission   of   the   crime   no   hostilities   are   in   progress   and   civil   courts   are  functioning.)  

o RPC  and  other  penal   law  do  not  apply  when  military  courts  take  cognizance  of  the  case.   (Articles  of  War  apply)  Military  courts  has   jurisdiction  over  service-­‐connected  offenses.  

o Prosecution  of  an  accused  before  a  court-­‐martial  is  a  bar  to  another  prosecution  for  the  same  offense.  

o Offenders   accused   of   war   crimes   are   triable   by   military   commission.   (Military  Commission  has  jurisdiction  so  long  as  a  technical  state  of  war  continues.)  

o Exception,  Art.  2,  RPC,  subject  to  the  principles  of  public  international  law  and  treaty  stipulations.  

o Persons   exempt:   (1)   Sovereigns   and   chiefs   of   state.   (2)   Ambassadors,   ministers,  plenipotentiary,  ministers  resident,  and  charges  d’affaires.  

• Territorial  –  criminal  laws  undertake  to  punish  crimes  committed  within  Philippine  territory.  o The  national  territory  comprises  the  Philippine  archipelago,  with  all  the  islands  and  

waters   embraced   therein,   and   all   other   territories   over   which   the   Philippines   has  sovereignty   or   jurisdiction,   consisting   of   its   terrestrial,   fluvial   and   aerial   domains,  including   its   territorial   sea,   the   seabed,   the   subsoil,   the   insular   shelves,   and  other  submarine   areas.   The  waters   around,   between,   and   connecting   the   islands   of   the  archipelago,   regardless   of   their   breadth   and  dimensions,   form  part   of   the   internal  waters  of  the  Philippines.  (Art.  2,  1987  Constitution)  

o Application   of   its   provisions.   —   Except   as   provided   in   the   treaties   and   laws   of  preferential  application,  the  provisions  of  this  Code  shall  be  enforced  not  only  within  the   Philippine   Archipelago,   including   its   atmosphere,   its   interior   waters   and  maritime  zone,  but  also  outside  of  its  jurisdiction,  against  those  who:  

1.  Should  commit  an  offense  while  on  a  Philippine  ship  or  airship  2.  Should  forge  or  counterfeit  any  coin  or  currency  note  of  the  Philippine  Islands  or  obligations  and  securities  issued  by  the  Government  of  the  Philippine  Islands;  3.  Should  be  liable  for  acts  connected  with  the  introduction  into  these  islands  of  

the  obligations  and  securities  mentioned  in  the  presiding  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,  defined  in  Title  One  of  Book  Two  of  this  Code.  (Art  2,  RPC)  

• Prospective  –  a  penal  law  cannot  make  an  act  punishable  in  a  manners  in  which  it  was  not  punishable  when  committed.  

o Application   of   laws   enacted   prior   to   this   Code.   —   Without   prejudice   to   the  provisions   contained   in   Article   22   of   this   Code,   felonies   and   misdemeanors,  committed   prior   to   the   date   of   effectiveness   of   this   Code   shall   be   punished   in  accordance  with  the  Code  or  Acts  in  force  at  the  time  of  their  commission.  (Art  366,  RPC)  

o Exception:  whenever  a  new  statute  dealing  with  crime  establishes  conditions  more  lenient  or  favorable  to  the  accused,  it  can  be  given  retroactive  effect.  

§ Exception   to   the   Exception:   (1)   where   the   new   law   is   expressly   made  inapplicable   to   pending   actions   or   existing   causes   of   action.   (2)   where   the  offender   is  a  habitual  criminal  under  Rule  5,  Article  62  of   the  RPC.   (For   the  purpose  of  this  article,  a  person  shall  be  deemed  to  be  habitual  delinquent,  is  within  a  period  of  ten  years  from  the  date  of  his  release  or  last  conviction  of  the  crimes  of  serious  or   less  serious  physical   injuries,   robo,  hurto,  estafa  or  falsification,  he  is  found  guilty  of  any  of  said  crimes  a  third  time  or  oftener.)  

§ Effects:  Lower  Penalty  =  Apply  NEW   law,  Higher  Penalty  =  OLD   law  applies,  Total  Repeal  =  crime  is  Obliterated.  

§ When  a  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.   The   fact   that   the   offender   was  erroneously  accused  and  convicted  under  a  statute  which  had  already  been  repealed  and  therefore  no  longer  existed  at  the  time  the  act  complained  of  was   committed   does   not   prevent   conviction   under   the   repealing   statute  which  punished   the   same  act,   provided   the  accused  had  an  opportunity   to  defend  himself  against  the  charge  brought  against  him.  

§ A   new   law,   which   omits   anything   contained   in   the   old   law   dealing   on   the  same   subject,   operates   as   a   repeal   of   anything   not   so   included   in   the  amendatory  act.  (cessante  ratione  legis  cessat  ipsa  lex,  the  reason  of  the  law  ceasing,  the  law  itself  also  ceases)  

 Construction  of  Penal  Laws  • Penal   laws   are   strictly   construed   against   the   government   and   liberally   in   favor   of   the  

accused.   (Applicable   only   when   the   law   is   ambiguous   and   there   is   doubt   as   to   its  interpretation.)  

• In   the   construction   and   interpretation   of   the   provisions   of   the   RPC,   the   Spanish   text   is  controlling,  because  it  was  approved  by  the  Philippine  Legislature  in  its  Spanish  text.  

• No  person  should  be  brought  within  the  terms  of  criminal  statutes  who  is  not  clearly  within  them,   nor   should   any   act   be   pronounced   criminal   which   is   not   clearly   made   so   by   the  statute.  

 Basis  • Classical  theory  –  basis  of  criminal  liability  is  human  free  will  and  the  purpose  of  the  penalty  

is  retribution.  • Positivist   theory   –   human   is   naturally   good,   but   is   subdued   by   a   strange   and   morbid  

phenomenon  which  constrains  him  to  do  wrong,  in  spite  of  or  contrary  to  his  violation,  the  purpose  of  penalty  is  reformation.    

 Application  • Offenses  committed  on  the  high  seas  on  board  a  foreign  merchant  vessel   is  not  triable  by  

our  courts.  • Offenses   committed   on   board   a   foreign   merchant   vessel   while   on   Philippine   waters   in  

triable  before  our  courts.  • Transitory     offense   -­‐   crimes    where     some     acts    material     and   essential   to   the   crimes   and  

requisite   to   their   commission   occur   in  one    municipality    or    territory    and    some    acts    are    done    in    another  place.  

• Continuing  offense:    consummated  in  one  place,  yet  bynature    of    the    offense,    the    violation    of    the    law      is    deemed  continuing.  

• English  Rule  –  such  crimes  are  triable  in  that  country,  unless  they  merely  affect  things  within  the  vessel  or  they  refer  to  internal  management  thereof.  

• Crimes   not   involving   a   breach   of   public   order   committed   on   board   a   foreign   merchant  vessel  in  transit  no  triable  by  our  courts.  

• Smoking  opium  constitutes  a  breach  of  public  order.  • Philippine  courts  have  no  jurisdiction  over  offense  committed  on  board  foreign  warships  in  

territorial  waters.  • RA  9372  -­‐  AN  ACT  TO  SECURE  THE  STATE  AND  PROTECT  OUR  PEOPLE  FROM  TERRORISM  

a.  Article  122  (Piracy  in  General  and  Mutiny  in  the  High  Seas  or  in  the  Philippine  Waters);  b.  Article  134  (Rebellion  or  Insurrection);  c.  Article  134-­‐a  (Coup  d'  Etat),  including  acts  committed  by  private  persons;  d.  Article  248  (Murder);  e.  Article  267  (Kidnapping  and  Serious  Illegal  Detention);  f.  Article  324  (Crimes  Involving  Destruction),  or  under  

1.  Presidential  Decree  No.  1613  (The  Law  on  Arson);  2.  Republic  Act  No.  6969  (Toxic  Substances  and  Hazardous  and  Nuclear  Waste  Control  

Act  of  1990);  3.  Republic  Act  No.  5207,  (Atomic  Energy  Regulatory  and  Liability  Act  of  1968);  4.  Republic  Act  No.  6235  (Anti-­‐Hijacking  Law);  

5.   Presidential   Decree   No.   532   (Anti-­‐Piracy   and   Anti-­‐Highway   Robbery   Law   of   1974);  and,  

6.  Presidential  Decree  No.  1866,  as  amended  (Decree  Codifying  the  Laws  on  Illegal  and  Unlawful   Possession,  Manufacture,   Dealing   in,   Acquisition   or   Disposition   of   Firearms,  Ammunitions  or  Explosives)  Thereby   sowing   and   creating   a   condition   of   widespread   and   extraordinary   fear   and  panic  among  the  populace,  in  order  to  coerce  the  government  to  give  in  to  an  unlawful  demand  shall  be  guilty  of  the  crime  of  terrorism  and  shall  suffer  the  penalty  of  forty  (40)  years   of   imprisonment,   without   the   benefit   of   parole   as   provided   for   under   Act   No.  4103,  otherwise  known  as  the  Indeterminate  Sentence  Law,  as  amended.  

Subject   to   the   provision   of   an   existing   treaty   of   which   the   Philippines   is   a  signatory  and  to  any  contrary  provision  of  any  law  of  preferential  application,  the  provisions  of  this  Act  shall  apply:  (1)  to  individual  persons  who  commit  any  of  the  crimes   defined   and   punished   in   this   Act  within   the   terrestrial   domain,   interior  waters,  maritime  zone,  and  airspace  of  the  Philippines;    (2)  to  individual  persons  who,  although  physically  outside  the  territorial  limits  of  the  Philippines,   commit,   conspire  or   plot   to   commit   any  of   the   crimes  defined  and  punished  in  this  Act  inside  the  territorial  limits  of  the  Philippines;    (3)  to  individual  persons  who,  although  physically  outside  the  territorial  limits  of  the   Philippines,   commit   any   of   the   said   crimes   on   board   Philippine   ship   or  Philippine  airship;    (4)   to   individual   persons  who   commit   any   of   said   crimes  within   any   embassy,  consulate,   or   diplomatic   premises   belonging   to   or   occupied   by   the   Philippine  government  in  an  official  capacity;    (5)  to  individual  persons  who,  although  physically  outside  the  territorial  limits  of  the   Philippines,   commit   said   crimes   against   Philippine   citizens   or   persons   of  Philippines   descent,   where   their   citizenship   or   ethnicity   was   a   factor   in   the  commission  of  the  crime;  and    (6)  to  individual  persons  who,  although  physically  outside  the  territorial  limits  of  the  Philippines,  commit  said  crimes  directly  against  the  Philippine  government.  

 Felonies  –  are  acts  and  omissions  punishable  by  the  RPC.  • Definition  –  Acts  and  omissions  punishable  by  law  are  felonies  (delitos).  

Felonies  are  committed  not  only  by  means  of  deceit   (dolo)  but  also  by  means  of   fault  (culpa).  There   is   deceit  when   the   act   is   performed  with   deliberated   intent;   and   there   is   fault  when  the  wrongful  act  results  from  imprudence,  negligence,  lack  of  foresight,  or  lack  of  skill.  (Art.3,RPC)  

• Elements:  (1)  there  must  be  an  act  or  omission,  (2)  the  act  or  omission  must  be  punishable  by  the  RCP,  (3)  the  act  is  performed  or  the  omission  incurred  by  means  of  dolo  or  culpa.  

• Act  =  external  act  • Omission  =  inaction  • Punishable  by  law  (nullum  crimen,  nulla  poena  sine  lege,  there  is  no  crime  where  there  is  no  

law  punishing  it.)  

     • A  person  who  causes  an   injury,  without   intention   to  cause  an  evil,  may  be  help   liable   for  

culpable  felony.  • Imprudence  –  deficiency  of  action,  failure  to  take  necessary  precaution  to  avoid  injury.  • Negligence  –  deficiency  of  perception,  failure  to  pay  proper  attention  and  use  due  diligence  

in  foreseeing  the  injury  or  damage  impending  to  be  caused.  • Acts  executed  negligently  are  voluntary.  • Requisites  of  dolo  or  malice  –  (1)  he  must  have  FREEDOM  while  doing  an  act  or  omitting  to  

do  an  act;  (2)  he  must  have  INTELLIGENCE  while  doing  the  act  or  omitting  to  do  an  act;  (3)  he  must  have  INTENT  while  doing  the  act  or  omitting  to  do  the  act.  

• A  voluntary  act  is  free,  intelligent,  and  intentional  act.  • Intent  presupposes  the  exercise  of  freedom  and  the  use  of  intelligence.  • The  existence  of  intent  is  shown  by  the  overt  acts  of  a  person.  • Criminal  intent  and  the  will  to  commit  a  crime  are  always  presumed  to  exist  on  the  part  of  

the  person  who  executes  an  act,  which  the  law  punishes,  unless  the  contrary  shall  appear.  • The  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,  a  crime  is  not  committed  if  the  mind  of  the  person  performing  the  act  complained  be  innocent.  

• It  is  true  that  a  presumption  of  criminal  intent  may  arise  from  proof  of  the  commission  of  a  criminal   act;   and   the   general   rule   is   that   if   it   is   proved   that   the   accused   committed   the  criminal  act  charged,  it  will  be  presumed  that  the  act  was  done  with  criminal  intention  and  that  it  is  for  the  accused  to  rebut  the  presumption.  But  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  act  from  which  such  presumption  springs  must  be  a  criminal  act.  

• Ignorance  or  mistake  of  fact  relieves  the  accused  from  criminal  liability.  • Mistake  of  fact  is  a  misapprehension  of  fact  on  the  part  of  the  person  who  caused  injury  to  

another.  He   is  not,  however,  criminally   liable,  because  he  did  not  act  with  criminal   intent.  Hones  mistake  of   fact  destroys   the  presumption  of  criminal   intent,  which  arises  upon  the  commission  of  a  felonious  act.  

• Requisites  of  MOF  –  (1)  that  the  act  done  would  have  been  lawful  had  the  facts  been  as  the  accused  believed   them   to  be;   (2)   that   the   intention  of   the  accused   in  performing   the  act  

Intentional  Felonies   Culpable  Felonies  Act   or   omission   of   the   offender   is  malicious.  

Act  or  omission  is  not  malicious.  

Act  is  performed  with  deliberate  intent.   Injury   caused   by   the   offender   in  unintentional.  

The  offender,   in  performing   the   act  or   in  incurring   the   omission,   has   the   intention  to  cause  an  injury  to  another.  

An   incident   of   another   act   performed  without   malice.   The   wrongful   act   results  from   imprudence,   negligence,   law   or  foresight  or  lack  of  skill.  

should  be  lawful;  (3)  that  the  mistake  must  be  without  fault  or  carelessness  on  the  part  of  the  accused.  

• Lack  of  intent  to  commit  a  crime  may  be  inferred  from  the  facts  of  the  case.  • Lack  of  intent  to  kill  the  deceased,  because  his  intention  was  to  kill  another,  does  not  relieve  

the  accused  from  criminal  responsibility.  • Criminal  intent  is  necessary  in  felonies  committed  by  means  of  dolo.  (Actus  non  facit  reum  

nisi  mens  sit  rea,   the  act   itself  does  not  make  a  man  guilty  unless  his   intentions  were  so.)  (Actus  me  invite  factus  non  est  meus  actus,  an  act  done  by  me  against  my  will  is  not  my  act.)  

• Requisites  of  fault  or  culpa  –  (1)  he  must  have  FREEDOM  while  doing  an  act  or  omitting  to  do  an  act;  (2)  he  must  have  INTELLIGENCE  while  doing  the  act  or  omitting  to  do  an  act;  (3)  he  is  IMPRUDENT,  NEGLIGENT  or  LACKS  FORESIGHT  or  SKILL  while  doing  the  act  or  omitting  to  do  the  act.  

• In  culpable   felonies,   the   injury  caused  to  another  should  be  unintentional,   it  being  simply  the  incident  of  another  act  performed  without  malice.  

• Mistake   in   the   identity  of   the   intended  victim   is  not   reckless   imprudence.  Where  such  an  unlawful   act   is  willfully   done,   a  mistake   in   the   identity   of   the   intended   victim   cannot   be  considered  as  reckless  imprudence.    

• A   person   causing   damage   or   injury   to   another,   without  malice   or   fault,   is   not   criminally  

liable  under  the  RPC.  In  such  case,  he  is  exempt  from  criminal  liability,  because  he  causes  an  injury  by  mere  accident,  without  fault  or  intention  of  causing  it.  (The  act  performed  must  be  lawful)  

• Dolo  not  required   in  crimes  punished  by  special   laws.   It   is  sufficient  that  the  offender  has  the   intent   to   perpetrate   the   act   prohibited   by   the   special   law.   It   is   enough   that   the  prohibited  act  is  done  freely  and  consciously.  

• In   those   crimes   punished   by   special   laws,   the   act   alone,   irrespective   of   its   motives,  constitutes   the   offense.   When   the   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.  

Mala  In  Se   Mala  Prohibita  

Wrongful  from  their  nature   Wrongful   merely   because   prohibited   by  statute.  

Are   those   so   serious   in   their   effects   on  society   as   to   call   for   almost   unanimous  condemnation  of  its  members  

Are   violations   of   mere   rules   of  convenience   designed   to   secure   a   more  orderly   regulation   of   the   affairs   in   the  society.  

Intent  governs   The   only   inquiry   is,   has   the   law   been  violated?  

Refers   generally   to   felonies   defined   and  penalized  by  the  RPC.  

Refers   generally   to   acts  made   criminal   by  special  laws.  

• When  the  acts  are  inherently  immoral,  they  are  mala  in  se,  even  if  punished  under  special  law.  

• Motive   is   the  moving   power,  which   impels   one   to   act   for   a   definite   result.     Intent   is   the  purpose  to  use  a  particular  means  to  effect  such  result.  Motive  is  not  an  essential  element  of  crime,  and,  hence,  need  not  be  proved  for  the  purpose  of  conviction.  

o Where  the   identity  of  a  person  accused  of  having  committed  a  crime   is   in  dispute,  the  motive  may  have  impelled  its  commission  is  very  relevant.  

o Generally,   proof   of   motive   not   necessary   to   pin   a   crime   on   the   accused   if   the  commission   of   the   crime   has   been   proven   and   the   evident   of   identification   is  convincing.  

o Motive  is  essential  only  when  there  is  doubt  as  to  the  identity  of  the  assailant.  It  is  immaterial  when  the  accused  has  been  positively  identified.  

o Where  the  defendant  admits  the  killing,  it  is  no  longer  necessary  to  inquire  into  his  motive  for  doing  the  act.  

o Motive  is   important   in  ascertaining  the  truth  between  two  antagonistic  theories  or  versions  of  killing.  

o Where  the  identification  of  the  accused  proceeds  from  an  unreliable  source  and  the  testimony  is  inconclusive  and  not  free  from  doubt,  evidence  of  motive  is  necessary.  

o Where  there  are  no  eyewitnesses  to  the  crime,  and  where  suspicion  is   likely  to  fall  upon  a  number  of  persons,  motive  is  relevant.  

o If  the  evidence  is  merely  circumstantial,  proof  of  motive  is  essential.  o Proof   of   motive   is   not   indispensable   where   guilt   is   otherwise   established   by  

sufficient  evidence.  • Generally,  the  motive  is  established  by  the  testimony  of  witnesses  on  the  acts  or  statements  

of   the  accused  before  or   immediately  after  the  commission  of  the  offense.  Such  deeds  or  words  may  indicate  the  motive.  

• Disclosure  of  the  motive  is  an  aid  in  completing  the  proof  of  the  commission  of  the  crime.  • Proof  of  motive  alone  is  not  sufficient  to  support  a  conviction.  • Lack  of  motive  may  be  an  aid  in  showing  innocence  of  the  accused.    Criminal  Liability  Criminal  liability  shall  be  incurred:  (1)  by  any  person  committing  a  felony  (delito)  although  the  wrongful  act  done  be  different  from  that  which  he  intended.  (2)  by  any  person  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,RPC)    • One  who  commits  an  intentional  felony  is  responsible  for  all  the  consequences,  which  may  

naturally   and   logically   result   therefrom,   whether   foreseen   or   intended   or   not.  (Par1,Art.4,RPC)  (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.)  

o Committing  a  felony  –  punishable  by  the  RPC.  

§ When  a  person  has  not  committed  a  felony,  he  is  not  criminally  liable  for  the  result,  which  is  not  intended.  

o Although  the  wrongful  act  done  be  different  from  that  which  he  intended.  § Error  in  personae  (Mistake  in  the  identity  of  the  victim)  § Aberratio  Ictus  (Mistake  in  the  blow)  § Praeter  Intentionem  (The  injurious  result  is  greater  that  that  intended)  

• Requisites   of   Par.   1:   (1)   that   an   intentional   felony   has   be   committed;   (2)   that   the  wrong  done   to   the  aggrieved  party  be   the  direct,  natural,   and   logical   consequence  of   the   felony  committed  by  the  offender.  

• Any  person  who  creates  in  another’s  mind  an  immediate  sense  of  danger,  which  causes  the  latter  to  do  something  resulting  in  the  latter’s  injuries,  is  liable  for  the  resulting  injuries.  

• Felony  committed  must  be  the  proximate  cause  of  the  resulting  injury.    o Not  proximate  cause  when:  (1)  there  is  an  active  force  that  intervened  between  the  

felony  committed  and  the  result   injury,  and  the  active  force  is  a  distinct  act  or  fact  absolutely   foreign   from  the   felonious  act  of   the  accused;   (2)   the   resulting   injury   is  due  to  the  intentional  acts  of  the  victim.  

§ Unskillful   and   improper   treatment   may   be   an   active   force,   but   it   is   not   a  distinct  act  or  fact  absolutely  foreign  from  the  criminal  act.  

o The  offender  is  criminally  liable  for  the  death  of  the  victim  if  his  delictual  act  caused,  accelerated  or  contributed  to  the  death  of  the  victim.  

o Not  efficient   intervening  causes:  (1)  the  weak  or  diseased  physical  condition  of  the  victim,   (2)   the   nervousness   or   temperament   of   the   victim,   (3)   Causes   which   are  inherent   in   the   victim,   (4)   neglect   of   the   victim   or   third   person,   (5)   erroneous   or  unskillful  medical  or  surgical  treatment.  

• Death   is   presumed   to   be   the   natural   consequence   of   physical   injuries   inflicted  when:   (1)  that  the  victim  at  the  time  the  physical  injuries  were  inflicted  was  in  normal  health.  (2)  that  death  may  be  expected  from  the  physical   injuries   inflicted.  (3)  that  death  ensued  within  a  reasonable  time.  

• If   the   consequences  produced  have   resulted   from  a  distinct  act  or   fact  absolutely   foreign  from  the  criminal  act,  the  offender  is  not  responsible  for  such  consequences.  

• A  supervening  event  may  be  the  subject  of  amendment  of  the  original  information  or  of  a  new  charge  without  double  jeopardy.  

• Impossible   Crimes   –   the   commission   of   an   impossible   crime   is   indicative   of   criminal  propensity  or  criminal  tendency  on  the  part  of  the  actor.  Requisites:  (1)  the  act  performed  would  be  an  offense  against  persons  or  property,  (2)  that  the  act  done  was  with  evil  intent,  (3)  that  its  accomplishment  is   inherently  impossible,  or  that  the  means  employed  is  either  inadequate  or   ineffectual,   (4)   that   the   act   performed   should  not   constitute   a   violation  of  another  provision  of  the  RPC.  

o Offender   intends   to   commit   a   felony   against   persons   or   property,   and   the   act  performed   would   have   been   an   offense.   But   a   felony   should   not   be   actually  committed,  for;  otherwise,  he  would  be  liable  for  that  felony.  

o If   the   act   performed  would   be   an   offense   other   that   a   felony   against   persons   or  against  property,  there  is  no  impossible  crime.  

o The  act  done  was  done  with  EVIL  INTENT.  o Inherent   Impossibility   –   the   act   intended   by   the   offender   is   by   its   nature   one   of  

impossible  accomplishment.  § There  must  either  be  (1)  legal  impossibility  or  (2)  physical  impossibility.  

o Employment  of  inadequate  means.  But  where  the  means  employed  is  adequate  and  the  result  expected   in  not  produced,   it   is  not  an   impossible  crime,  but  a  frustrated  felony.  

 Duty  of  the  Court  Duty  of  the  court  in  connection  with  acts  which  should  be  repressed  but  which  are  not  covered  by  the  law,  and  in  cases  of  excessive  penalties.  —  Whenever  a  court  has  knowledge  of  any  act  which   it  may  deem  proper   to   repress  and  which   is  not  punishable  by   law,   it   shall   render   the  proper  decision,  and  shall  report  to  the  Chief  Executive,  through  the  Department  of  Justice,  the  reasons   which   induce   the   court   to   believe   that   said   act   should   be   made   the   subject   of  legislation.  In   the   same  way,   the   court   shall   submit   to   the   Chief   Executive,   through   the   Department   of  Justice,   such   statement   as  may  be   deemed  proper,  without   suspending   the   execution  of   the  sentence,   when   a   strict   enforcement   of   the   provisions   of   this   Code   would   result   in   the  imposition  of  a  clearly  excessive  penalty,  taking  into  consideration  the  degree  of  malice  and  the  injury  caused  by  the  offense.  (Art.5,RPC)  • Acts  which  should  be  repressed  but  which  are  not  covered  by  the  law,  requisites:  (1)  the  act  

committed  by   the  accused  appears  not  punishable  by  any   law;   (2)  but   the  court  deems   it  proper  to  repress  such  act;   (3)   in  that  case,   the  court  must  render  the  proper  decision  by  dismissing  the  case  and  acquitting  the  accused;   (4)   the   judge  must   then  make  a  report   to  the  Chief  Executive,  through  the  Secretary  of  Justice,  stating  the  reason  which  induce  him  to  believe  that  the  said  act  should  be  made  the  subject  of  penal  legislation.  

• In  cases  of  excessive  penalties,  the   law  requires:   (1)  the  court  after  trial   finds  the  accused  guilty;   (2)   the   penalty   provided   by   law   and   which   the   court   imposes   for   the   crime  committed  appears  to  clearly  excessive,  because  (a)  the  accused  acted  with  lesser  degree  of  malice  and/or  (b)  there   ins  no   injury  or  the   injury  caused  is  of   lesser  gravity;   (3)  the  court  should  not  suspend  the  execution  of  the  sentence;  (4)  the  judge  should  submit  a  statement  to  the  Chief  Executive,  through  the  Secretary  of  Justice,  recommending  executive  clemency.  

o The  penalties  are  not  excessive  when  intended  to  enforce  a  public  policy.  o It   is   the   duty   of   judicial   officers   to   respect   and   apply   the   law,   regardless   of   their  

private  opinions.  o 2nd  paragraph  of  Art.  5  have  no  application  to  the  offense  defined  and  penalized  by  a  

special  law.    Consummated,  Frustrated  and  Attempted  Felonies  Consummated,  frustrated,  and  attempted  felonies.  —  Consummated  felonies  as  well  as  those,  which  are  frustrated  and  attempted,  are  punishable.      A   felony   is   consummated   when   all   the   elements   necessary   for   its   execution   and  accomplishment   are   present;   and   it   is   frustrated  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.    There  is  an  attempt  when  the  offender  commences  the  commission  of  a  felony  directly  or  over  acts,  and  does  not  perform  all  the  acts  of  execution  which  should  produce  the  felony  by  reason  of  some  cause  or  accident  other  than  this  own  spontaneous  desistance.  (Art  6.,RPC)    • Development  of  crime:  (1)  Internal  Acts,  (2)  External  Acts  

o Internal  Acts,  such  as  mere  ideas  in  the  mind  of  a  person,  are  not  punishable  even  if,  had  they  been  carried  out,  they  would  constitute  a  crime.  Mere  intention  producing  no  effect  is  no  more  a  crime  than  a  mere  effect  without  the  intention  is  a  crime.  

o External  acts  cover  (a)  preparatory  acts;  (b)  acts  of  execution  § Preparatory  acts  –  ordinarily   they  are  not  punishable,  except  when  the   law  

provides  for  their  punishment  in  certain  felonies.  § Acts  of  execution  -­‐  punishable  under  the  RPC.  

ü Attempted  –  when  the  offer  begins  the  commission  of  a   felony  directly  by   overt   acts.   He   has   not   performed   all   the   acts   of   execution,   which  should   produce   the   felony.   Elements:   (1)   the   offender   commences   the  commission  of  the  felony  directly  by  overt  acts;  (2)  he  does  not  perform  all   the   acts   of   execution,   which   should   produce   the   felony;   (3)   the  offender’s  act  is  not  stopped  by  his  own  spontaneous  desistance;  (4)  the  non-­‐performance  of   all   acts  of   execution  was  due   to   cause  or   accident  other  than  his  spontaneous  desistence.  

ü The   external   acts   must   be   related   to   the   overt   acts   (some   physical  activity   or   deed,   indicating   the   intention   to   commit   a   particular   crime,  more   than   a   mere   planning   or   preparation,   which   if   carried   to   its  complete  termination   following   its  natural  course,  without  being  of   the  crime  the  offender  intended  commit.  

ü Drawing  or  trying  to  draw  a  pistol  is  not  an  overt  act  of  homicide.  ü Raising  a  bolo  as  if  to  strike  the  offended  party  with  it  is  not  an  overt  act  

of  homicide.  ü Overt  act  may  not  be  by  physical  activity.  ü External  acts  mush  have  a  direct  connection  with  the  crime  intended  to  

be  committed  by  the  offender.  ü Indeterminate  offense  –   it   is  one  where  the  purpose  of   the  offender   in  

performing   act   is   not   certain.   Its   nature   in   relation   to   its   objective   is  ambiguous.  

ü The  intention  of  the  accused  must  be  viewed  from  the  nature  of  the  acts  executed  by  him,  not  form  his  admission.  

ü When  there  is  conspiracy,  the  rule  is  –  the  act  of  one  is  the  act  of  all.  ü Desistance   should   be   made   before   all   the   acts   of   execution   are  

performed.  

ü The  desistance  which  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.  

ü Subjective   phase   –   it   is   that   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  course.  

ü If   between   these   two   points   the   offender   is   stopped   by   any   cause  outside   of   his   own   voluntary   desistance,   the   subjective   phase   has   not  been  passed  and   it   is  an  attempt.   If  he   is  not  so  stopped  but  continues  until  he  performs  the   last  act,   it   is   frustrated,  provided  the  crime  is  not  produced.  The  acts  then  of  the  offender  reached  the  objective  phase  of  the  crime.  

ü Frustrated   Felony,   Elements:   (1)   the   offender   performs   all   the   acts   of  execution;   (2)   all   the   acts   performed   would   produce   the   felony   as   a  consequence;  (3)  but  the  felony  is  not  produced;  (4)  by  reason  of  causes  independent  of  the  will  of  the  perpetrator.  

ü The  SC  in  certain  cases  has  emphasized  the  belief  of  the  accused.  ü Consummated   Felony   –   all   elements   necessary   for   its   execution   and  

accomplishment  are  present.  ü Manner  of  Committing  the  Crime:  

v Formal   Crimes   –   consummated   in   one   instant,   no   attempt.  (Slander  and  false  testimony)  

v Crimes   consummated   by   mere   attempt   or   proposal   or   by   over  acts.   (Flight   to   enemy’s   country   and   corruption   of   minors   and  treason)  

v Felony  by  omission,  no  attempted  stage.  v Crimes  requiring  the  intervention  of  two  persons  to  commit  them  

are  consummated  by  mere  agreement.    v Material   crimes   –   there   are   three   stages   of   execution.   (Rape,  

murder,  etc.)  ü There  is  no  attempted  or  frustrated  impossible  crime  

 Light  Felonies  –  are  those  infractions  of  law  for  the  commission  of  which  the  penalty  of  arresto  menor  or   a   fine  not   exceeding  200  pesos  or   both   is   provided.   (Slight   Physical   Injuries,   Theft,  Alteration  of  boundary  marks,  malicious  mischief  and  intriguing  against  honor)    When  light  felonies  are  punishable.  —  Light  felonies  are  punishable  only  when  they  have  been  consummated,  with  the  exception  of  those  committed  against  person  or  property.  (Art.7,RPC)    Conspiracy  Conspiracy   and  proposal   to   commit   felony.  —  Conspiracy   and  proposal   to   commit   felony   are  punishable  only  in  the  cases  in  which  the  law  specially  provides  a  penalty  therefor.  A   conspiracy   exists   when   two   or   more   persons   come   to   an   agreement   concerning   the  

commission  of  a  felony  and  decide  to  commit  it.  There  is  proposal  when  the  person  who  has  decided  to  commit  a  felony  proposes  its  execution  to  some  other  person  or  persons.  (Art.8,RPC)    • Conspiracy  is  not  a  crime  except  when  the  law  specifically  provides  a  penalty  therefor.  • RPC  provides  penalty  for  mere  conspiracy:  Commit  treason;  commit  coup  d’etat,  rebellion  

or  insurrection;  commit  sedition.  These  crimes  should  not  have  been  actually  committed  or  else   conspiracy   becomes   a   manner   of   incurring   criminal   liability   and   not   considered   a  separate  offense.  

• The  acts  of  the  defendants  must  show  a  common  design.  • Period  of  time  to  afford  opportunity  for  meditation  or  reflection,  not  required  in  conspiracy.  • Requisites:   (1)   that   two   or  more   persons   came   to   an   agreement;   (2)   that   the   agreement  

concerned  the  commission  of  a  felony;  (3)  that  the  execution  of  the  felony  be  decided  upon.  • RPC  provides  penalty  for  mere  proposal:  Commit  treason;  commit  coup  d’etat,  rebellion  or  

insurrection.  • Requisites:   (1)   that   a   person   has   decided   to   commit   a   felony;   (2)   that   he   proposes   its  

execution  to  some  other  person  or  persons.  • There   is   no   criminal   proposal   when:   (1)   the   person   who   proposes   it   not   determined   to  

commit  the  felony.  (2)  There  is  no  decided,  concrete  and  formal  proposal.  (3)   It   is  not  the  execution  of  a  felony  that  is  proposed.  

• It  is  not  necessary  that  the  person  to  whom  the  proposal  be  made  agree  to  commit  treason  or  rebellion.  

• Proposal  as  an  overt  act  of  corruption  of  public  officer.  (Attempted  Bribery)    Grace,  Less  Grave  and  Light  Felonies    Grave  felonies,   less  grave  felonies  and   light   felonies.  —  Grave  felonies  are  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  this  Code.  Capital  punishment:  Death.  Afflictive  penalties:  Reclusion  perpetua,    Reclusion  temporal,    Perpetual  or  temporary  absolute  disqualification,    Perpetual  or  temporary  special  disqualification,    Prision  mayor.    Less  grave   felonies  are   those  which   the   law  punishes  with  penalties  which   in   their  maximum  period  are  correctional,  in  accordance  with  the  above-­‐mentioned  article.  Correctional  penalties:  Prision  correccional,    Arresto  mayor,    

Suspension,    Destierro.    Light   felonies   are   those   infractions   of   law   for   the   commission   of   which   a   penalty   of   arresto  menor  or  a  fine  not  exceeding  200  pesos  or  both;  is  provided.  (Art.9,RPC)  Arresto  menor,    Public  censure.    Offenses  Not  Subject  to  RPC  Offenses  not  subject  to  the  provisions  of  this  Code.  —  Offenses  which  are  or  in  the  future  may  be  punishable  under  special  laws  are  not  subject  to  the  provisions  of  this  Code.  This  Code  shall  be   supplementary   to   such   laws,   unless   the   latter   should   specially   provide   the   contrary.  (Art.10,RPC)    • First   clause   is   understood   to  mean   that   the  RPC   is   not  meant   to   supersede   special   penal  

laws.   The   second   clause   provides   that   the   RPC   shall   be   supplementary   to   special   laws,  unless  the  latter  should  specially  provide  the  contrary.  

• The   provisions   of   the   RPC   on   penalties   cannot   be   applied   to   offenses   punishable   under  special  laws.  

• Where  the  special  law  adopted  penalties  from  the  RPC,  the  rules  for  graduating  penalties  by  degrees  or  determining  the  proper  period  should  be  applied.  

• Art.   6   of   RPC   cannot   be   applied   to   special   laws,   unless   special   law   provides   a   penalty  therefor.  

• The  special  law  has  to  fix  penalties  for  attempted  and  frustrated  crimes.  • This  provision  is  not  applicable  to  punish  an  accomplice  under  the  special  law.  • Plea  of  guilty  is  not  mitigating  in  illegal  possession  of  firearms  punished  by  special  law.  • Special  laws  amending  the  RPC  are  subject  to  its  provisions.                                  

Chapter  Two    JUSTIFYING   CIRCUMSTANCES   AND   CIRCUMSTANCES   WHICH   EXEMPT   FROM   CRIMINAL  LIABILITY    Article  11.  Justifying  circumstances.  -­‐  The  following  do  not  incur  any  criminal  liability:  1.   Anyone   who   acts   in   defense   of   his   person   or   rights,   provided   that   the   following  circumstances  concur;  First.  Unlawful  aggression.  Second.  Reasonable  necessity  of  the  means  employed  to  prevent  or  repel  it.  Third.  Lack  of  sufficient  provocation  on  the  part  of  the  person  defending  himself.    2.  Any  one  who  acts  in  defense  of  the  person  or  rights  of  his  spouse,  ascendants,  descendants,  or   legitimate,   natural   or   adopted   brothers   or   sisters,   or   his   relatives   by   affinity   in   the   same  degrees   and   those   consanguinity   within   the   fourth   civil   degree,   provided   that   the   first   and  second   requisites  prescribed   in   the  next  preceding  circumstance  are  present,  and   the   further  requisite,  in  case  the  revocation  was  given  by  the  person  attacked,  that  the  one  making  defense  had  no  part  therein.    3.  Anyone  who  acts  in  defense  of  the  person  or  rights  of  a  stranger,  provided  that  the  first  and  second  requisites  mentioned   in   the   first  circumstance  of   this  Article  are  present  and  that   the  person  defending  be  not  induced  by  revenge,  resentment,  or  other  evil  motive.    4.  Any  person  who,   in  order   to  avoid  an  evil  or   injury,  does  not  act  which  causes  damage   to  another,  provided  that  the  following  requisites  are  present;  First.  That  the  evil  sought  to  be  avoided  actually  exists;  Second.  That  the  injury  feared  be  greater  than  that  done  to  avoid  it;  Third.  That  there  be  no  other  practical  and  less  harmful  means  of  preventing  it.    5.  Any  person  who  acts  in  the  fulfillment  of  a  duty  or  in  the  lawful  exercise  of  a  right  or  office.    6.  Any  person  who  acts  in  obedience  to  an  order  issued  by  a  superior  for  some  lawful  purpose.    Article  12.  Circumstances  which  exempt  from  criminal  liability.  -­‐  the  following  are  exempt  from  criminal  liability:  1.  An  imbecile  or  an  insane  person,  unless  the  latter  has  acted  during  a  lucid  interval.  When  the  imbecile  or  an  insane  person  has  committed  an  act  which  the  law  defines  as  a  felony  (delito),  the  court  shall  order  his  confinement  in  one  of  the  hospitals  or  asylums  established  for  persons   thus   afflicted,   which   he   shall   not   be   permitted   to   leave   without   first   obtaining   the  permission  of  the  same  court.    2.  A  person  under  nine  years  of  age.  (Now  15  years  or  under,  RA9344)    3.  A  person  over  nine  years  of  age  and  under  fifteen,  unless  he  has  acted  with  discernment,  in  which  case,  such  minor  shall  be  proceeded  against  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  Art.  80  

of  this  Code.    When  such  minor  is  adjudged  to  be  criminally  irresponsible,  the  court,  in  conformably  with  the  provisions  of  this  and  the  preceding  paragraph,  shall  commit  him  to  the  care  and  custody  of  his  family   who   shall   be   charged   with   his   surveillance   and   education   otherwise,   he   shall   be  committed  to  the  care  of  some  institution  or  person  mentioned  in  said  Art.  80.  (Above  15  but  below  18)    4.   Any   person   who,   while   performing   a   lawful   act   with   due   care,   causes   an   injury   by   mere  accident  without  fault  or  intention  of  causing  it.    5.  Any  person  who  act  under  the  compulsion  of  irresistible  force.    6.   Any   person  who   acts   under   the   impulse   of   an   uncontrollable   fear   of   an   equal   or   greater  injury.    7.   Any   person  who   fails   to   perform  an   act   required   by   law,  when  prevented  by   some   lawful  insuperable  cause.    Chapter  Three    CIRCUMSTANCES  WHICH  MITIGATE  CRIMINAL  LIABILITY    Article  13.  Mitigating  circumstances.  -­‐  The  following  are  mitigating  circumstances;  1.  Those  mentioned  in  the  preceding  chapter,  when  all  the  requisites  necessary  to  justify  or  to  exempt  from  criminal  liability  in  the  respective  cases  are  not  attendant.    2.   That   the   offender   is   under   eighteen   year   of   age   or   over   seventy   years.   In   the   case   of   the  minor,  he  shall  be  proceeded  against  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  Art.  80.    3.  That  the  offender  had  no  intention  to  commit  so  grave  a  wrong  as  that  committed.    4.  That  sufficient  provocation  or  threat  on  the  part  of  the  offended  party  immediately  preceded  the  act.    5.   That   the   act   was   committed   in   the   immediate   vindication   of   a   grave   offense   to   the   one  committing  the  felony  (delito),  his  spouse,  ascendants,  or  relatives  by  affinity  within  the  same  degrees.    6.  That  of  having  acted  upon  an  impulse  so  powerful  as  naturally  to  have  produced  passion  or  obfuscation.    7.  That  the  offender  had  voluntarily  surrendered  himself  to  a  person  in  authority  or  his  agents,  or  that  he  had  voluntarily  confessed  his  guilt  before  the  court  prior  to  the  presentation  of  the  evidence  for  the  prosecution;  

8.  That  the  offender  is  deaf  and  dumb,  blind  or  otherwise  suffering  some  physical  defect  which  thus  restricts  his  means  of  action,  defense,  or  communications  with  his  fellow  beings.    9.  Such  illness  of  the  offender  as  would  diminish  the  exercise  of  the  will-­‐power  of  the  offender  without  however  depriving  him  of  the  consciousness  of  his  acts.    10.   And,   finally,   any   other   circumstances   of   a   similar   nature   and   analogous   to   those   above  mentioned.    Chapter  Four    CIRCUMSTANCE  WHICH  AGGRAVATE  CRIMINAL  LIABILITY    Article  14.  Aggravating  circumstances.  -­‐  The  following  are  aggravating  circumstances:  1.  That  advantage  be  taken  by  the  offender  of  his  public  position.    2.  That  the  crime  be  committed  in  contempt  or  with  insult  to  the  public  authorities.    3.  That  the  act  be  committed  with  insult  or  in  disregard  of  the  respect  due  the  offended  party  on   account   of   his   rank,   age,   or   sex,   or   that   is   be   committed   in   the   dwelling   of   the   offended  party,  if  the  latter  has  not  given  provocation.    4.  That  the  act  be  committed  with  abuse  of  confidence  or  obvious  ungratefulness.    5.  That  the  crime  be  committed  in  the  palace  of  the  Chief  Executive  or  in  his  presence,  or  where  public   authorities   are   engaged   in   the   discharge   of   their   duties,   or   in   a   place   dedicated   to  religious  worship.    6.   That   the   crime  be   committed   in   the  night   time,   or   in   an  uninhabited  place,   or   by   a   band,  whenever  such  circumstances  may  facilitate  the  commission  of  the  offense.  Whenever  more  than  three  armed  malefactors  shall  have  acted  together  in  the  commission  of  an  offense,  it  shall  be  deemed  to  have  been  committed  by  a  band.    7.   That   the   crime   be   committed   on   the   occasion   of   a   conflagration,   shipwreck,   earthquake,  epidemic  or  other  calamity  or  misfortune.    8.   That   the   crime  be   committed  with   the  aid  of   armed  men  or  persons  who   insure  or  afford  impunity.    9.  That  the  accused  is  a  recidivist.  A   recidivist   is   one   who,   at   the   time   of   his   trial   for   one   crime,   shall   have   been   previously  convicted  by  final  judgment  of  another  crime  embraced  in  the  same  title  of  this  Code.    10.  That  the  offender  has  been  previously  punished  by  an  offense  to  which  the  law  attaches  an  equal  or  greater  penalty  or  for  two  or  more  crimes  to  which  it  attaches  a  lighter  penalty.  

11.  That  the  crime  be  committed  in  consideration  of  a  price,  reward,  or  promise.    12.  That  the  crime  be  committed  by  means  of  inundation,  fire,  poison,  explosion,  stranding  of  a  vessel  or  international  damage  thereto,  derailment  of  a  locomotive,  or  by  the  use  of  any  other  artifice  involving  great  waste  and  ruin.    13.  That  the  act  be  committed  with  evidence  premeditation.    14.  That  the  craft,  fraud  or  disguise  be  employed.    15.   That   advantage   be   taken   of   superior   strength,   or   means   be   employed   to   weaken   the  defense.    16.  That  the  act  be  committed  with  treachery  (alevosia).  There  is  treachery  when  the  offender  commits  any  of  the  crimes  against  the  person,  employing  means,  methods,  or  forms  in  the  execution  thereof  which  tend  directly  and  specially  to  insure  its  execution,  without  risk  to  himself  arising  from  the  defense  which  the  offended  party  might  make.    17.   That   means   be   employed   or   circumstances   brought   about   which   add   ignominy   to   the  natural  effects  of  the  act.    18.  That  the  crime  be  committed  after  an  unlawful  entry.  There  is  an  unlawful  entry  when  an  entrance  of  a  crime  a  wall,  roof,  floor,  door,  or  window  be  broken.    20.  That  the  crime  be  committed  with  the  aid  of  persons  under  fifteen  years  of  age  or  by  means  of  motor  vehicles,  motorized  watercraft,  airships,  or  other  similar  means.  (As  amended  by  RA  5438).    21.  That  the  wrong  done  in  the  commission  of  the  crime  be  deliberately  augmented  by  causing  other  wrong  not  necessary  for  its  commissions.    Chapter  Five    ALTERNATIVE  CIRCUMSTANCES    Article   15.   Their   concept.   -­‐   Alternative   circumstances   are   those   which   must   be   taken   into  consideration  as  aggravating  or  mitigating  according  to  the  nature  and  effects  of  the  crime  and  the  other  conditions  attending   its  commission.  They  are  the  relationship,   intoxication  and  the  degree  of  instruction  and  education  of  the  offender.  The   alternative   circumstance   of   relationship   shall   be   taken   into   consideration   when   the  offended  party  in  the  spouse,  ascendant,  descendant,  legitimate,  natural,  or  adopted  brother  or  sister,  or  relative  by  affinity  in  the  same  degrees  of  the  offender.  The  intoxication  of  the  offender  shall  be  taken  into  consideration  as  a  mitigating  circumstances  

when  the  offender  has  committed  a  felony  in  a  state  of  intoxication,  if  the  same  is  not  habitual  or   subsequent   to   the   plan   to   commit   said   felony   but   when   the   intoxication   is   habitual   or  intentional,  it  shall  be  considered  as  an  aggravating  circumstance.    Title  Two  PERSONS  CRIMINALLY  LIABLE  FOR  FELONIES  Article   16.  Who   are   criminally   liable.   -­‐   The   following   are   criminally   liable   for   grave   and   less  grave  felonies:  1.  Principals.  2.  Accomplices.  3.  Accessories.  The  following  are  criminally  liable  for  light  felonies:  1.  Principals  2.  Accomplices.    Article  17.  Principals.  -­‐  The  following  are  considered  principals:  1.  Those  who  take  a  direct  part  in  the  execution  of  the  act;  2.  Those  who  directly  force  or  induce  others  to  commit  it;  3.   Those   who   cooperate   in   the   commission   of   the   offense   by   another   act   without   which   it  would  not  have  been  accomplished.    Article  18.  Accomplices.  -­‐  Accomplices  are  those  persons  who,  not  being  included  in  Article  17,  cooperate  in  the  execution  of  the  offense  by  previous  or  simultaneous  acts.    Article   19.  Accessories.   -­‐  Accessories   are   those  who,  having   knowledge  of   the   commission  of  the   crime,   and  without   having   participated   therein,   either   as   principals   or   accomplices,   take  part  subsequent  to  its  commission  in  any  of  the  following  manners:  1.  By  profiting  themselves  or  assisting  the  offender  to  profit  by  the  effects  of  the  crime.  2.  By  concealing  or  destroying  the  body  of  the  crime,  or  the  effects  or  instruments  thereof,  in  order  to  prevent  its  discovery.  3.  By  harboring,  concealing,  or  assisting   in  the  escape  of  the  principals  of  the  crime,  provided  the  accessory  acts  with  abuse  of  his  public   functions  or  whenever   the  author  of   the   crime   is  guilty  of  treason,  parricide,  murder,  or  an  attempt  to  take  the  life  of  the  Chief  Executive,  or  is  known  to  be  habitually  guilty  of  some  other  crime.    Article   20.  Accessories  who   are   exempt   from   criminal   liability.   -­‐   The   penalties   prescribed   for  accessories   shall   not   be   imposed   upon   those   who   are   such   with   respect   to   their   spouses,  ascendants,  descendants,  legitimate,  natural,  and  adopted  brothers  and  sisters,  or  relatives  by  affinity   within   the   same   degrees,   with   the   single   exception   of   accessories   falling   within   the  provisions  of  paragraph  1  of  the  next  preceding  article.