Revised Penal Code

Criminal code of the Philippines


title: "Revised Penal Code" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["criminal-codes", "philippine-criminal-law", "1930-in-law"] description: "Criminal code of the Philippines" topic_path: "law" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revised_Penal_Code" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Criminal code of the Philippines ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox legislation"]

FieldValue
long_titleAn Act Revising the Penal Code and other Penal Laws
citationAct No. 3815
territorial_extentPhilippines
legislaturePhilippine Legislature
enacted_byGovernor-General of the Philippines with the advice and consent of the Philippine Legislature
date_enactedDecember 8, 1930
date_signedDecember 8, 1930
date_commencedJanuary 1, 1932
amended_byPresidential Decree No. 1602 (Gambling)
Presidential Decree No. 1613 (Arson)
Presidential Decree No. 1744 (Arson)
keywordsCriminal law
statusAmended
::

|long_title = An Act Revising the Penal Code and other Penal Laws |citation = Act No. 3815 |territorial_extent = Philippines |legislature = Philippine Legislature |enacted_by = Governor-General of the Philippines with the advice and consent of the Philippine Legislature |date_enacted = December 8, 1930 |enacted_by2 = |date_enacted2 = |date_signed = December 8, 1930 |signed_by = |date_commenced = January 1, 1932 |bill_date = |introduced_by = |1st_reading = |2nd_reading = |3rd_reading = |conf_committee_passed = |bill2 = |bill_citation2 = |bill_date2 = |introduced_by2 = |1st_reading2 = |2nd_reading2 = |3rd_reading2 = |conf_committee_passed2 = |date_conf_committee = |committee_report = |amended_by = Presidential Decree No. 1602 (Gambling) Presidential Decree No. 1613 (Arson) Presidential Decree No. 1744 (Arson) |repeals = |related_legislation = |summary = |keywords = Criminal law |status = Amended The Revised Penal Code contains the general penal laws of the Philippines. First enacted in 1930, it remains in effect today, despite several amendments thereto. It does not comprise a comprehensive compendium of all Philippine penal laws. The Revised Penal Code itself was enacted as Act No. 3815, and some Philippine criminal laws have been enacted outside of the Revised Penal Code as separate Republic Acts.

Historical background

The Revised Penal Code supplanted the 1870 Spanish Código Penal, which was in force in the Philippines (then an overseas province of the Spanish Empire up to 1898) from 1886 to 1930, after an allegedly uneven implementation in 1877. The new Code was drafted by a committee created in 1927, and headed by Judge Anacleto Díaz, who would later serve on the Supreme Court. Rather than engage in a wholesale codification of all penal laws in the Philippines, the committee instead revised the old Penal Code and included all other penal laws only insofar as they related to the Penal Code.

Features

The Revised Penal Code criminalizes a whole class of acts that are generally accepted as criminal, such as the taking of a life whether through murder or homicide, rape, robbery theft, and treason. The Code also penalizes other acts that are considered criminal in the Philippines, such as adultery, concubinage, and abortion. It expressly defines the elements that each crime comprises, and the existence of all these elements has to be proven beyond reasonable doubt in order to secure a conviction.

Not all crimes in the Philippines are penalized under the Code; certain crimes, such as the illegal possession of firearms, are penalized under special legislation contained in Republic Acts. The most notable crimes now excluded from the Revised Penal Code are those concerning illegal drug use or trafficking, which are penalized instead under the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972 and later the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.{{Cite web |url = http://www.thecorpusjuris.com/legislative/republic-acts/ra-no-6425.php |title = The Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972 |accessdate = December 5, 2016 |date= March 30, 1972 |publisher = The Corpus Juris |url = http://www.thecorpusjuris.com/legislative/republic-acts/ra-no-9165.php |title = Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 |accessdate = December 5, 2016 |date= June 7, 2002 |publisher = The Corpus Juris

One distinct aspect of the Revised Penal Code centers on its classification of aggravating, exempting and mitigating circumstances, the appreciation of which affects the gradation of penalties. Penalties under the Revised Penal Code are generally divided into three periods – the minimum period, the medium period, and the maximum period. In addition to establishing the elements of the crime, the prosecution may also establish the presence of aggravating circumstances in order to set the penalty at the maximum period, or mitigating circumstances to reduce the penalty to its minimum period. The presence of both aggravating and mitigating circumstance, or the absence of such circumstances, may result in the imposition of the penalty in its medium period.{{cite web | title =Act No. 3815 - The Revised Penal Code | publisher =The Corpus Juris | date =December 8, 1930 | url =http://www.thecorpusjuris.com/legislative/acts/act-no-3815.php | accessdate = December 9, 2015 }}

Several provisions of the Revised Penal Code have also been amended through Republic Acts. One of the more consequential amendments came in 1997, with the passage of Republic Act No. 8353, the Anti-Rape Law of 1997.{{cite web |url = http://www.thecorpusjuris.com/legislative/republic-acts/ra-no-8353.php |title = The Anti-Rape Law of 1997 |accessdate = December 9, 2015 |date= September 30, 1997 |publisher = The Corpus Juris

With the abolition of the death penalty in 2006, the highest penalty currently possible under the Revised Penal Code is reclusión perpetua, which ranges from 20 years and 1 day to 40 years' imprisonment.{{cite web | title =An Act Prohibiting the Imposition of the Death Penalty in the Philippines | publisher =The Corpus Juris | date =June 24, 2006 | url =http://www.thecorpusjuris.com/legislative/republic-acts/ra-no-9346.php | accessdate = December 5, 2016 }} The penalty of life imprisonment is not provided for in the Revised Penal Code, although it is imposed by other penal statutes such as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Republic Act 10951, signed by president Rodrigo Duterte in 2017, updated the fines and penalties to the law. Previously, the law mandated fines ranging from five to 100,000 pesos; the new law updated the fines, ranging from 1,000 pesos for other coercions and unjust vexations, up to 4 million for treason. The law also amends the length of incarceration for malversation of public funds.

Preliminary article

It states that the law shall be known as the "Revised Penal Code."

Book One

A preliminary article states when it takes effect (on January 1, 1932), and where the law can be enforced, which includes the Philippine archipelago, and on a Philippine ship or airship, among others.

Title One: Felonies and criminal liability

Chapter One defines what a felony is, which are acts and omissions punishable by law, either by means of deceit, or by fault. It defines who is criminally liable, whether a felony is consummated, frustrated or attempted, when conspiracy and proposal to commit felonies are punishable, which felonies are light, less grave and grave.

The succeeding chapters list which circumstances justify, exempt, mitigate and aggravate criminal liability.

Title Two: Persons criminally liable

This title discusses who are the persons liable. These include the principals, accomplices and the accessories, with the latter classification not used for light felonies.

Title Three: Penalties

All penalties relating to death are commuted to reclusión perpetua.

Length of incarceration

|divisionname = Up to 6 years |total = 2190 |party1 = 30 |partycolor1 = Green |party2 = 182.5 |partycolor2 = Blue |party3 = 1977.5 |partycolor3 = Yellow |divisionname = Up to 40 years |total = 14600 |party1 = 2160 |partycolor1 = Yellow |party2 = 2220 |partycolor2 = Orange |party3 = 2920 |partycolor3 = Red |party4 = 7300 |partycolor4 = Maroon ::data[format=table title=""]

NameTypeEntire lengthMinimum lengthMedium lengthMaximum lengthAccessory penalties
DeathCapitalNot applied; commuted to reclusión perpetua.Perpetual absolute disqualification and that of civil interdiction during thirty years following the date of sentence
Reclusión perpetuaAfflictive20 years and 1 day to 40 yearsCivil interdiction for life or during the period of the sentence as the case may be, and perpetual absolute disqualification
Reclusión temporal12 years and one day to 20 years12 years and one day to 14 years and 8 months14 years and 8 months to 17 years and 4 months17 years 4 months and 1 day to 20 years
Prisión mayor6 years and one day to 12 years6 years and 1 day to 8 years8 years and 1 day to 10 years10 years and 1 day to 12 years
Prisión correccionalCorrectional6 months and one day to 6 years6 months and 1 day to 2 years and 4 months2 years, 4 months and 1 day to 4 years and 2 months4 years, 2 months and 1 day to 6 years
SuspensionIf suspension is imposed, 6 years
DestierroAny person sentenced to destierro shall not be permitted to enter the place or places designated in the sentence, nor within the radius therein specified, which shall be not more than 250 and not less than 25 kilometers from the place designated.
Arresto mayor1 month and 1 day to 6 months1 month to 2 months2 months and 1 day to 4 months4 months and 1 day to 6 monthsSuspension of the right to hold office and the right of suffrage during the term of the sentence
Arresto menorLight1 day to 30 days1 day to 10 days11 days to 20 days21 days to 30 days
::

Other penalties

  • Public censure (also a light penalty)
  • Fines (also an afflictive penalty)
  • Civil interdiction: Deprive the offender during the time of his sentence of the rights of parental authority, or guardianship

Accessory penalties

  • Perpetual or temporary absolute disqualification
    • The deprivation of the public offices and employments which the offender may have held even if conferred by popular election.
    • The deprivation of the right to vote in any election for any popular elective office or to be elected to such office, and the disqualification for the offices or public employments and for the exercise of any of the rights mentioned.
  • : In case of temporary disqualification, this deprivation and disqualification shall last during the term of the sentence.
    • The loss of all rights to retirement pay or other pension for any office formerly held.
  • Perpetual or temporary special disqualification:
    • The deprivation of the office, employment, profession or calling affected;
    • The disqualification for holding similar offices or employments either perpetually or during the term of the sentence according to the extent of such disqualification.
  • Perpetual or temporary special disqualification for the exercise of the right of suffrage
    • Deprive the offender perpetually or during the term of the sentence, according to the nature of said penalty, of the right to vote in any popular election for any public office or to be elected to such office. Moreover, the offender shall not be permitted to hold any public office during the period of his disqualification.
  • Suspension from any public office, profession or calling, or the right of suffrage
    • Disqualify the offender from holding such office or exercising such profession or calling or right of suffrage during the term of the sentence

Title Four: Extinction of criminal liability and civil liability

Extinction of criminal liability

This discusses when criminal liability is extinguished. These include by death of the convict, service of the sentence, by amnesty, and by absolute pardon, among others.

Prescription of crimes

This discusses when crimes can no longer be prosecuted, from the time the crime is discovered by the offended party, the authorities, or their agents. ::data[format=table title=""]

PenaltyLength of time
Death, reclusión perpetua or reclusión temporal20 years
Correctional penalty, except arresto mayor10 years
Arresto mayor5 years
Libel and other similar offenses1 year
Oral defamation and slander6 months
Light offenses2 months
::

Title Five: Civil liability

The law states that "every person criminally liable for a felony is also civilly liable."

Book Two

The code classifies crimes into different titles, each divided to one or more chapters, all of these in Book Two of the code.

Title One: Crimes against national security and the law of nations

  • "Treason" is defined as "any person who, owing allegiance to (the United States or) the Government of the Philippine Islands, not being a foreigner, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid or comfort within the Philippine Islands or elsewhere"
  • "Espionage" is defined as:
    1. Without authority therefor, enters a warship, fort, or naval or military establishment or reservation to obtain any information, plans, photographs, or other data of a confidential nature relative to the defense of the Philippine Archipelago; or
    2. Being in possession, by reason of the public office he holds, of the articles, data, or information referred to in the preceding paragraph, discloses their contents to a representative of a foreign nation.
  • "Flight to enemy country", known elsewhere as "desertion", is defined as "any person who, owing allegiance to the Government, attempts to flee or go to an enemy country when prohibited by competent authority"
  • "Piracy" is defined as "any person who, on the high seas, shall attack or seize a vessel or, not being a member of its complement nor a passenger, shall seize the whole or part of the cargo of said vessel, its equipment, or personal belongings of its complement or passengers."
    • "Qualified piracy" is defined as those who commit any of the crimes referred to in the preceding article, under any of the following circumstances:
      1. Whenever they have seized a vessel by boarding or firing upon the same;
      2. Whenever the pirates have abandoned their victims without means of saving themselves; or
      3. Whenever the crime is accompanied by murder, homicide, physical injuries or rape.

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CrimeAggravating, exempting and mitigating circumstancesFine is not more than (unless specified)Arresto menorArresto mayorPrisión correccionalPrisión mayorReclusión temporalReclusión perpetuaDeathMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMax
Treason₱4,000,000colspan="2"
Conspiracy to commit treason₱2,000,000colspan="3"
Proposal to commit treason₱1,000,000colspan="3"
EspionageIf a public officercolspan="3"
All other casescolspan="3"
Inciting to war or giving motives for reprisalsIf a public officercolspan="3"
If a private individualcolspan="3"
Violation of neutralitycolspan="3"
Correspondence with hostile countryIf prohibited by the governmentcolspan="3"
If correspondence was carried on in ciphers or conventional signscolspan="3"
If information given might be useful to the enemycolspan="3"
If information given might be useful to the enemy, and offender intended to aid the enemycolspan="5"
Flight to enemy countrycolspan="3"
Piracy in general and mutiny on the high seas
Qualified piracycolspan="5"
::

Title Two: Crimes against the fundamental laws of the state

  • "Arbitrary detention" is defined as detention of a person by a public officer without legal grounds.
  • "Expulsion", or "deportation" elsewhere, is defined as "any public officer or employee who, not being thereunto authorized by law, shall expel any person from the Philippine Islands or shall compel such person to change his residence."
  • Violation of domicile, or "trespassing" elsewhere, is defined as "any public officer or employee who, not being authorized by judicial order, shall enter any dwelling against the will of the owner thereof, search papers or other effects found therein without the previous consent of such owner, or having surreptitiously entered said dwelling, and being required to leave the premises, shall refuse to do so
  • "Offending the religious feelings" is defined as "anyone who, in a place devoted to religious worship or during the celebration of any religious ceremony shall perform acts notoriously offensive to the feelings of the faithful."

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CrimeAggravating, exempting and mitigating circumstancesFine is not more than (unless specified)Arresto menorArresto mayorPrisión correccionalPrisión mayorReclusión temporalReclusión perpetuaDeathMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMax
Arbitrary detentionDetention has not exceeded three dayscolspan="2"
Detention is more than three days, but less than 15 dayscolspan="2"
Detention is more than 15 days, but less than six monthscolspan="3"
Detention has exceeded more than six monthscolspan="3"
Delay in the delivery of detained persons to the proper judicial authorities.Same as above penalties for arbitrary detention.
Delaying release
Expulsioncolspan="3"
Violation of domicileIf committed at night-time, or if any papers or effects not constituting evidence of a crime be not returned immediately after the search made by the offendercolspan="2"
All other cases
Search warrants maliciously obtained and abuse in the service of those legally obtained₱200,000colspan="2"
Searching domicile without witnessescolspan="2"
Prohibition, interruption and dissolution of peaceful meetings
Interruption of religious worshipIf committed with violence or threatscolspan="2"
All other cases
Offending the religious feelingscolspan="2"
::

Title Three: Crimes against public order

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CrimeAggravating, exempting and mitigating circumstancesFine is not more than (unless specified)Arresto menorArresto mayorPrisión correccionalPrisión mayorReclusión temporalReclusión perpetuaDeathMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMax
Rebellion or insurrectionOffender promotes, maintains, or heads₱20,000colspan="3"
Offender merely participating or executing the commands of others
Coup d'etatOffender leads or in any manner directs or commands others
If a public officer participates, or executes directions or commands of others
If not a public officer, and participates, or executes directions or commands of others
Conspiracy and proposal to commit coup d'etat₱1,000,000
Conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion₱1,000,000
Conspiracy and proposal to commit insurrection₱400,000
Disloyalty of public officers or employees
Inciting a rebellion or insurrection
SeditionIf leader₱2,000,000
Other participants₱1,000,000
Conspiracy to commit sedition₱400,000
Inciting to sedition₱400,000
Act tending to prevent the meeting of the Assembly and similar bodies₱40,000 to ₱400,000colspan="3"
Disturbance of proceedings₱200,000colspan="3"
Violation of parliamentary immunitycolspan="3"
Illegal assembliesIf leadercolspan="3"
If presentcolspan="3"
If present, and armedcolspan="3"
Illegal associationsIf founders, directors, and presidents₱200,000colspan="2"
If memberscolspan="3"
Direct assaultsIf assault is committed with a weapon, or against a person of authority₱200,000colspan="2"
All other cases₱100,000
Indirect assaults₱100,000colspan="2"
Disobedience to summons₱40,000 to ₱200,000colspan="3"
Resistance and disobedience to a person in authorityResist or seriously disobey₱100,000colspan="3"
Not of a serious nature₱2,000 to ₱20,000colspan="3"
Tumultuous disturbance or interruption liable to cause disturbanceIf serious disturbance₱200,000colspan="3"
If serious disturbance is of tumultuous charactercolspan="3"
If offender make any outcry tending to incite rebellion or sedition or in such place shall display placards or emblemscolspan="3"
If offender buries with pomp the body of a person who has been legally executed₱40,000colspan="3"
Unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances₱40,000 to ₱200,000colspan="3"
Alarms and scandals₱40,000colspan="3"
Delivery of prisoners from jailsIf offender removes from any jail or penal establishment any person confined therein or shall help the escape of such person, by means of violence, intimidation, or briberycolspan="2"
If by other meanscolspan="3"
Evasion of service of sentenceIf convict escapedcolspan="2"
If convict was unlawfully done
If convict violated conditions of pardon
::

Title Four: Crimes against public interest

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CrimeAggravating, exempting and mitigating circumstancesFine is not more than (unless specified)Arresto menorArresto mayorPrisión correccionalPrisión mayorReclusión temporalReclusión perpetuaDeathMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMax
Counterfeiting the great seal of the Government of the Philippine Islands, forging the signature or stamp of the Chief Executivecolspan="3"
Using forged signature or counterfeit seal or stampcolspan="3"
Making and importing and uttering false coinsIf coinage of the Philippines₱400,000colspan="2"
If counterfeit is from a foreign country₱200,000
Mutilation of coinsWith connivance₱400,000
Without connivancecolspan="3"
Forging treasury or bank notes on other documents payable to bearer; importing, and uttering such false or forged notes and documentsif the document is an obligation or security of the Philippines₱2,000,000
if the document is an obligation or security of a banking institution₱1,000,000
if the document is an obligation or security of a foreign government₱1,000,000
if the document is an obligation or security of a foreign bank₱400,000
Counterfeiting, importing and uttering instruments not payable to bearer₱1,200,000colspan="2"
Falsification of legislative documents₱1,200,000
Falsification by public officer, employee or notary or ecclesiastic minister₱1,000,000
Falsification by private individual and use of falsified documents₱1,000,000colspan="2"
Falsification of wireless, cable, telegraph and telephone messagesCreation of dispatchcolspan="2"
Usage of dispatchcolspan="2"
False medical certificates, false certificates of merits or service, etc.If physician or surgeon, or if a public officer₱200,000colspan="2"
If a private individualcolspan="3"
Usage of certificatescolspan="3"
Manufacturing and possession of instruments or implements for falsificationMaking or introduction₱1,000,000colspan="2"
Usagecolspan="2"
Using fictitious name and concealing true name.If offender publicly use a fictitious name for the purpose of concealing a crime, evading the execution of a judgment or causing damage₱100,000colspan="3"
If offender conceals his true name and other personal circumstances₱40,000colspan="3"
Illegal use of uniforms or insigniacolspan="3"
False testimony against a defendantIf the defendant was sentenced to deathcolspan="3"
if the defendant shall have been sentenced to reclusión temporal or reclusión perpetuacolspan="3"
If the defendant shall have been sentenced to any other afflictive penalty₱200,000colspan="3"
If the defendant shall have been sentenced to a correctional penalty or a fine, or shall have been acquittedcolspan="3"
False testimony favorable to the defendantsIf the prosecution is for a felony punishable by an afflictive penalty₱200,000colspan="2"
Any other casecolspan="3"
False testimony in civil casesIf amount is more than one million pesos₱1,000,000
If amount is less than one million pesos or cannot be estimated₱200,000
False testimony in other cases and perjury in solemn affirmationcolspan="2"
Offering false testimony in evidenceDepends on the penalties for any of the false testimony crimes.
Machinations in public auctions
Monopolies and combinations in restraint of tradeIf affects any food substance, motor fuel or lubricants, or other articles of prime necessitycolspan="2"
If other products or service
Importation and disposition of falsely marked articles or merchandise made of metals₱40,000colspan="3"
Subsisting and altering trade-mark, trade-names, or service marks₱50 to ₱2,000
Unfair competition, fraudulent registration of trade-mark, trade-name or service mark, fraudulent designation of origin, and false description
::

Title Five: Crimes relative to opium and other prohibited drugs

Repealed by Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Title Six: Crimes against public morals

Articles 195 to 199, which cover gambling, have been repealed by Presidential Decree 1602 as amended by Republic Act 9287.

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CrimeAggravating, exempting and mitigating circumstancesFine is not more than (unless specified)Arresto menorArresto mayorPrisión correccionalPrisión mayorReclusión temporalReclusión perpetuaDeathMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMax
Grave scandalcolspan="3"
Immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions and indecent shows₱20,000colspan="3"
ProstitutionIf recidivist₱20,000 to ₱200,000colspan="3"
All other cases₱20,000colspan="3"
::

Title Seven: Crimes committed by public officers

For purposes of this section, and elsewhere when cited, a public officer is a anyone who takes part in public functions of the government of the Philippines.

Other crimes committed by public officers are included in the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and other laws. ::data[format=table title=""]

CrimeAggravating, exempting and mitigating circumstancesFine is not more than (unless specified)Suspension or disqualificationArresto menorArresto mayorPrisión correccionalPrisión mayorReclusión temporalReclusión perpetuaDeathMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMax
Knowingly rendering unjust judgmentPerpetual absolute disqualificationcolspan="3"
Judgment rendered through negligenceTemporary special disqualificationcolspan="3"
Unjust interlocutory orderAll other casesSuspensioncolspan="3"
If offender have acted by reason of inexcusable negligence or ignorance, and order was manifestly unjust
Malicious delay in the administration of justice
Prosecution of offenses; negligence and toleranceSuspension
Betrayal of trust by an attorney or solicitor, or revelation of secrets₱40,000
Direct briberyAgrees to perform the crime in connection with his duties, in consideration with an offerNot less than the value of the gift and not more than three times such valueSpecial temporary disqualificationcolspan="2"
If the gift was accepted by the officer in consideration of the execution of an act which does not constitute a crime, and the officer executed said actNot less than the value of the gift and not more than twice such valuecolspan="2"
If the gift was accepted by the officer in consideration of the execution of an act which does not constitute a crime, and the officer did not execute said act
If the object for which the gift was received or promised was to make the public officer refrain from doing something which it was his official duty to doNot less than the value of the gift and not more than three times such valuecolspan="2"
Indirect briberycolspan="2"
Frauds against the public treasury and similar offenses₱40,000 to ₱2,000,000colspan="3"
Other fraudsTemporary special disqualification in its maximum period to perpetual special disqualification
Prohibited transactions₱40,000 to ₱2,000,000
Possession of prohibited interest by a public officer₱40,000 to ₱200,000colspan="3"
Malversation of public funds or propertyIf value is less than 40,000 pesosEqual to the amount of the funds misused or equal to the total value of the property embezzledPerpetual special disqualificationcolspan="2"
If value is more than 40,000 pesos and less than 1,200,000 pesoscolspan="2"
If value is more than 1,200,000 pesos and less than 2,400,000 pesoscolspan="2"
If value is more than 2,400,000 pesos and less than 4,400,000 pesoscolspan="2"
If value is more than 4,400,000 pesos and less than 8,800,000 pesos
If value is more than 8,800,000 pesos
Failure of accountable officer to render accounts₱40,000 to ₱1,200,000colspan="3"
Failure of a responsible public officer to render accounts before leaving the country₱40,000 to ₱200,000Temporary special disqualificationcolspan="3"
Failure to make delivery of public funds or property5% to 25% of the sum that was not deliveredcolspan="3"
Conniving with or consenting to evasion of prisonersIf the fugitive shall have been sentenced by final judgment to any penaltyTemporary special disqualification in its maximum period to perpetual special disqualificationcolspan="2"
If the fugitive shall not have been finally convicted but only held as a detention prisonerTemporary special disqualification
Evasion of prisoners through negligenceTemporary special disqualificationcolspan="2"
Escape of prisoner under the custody of a person not a public officerSame as the evasion of prisoners for public officers, only that it is one degree lower.
Removal, concealment or destruction of documentsWhen serious damage is caused₱200,000Temporary special disqualification in its maximum period to perpetual disqualificationcolspan="3"
When damage is not seriouscolspan="2"
Officer breaking seal₱400,000Temporary special disqualificationcolspan="2"
Opening of closed documents₱400,000Temporary special disqualificationcolspan="3"
Revelation of secrets by an officerWhen serious damage is caused₱400,000Perpetual special disqualificationcolspan="2"
When damage is not serious₱100,000Temporary special disqualification
Public officer revealing secrets of private individual₱200,000colspan="3"
Open disobedience to a judgment₱200,000Temporary special disqualification in its maximum periodcolspan="3"
Disobedience to order of superior officers, when said order was suspended by inferior officerPerpetual special disqualificationcolspan="2"
Refusal of assistance of a public officerWhen serious damage is caused₱200,000Perpetual special disqualificationcolspan="3"
When damage is not serious₱100,000colspan="2"
Refusal to discharge elective office₱200,000colspan="3"
Maltreatment of prisonersIf the purpose of the maltreatment is to extort a confession, or to obtain some information from the prisoner₱100,000Temporary special disqualification
All other casescolspan="3"
Anticipation of duties of a public office₱100,000Suspension
Prolonging performance of duties and powers of a public officer₱100,000Special temporary disqualification in its minimum period
Abandonment of office or position of a public officerIf abandoned top evade discharge of the duties preventing, prosecuting or punishing any of the crimecolspan="2"
All other casescolspan="3"
Usurpation of legislative powers₱200,000
Usurpation of executive functionscolspan="3"
Usurpation of judicial functionscolspan="3"
Disobeying request for disqualification₱100,000colspan="3"
Orders or requests by executive officers to any judicial authority₱100,000colspan="3"
Unlawful appointments₱200,000colspan="3"
Abuses against chastity by public officersIf against the wife, daughter, sister of relative within the same degree by affinity of any person in the custody of such warden or officer,Temporary special disqualificationcolspan="2"
All other casescolspan="2"
::

Title Eight: Crimes against persons

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CrimeAggravating, exempting and mitigating circumstancesFine is not more than (unless specified)Arresto menorArresto mayorPrisión correccionalPrisión mayorReclusión temporalReclusión perpetuaDeathMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMax
Parricidecolspan="2"
Murdercolspan="5"
Homicidecolspan="3"
Frustrated parricide, murder or homicideSame as respective punishments, only that it is one degree lower.
Death caused in a tumultuous affrayIf it cannot be ascertained who actually killed the deceased, but the person or persons who inflicted serious physical injuries can be identifiedcolspan="3"
If it cannot be determined who inflicted the serious physical injuriescolspan="3"
Physical injuries inflicted in a tumultuous affrayIf serious physical injuries are inflicted upon the participants thereof and the person responsible thereof cannot be identifiedSame as respective punishments, only that it is one degree lower.
When the physical injuries inflicted are of a less serious nature and the person responsible therefore cannot be identified
Giving assistance to suicideIf person successfully kills oneselfcolspan="3"
If a person merely assistedcolspan="3"
If person failed in killing oneselfcolspan="2"
Discharge of firearmsUnless it is an attempted or frustrated parricide, murder or homicidecolspan="2"
InfanticideIf committed by mother of the child for the purpose of concealing her dishonorcolspan="2"
If committed by maternal grandparentscolspan="3"
All other casesSame as parricide or murder
AbortionIf violence upon the person of the pregnant woman was donecolspan="3"
If without violence upon and without the consent of the womancolspan="3"
If the woman consentedcolspan="2"
Unintentional abortionIf violence was donecolspan="2"
Abortion practiced by the woman herself of by her parentsIf practiced upon herself or consent to another personcolspan="2"
If practiced upon herself to conceal dishonorcolspan="2"
If practiced by her parents for concealing her dishonorcolspan="2"
Abortion practiced by a physician or midwife and dispensing of abortivesIf violence upon the person of the pregnant woman was done
If without violence upon and without the consent of the woman
If the woman consented
If pharmacist who, without the proper prescription from a physician shall dispense any abortive₱100,000colspan="3"
DuelingIf adversary was killedcolspan="3"
If no physical injuries inflictedcolspan="3"
Challenging to a duel
MutilationIf victim was deprived either totally or partially, or some essential organ of reproduction.colspan="4"
All other casescolspan="2"
Serious physical injuriesIf the injured person shall become insane, imbecile, impotent, or blindcolspan="3"
If person injured shall have lost the use of speech or the power to hear or to smell, or shall have lost an eye, a hand, a foot, an arm, or a leg or shall have lost the use of any such member, or shall have become incapacitated for the workcolspan="2"
If the person injured shall have become deformed, or shall have lost any other part of his body, or shall have lost the use thereof, or shall have been ill or incapacitated for the performance of the workcolspan="2"
If the physical injuries inflicted shall have caused the illness or incapacity for labor of the injured person for more than thirty dayscolspan="3"
Administering injurious substances or beveragesSame as serious physical injuries.
Less serious physical injuriesIf the physical injuries inflicted shall have caused the illness or incapacity for labor of the injured person for 10 days or morecolspan="3"
If manifest intent to insult or offend the injured person, or under circumstances adding ignominy to the offense₱50,000colspan="3"
Inflicted upon the offender's parents, ascendants, guardians, curators, teachers, or persons of rank, or persons in authoritycolspan="2"
Slight physical injuries and maltreatmentIf the offender has inflicted physical injuries which shall incapacitate the offended party for labor from one to nine days, or shall require medical attendancecolspan="3"
If it caused physical injuries which do not prevent the offended party from engaging in his habitual work nor require medical assistance₱40,000colspan="3" , or fine.
If the offender shall ill-treat another by deed without causing any injury, or fine
Rape, when offender has carnal knowledge of a womanAll other cases
If done with a deadly weaponcolspan="2"
If victim became insanecolspan="2"
If rape is attempted and homicide is committedcolspan="2"
If rape and homicide is committed
When the victim is under eighteen (18) years of age and the offender is a parent, ascendant, step-parent, guardian, relative by consanguinity or affinity within the third civil degree, or the common-law spouse of the parent of the victim
When the victim is under the custody of the police or military authorities or any law enforcement or penal institution
When the rape is committed in full view of the spouse, parent, any of the children or other relatives within the third civil degree of consanguinity
When the victim is a religious engaged in legitimate religious vocation or calling and is personally known to be such by the offender
When the victim is a child below seven years old
When the offender knows that he is afflicted with the Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or any other sexually transmissible disease and the virus or disease is transmitted to the victim
When committed by any member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or para-military units thereof or the Philippine National Police or any law enforcement agency or penal institution, when the offender took advantage of his position to facilitate the commission of the crime
When by reason or on the occasion of the rape, the victim has suffered permanent physical mutilation or disability
When the offender knew of the pregnancy of the offended party at the time of the commission of the crime
When the offender knew of the mental disability, emotional disorder and/or physical handicap of the offended party
Rape, if inserting his penis into another person's mouth or anal orifice, or any instrument or object, into the genital or anal orifice of another personWhenever the rape is committed with the use of a deadly weapon or by two or more personscolspan="6"
When by reason or on the occasion of the rape, the victim has become insanecolspan="3"
If rape is attempted and homicide is committedcolspan="4"
If rape and homicide is committed
Acts of lasciviousnesscolspan="3"
::

Title Nine: Crimes against personal liberty and security

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CrimeAggravating, exempting and mitigating circumstancesFine is not more than (unless specified)Arresto menorArresto mayorPrisión correccionalPrisión mayorReclusión temporalReclusión perpetuaDeathMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMax
Kidnapping and serious illegal detentionIf committed for the purpose of extorting ransom
All other casescolspan="2"
Slight illegal detentionIf offender released victim within three days of detention, did not attain purpose, and before proceedings against him₱100,000colspan="2"
All other casescolspan="3"
Unlawful arrest₱100,000colspan="3"
Kidnapping and failure to return a minor
Inducing a minor to abandon his homeIf offender is parent of the minor₱40,000colspan="3"
All other cases₱100,000colspan="3"
SlaveryIf purpose is for illegal trafficking
All other casescolspan="3"
Child laborcolspan="2"
Services rendered under compulsion in payment of debtcolspan="2"
Abandonment of person in danger and abandonment of one's own victimcolspan="3"
Abandoning a minorIf minor died₱100,000colspan="2"
If minor was merely in dangercolspan="2"
All other casescolspan="3"
Abandonment of minor by person entrusted with his custody₱100,000colspan="3"
Exploitation of minors₱100,000colspan="2"
Qualified trespass to dwellingIf committed by violence or intimidation₱200,000colspan="2"
All other casescolspan="3"
Other forms of trespass₱40,000colspan="3"
Light threatscolspan="3"
Other light threats₱40,000colspan="3"
Grave coercions₱100,000colspan="3"
Light coercions₱15,000colspan="3"
Other coercions or unjust vexations₱1,000 to ₱40,000colspan="3"
Compulsory purchase of merchandise and payment of wages by means of tokens₱40,000 to ₱100,000colspan="3"
Formation, maintenance and prohibition of combination of capital or labor through violence or threats₱60,000colspan="3"
Discovering secrets through seizure of correspondenceIf secrets were revealed₱100,000colspan="2"
If secrets were not revealedcolspan="3"
Revealing secrets with abuse of officeIf secrets were revealed₱100,000colspan="3"
Revelation of industrial secrets₱100,000colspan="2"
::

Title Ten: Crimes against property

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CrimeAggravating, exempting and mitigating circumstancesFine is not more than (unless specified)Arresto menorArresto mayorPrisión correccionalPrisión mayorReclusión temporalReclusión perpetuaDeathMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMax
Robbery with violence against or intimidation of personsIf the crime of homicide shall have been committed; or when the robbery shall have been accompanied by rape or intentional mutilation or arsoncolspan="2"
If serious physical injuries have been inflictedcolspan="3"
If physical injuries have been inflictedcolspan="3"
If light physical injuries have been inflictedcolspan="3"
All other casescolspan="3"
Attempted and frustrated robberycolspan="2"
BrigandageIf not acts cannot be punished by higher penaltiescolspan="3"
If acts can be punished by higher penaltiesThe higher penalties will then be followed.
Aiding and abetting a band of brigandscolspan="3"
TheftIf value is more than 2,200,000 pesos
If value is more than 1,200,000 pesos but less than 2,200,000 pesoscolspan="2"
If value is more than 20,000 pesos but less than 600,000 pesoscolspan="2"
If value is more than 5,000 pesos but less than 20,000 pesoscolspan="2"
If value is more than 500 pesos but less than 5,000 pesoscolspan="2"
If value is less than 500 pesoscolspan="3"
If value is less than 500 pesos, and enter an enclosed estate or a field where trespass is forbidden or which belongs to another and without the consent of its ownercolspan="3"
If value is less than 500 pesos, and if offender under the impulse of hunger, poverty, etc.
Theft of the property of the National Library and National Museum₱40,000 to ₱100,000colspan="3"
Occupation of real property or usurpation of real rights in property₱15,000
Altering boundaries or landmarks₱20,000colspan="3"
Fraudulent insolvencyIf a merchantcolspan="3"
If not a merchantcolspan="3"
Swindling (estafa)If value is more than 4,400,000 pesos
If value is more than 2,400,000 pesos but less than 4,400,000 pesoscolspan="2"
If value is more than 1,200,000 pesos but less than 2,400,000 pesoscolspan="2"
If value is more than 40,000 pesos but less than 1,200,000 pesoscolspan="2"
If value is less than 40,000 pesos
Other forms of swindlingNot less than the value of damage causedcolspan="2"
Swindling a minorcolspan="3"
Other deceits, including fortune-telling₱40,000colspan="3"
Removal, sale or pledge of mortgaged propertycolspan="3"
Destructive arsoncolspan="2"
Other forms of arsonVarying circumstancescolspan="10"
Malicious mischief (property damage)If damage exceeds 200,000 pesoscolspan="2"
If damage exceeds 40,000 pesos, but less than 200.000 pesoscolspan="3"
If damage is less than 40,000 pesoscolspan="3"
Other mischiefsIf damage exceeds 200,000 pesoscolspan="2"
If damage exceeds 40,000 pesos, but less than 200.000 pesoscolspan="2"
If damage is less than 40,000 pesos, or if it cannot be estimatedcolspan="3"
Damage and obstruction to means of communicationIf it caused an accidentcolspan="3"
All other casescolspan="2"
Destroying or damaging statues, public monuments or paintingsDestroy or damage statues or any other useful or ornamental public monumentcolspan="3"
Destroy or damage any useful or ornamental painting of a public nature₱40,000colspan="3"
::

Title Eleven: Crimes against chastity

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CrimeAggravating, exempting and mitigating circumstancesFine is not more than (unless specified)Suspension or disqualificationArresto menorArresto mayorPrisión correccionalPrisión mayorReclusión temporalReclusión perpetuaDeathMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMax
Adulterycolspan="2"
ConcubinageIf the husbandcolspan="2"
If the concubineThe penalty shall be destierro
Qualified seductionAll other casescolspan="2"
If seduced his sister or descendantcolspan="2"
Simple seductioncolspan="3"
Acts of lasciviousness with the consent of the offended partycolspan="3"
Corruption of minorsIf a public officerTemporary absolute disqualificationcolspan="3" rowspan="2"
All other cases
White slave tradecolspan="2"
Forcible abductioncolspan="3"
Consented abductioncolspan="2"
::

Title Twelve: Crimes against civil status of persons

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CrimeAggravating, exempting and mitigating circumstancesFine is not more than (unless specified)Suspension or disqualificationArresto menorArresto mayorPrisión correccionalPrisión mayorReclusión temporalReclusión perpetuaDeathMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMax
Simulation of births, substitution of one child for another and concealment or abandonment of a legitimate childIf physician or public officer₱200,000Temporary special disqualificationcolspan="3"
All other cases
Usurpation of civil statusIf done with the intent to defraud the offended partcolspan="3"
All other casescolspan="2"
Bigamycolspan="3"
Marriage contracted against provisions of lawsIf either of the contracting parties shall obtain the consent of the other by means of violence, intimidation or fraud
All other casescolspan="2"
Premature marriagescolspan="3"
::

Title Thirteen: Crimes against honor

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CrimeAggravating, exempting and mitigating circumstancesFine is not more than (unless specified)Arresto menorArresto mayorPrisión correccionalPrisión mayorReclusión temporalReclusión perpetuaDeathMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMax
Libel means by writings or similar means₱40,000 to ₱1,200,000colspan="2"
Threatening to publish libelous statements and offer to present such publication for a compensation₱40,000 to ₱400,000colspan="3"
Prohibited publication of acts referred to in the course of official libel proceedings₱40,000 to ₱200,000colspan="3"
SlanderIf of insulting naturecolspan="2"
Not of insulting nature₱20,000colspan="3"
Slander by deedIf of serious naturecolspan="2"
Not of serious nature₱20,000colspan="3"
Incriminating innocent personcolspan="3"
Intriguing against honor₱20,000colspan="3"
::

Title Fourteen: Quasi-offenses (criminal negligence)

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CrimeAggravating, exempting and mitigating circumstancesFine is not more than (unless specified)Arresto menorArresto mayorPrisión correccionalPrisión mayorReclusión temporalReclusión perpetuaDeathMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMaxMinMedMax
Imprudence and negligenceIf intentional act caused a grave felonycolspan="3"
If imprudent act caused a grave felonycolspan="2"
If act caused damage to propertyAn amount equal to the value of said damages to 3 times such value
If imprudent act caused some wrong, and if done maliciously, would have been a light felony₱40,000
::

Title Fifteen: Final provisions

This includes provisions on crimes committed prior to the code to be applied under the laws at that time, and a repealing clause.

Other penalties

  • Qualified bribery: If any public officer is entrusted with law enforcement and he refrains from arresting or prosecuting an offender who has committed a crime punishable by reclusión perpetua and/or death in consideration of any offer, promise, gift or present, he shall suffer the penalty for the offense which was not prosecuted.
    • If it is the public officer who asks or demands such gift or present, he shall suffer the penalty of death.
  • Corruption of public officials: The same penalties on the person corrupted except those of disqualification and suspension, shall be imposed upon any person who shall have made the offers or promises or given the gifts or presents as described in the preceding articles. (Chapter 2, Section 2.)
  • Death or physical injuries inflicted under exceptional circumstances
    • Any legally married person who having surprised his spouse in the act of committing sexual intercourse with another person, shall kill any of them or both of them in the act or immediately thereafter, or shall inflict upon them any serious physical injury, shall suffer the penalty of destierro.
    • If he shall inflict upon them physical injuries of any other kind, he shall be exempt from punishment.
  • Dueling, if causing injury, will be treated as if it's a normal crime (as serious physical injuries or assault)
  • Grave threats: The penalty next lower in degree than that prescribed by law for the crime be threatened to commit, if the offender shall not have attained his purpose, the penalty lower by two degrees shall be imposed.

Amendments

The code has been amended and repealed multiple times:

References

References

  1. (December 13, 1993). "Republic Act No. 7659 : AN ACT TO IMPOSE THE DEATH PENALTY ON CERTAIN HEINOUS CRIMES, AMENDING FOR THAT PURPOSE THE REVISED PENAL LAWS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES". The Corpus Juris.
  2. Salaverria, Leila B.. (September 1, 2017). "Stiffer fines, penalties under Revised Penal Code".
  3. "Act No. 3815 - AN ACT REVISING THE PENAL CODE AND OTHER PENAL LAWS. - Supreme Court E-Library".

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