COURSE SYLLABUS IN CRIMINAL LAW I

1. CRIMINAL LAW: DEFINITION AND SOURCES

A. Definition

B. Punishment of Crimes: Statutory Basis

1. Sources
Constitution (1987), Art. II, Sec. 5
Constitution (1987), Art VI, Sec. 1

Cases:

US v. Pablo, 35 Phil 94 (1916)

People v. Santiago, 43 Phil 124 (1922)

2. Limitations
Constitution (1987), Art. III, Secs. 1 14(1)
1985 Rules on Criminal Procedure, Rule 115
Civil Code, Art. 2

Cases:

Tanada v. Tuvera, 136 SCRA 27 (1985)

Pesigan v. Angeles, 129 SCRA 174 (1984)

3. Penological objectives
A.F. Tadiar Philosophy of a Penal Code 52 Phil
LJ 165 (1977).

C. Basic Principles

1. Generality of Criminal Law

Constitution (1987), Art. VI, Sec. 1
Civil Code, Art. 14
Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), Art. V

Cases:
US v. Sweet, 1 Phil 18 (1901)
Liang v. People, 355 SCRA 125

2. Principle of Territoriality
RPC, Art. 2
 Constitution (1987), Art. 1
VFA, Art. V

Cases:
US v. Ah Sing, 36 Phil 978 (1917)
Miquiabas v. Commanding General,
80 Phil 262 (1948)

3. Prospective Application
RPC, Arts. 21, 22
Civil Code, Art. 4

Case:
Gumabon v. Director of Prisons, 37
SCRA 420 (1971)

4. Nullum Crimen Poena Sine Lege

RPC, Arts. 3, 21

Cases:
Bernardo v. People, 123 SCRA 365
(1983)
People v. Pimentel, 288 SCRA 542
(1998)

5. Strict Construction of penal laws against State

Constitution (1987), Art. III, Sec. 14 (2)

Case:
People v. Bon, G.R. No. 166401, 30
October 2006
Pascual v. Board of Examiners, 28
SCRA 344 (1969)

D. General Provisions
RPC, Art. 1, 2

II. FELONIES

A. HOW COMMITTED

1. Dolo
RPC, Art. 3

a. Elements
b. Presumption of Criminal Intent
c. General and specific intent
d. Intent and motive

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 Cases:
Manuel v. People, 476 SCRA 461
(2005)
People v. Delos Santos, 403 SCRA153
(2003)
Guiyab v. People, 473 SCRA 533
(2005)
People v. Temblor, 161 SCRA 623
(1988)
People v. Hassan, 157 SCRA 261
(1988)

e. Mistake of Fact

Cases:
US v. Ah Chong, 15 Phil 488 (1910)
People v. Oanis, 74 Phil 257 (1943)

2. Culpa
RPC, Arts 3, 365

a. Elements
b. Distinguished from dolo

Case:
Ivler vs. Hon. Modesto-San Pedro
(G.R. No. 172716, Nov. 17, 2010)
People v. Buan, 22 SCRA 1383 (1968)

B. CRIMES DEFINED AND PENALIZED BY SPECIAL

LAWS

1. Crimes mala in se and mala prohibita

Case:
Estrada v. Sandiganbayan 369 SCRA
394 (2001)

2. Relation of RPC to special laws

RPC, Art. 10

Cases:
Padilla v. Dizon, 158 SCRA 127 (1988)
Padilla v. Court of Appeals, 269 SCRA
402 (1997)

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C. PUNISHABLE CONDUCT

1. Wrongful act different from that intended

RPC, Art. 4 (1)

Case:
People v. Cabareño, 349 SCRA 297
(2001)
People v. Sabalones, 294 SCRA 751
(1988)

2. Ommission
RPC, Arts. 116, 137, 208, 223,234,275
Pres. Dec. Nos. 953, 1153

3. Proposal and Conspiracy

RPC Arts. 8, 115, 136, 141, 186, 306,340

Cases:
US v. Bautista, 6 Phil. 581 (1906)
People vs. Vengco, 127 SCRA 242
(1984)
People v. Valdez, 159 SCRA 153
(1988)
People v. Escober, 157 SCRA 541
(1988)
People v. Elijorde, 306 SCRA 188
(1999)
Li v. People, 427 SCRA 217 (2004)

4. Attempt
RPC, Art. 6

Cases:
People v. Lamahang, 61 Phil 703
(1935)
People v. Dio, 130 SCRA 151 (1984)
People v. Trinidad, 169 SCRA 51
(1989)
People v. Campuhan, G.R. No. 129433,
March 30, 2000
Rivera v. People, 480 SCRA 188 (2006)
Velasco v. People, 483 SCRA 649
(2006)
Baleros v. People, 483 SCRA 10 (2006)

5. Frustration

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 RPC, Art. 6

Cases:
People v. Erinia, 50 Phil. 998 (1927)
People v. Orita, 184 SCRA 105 (1990)
People vs. Listerio

6. Consummation
RPC. Art. 6

Cases:
US v. Adiao, 38 Phil 754 (1955)
People v. Hernandez, 49 Phil 980
(1925)
Valenzuela vs. People, GR No. 160188
(June 21, 2007)

D. Classification of Felonies

1. Grave
2. Less Grave
3. Light Felonies
RPC, Art. 9
RPC, Art. 7
4. R.A. 10951 Section 1 amending RPC Art. 9

III. CRIMINAL LIABILITY

A. How incurred

1. Commission of felony
2. Wrongful act different from what was intended
3. Impossible crimes
RPC, Art. 4

Cases:
Urbano v. IAC, 157 SCRA 1 (1998)
Intod v. CA, 215 SCRA 52 (1992)

B. Circumstances affecting criminal liability

1. Justifying circumstances
RPC, Art. 11

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 SELF-DEFENSE, DEFENSE OF RELATIVES AND
STRANGERS, DEFENSE OF PROPERTY, DEFENSE OF
REPUTATION

Cases:
People v. Rubiso, 399 SCRA 267
People v. Enfectana, 381 SCRA 359
(2002)
People v. Genosa 419 SCRA 537
(2004)
See R.A. 9262 Section 3, Section 26
People v. Narvaez, 121 SCRA 389
(1983)
People v. Boholst-Caballero, 61 SCRA
180 (1974)
People v. Alconga, 78 Phil 366 (1947)
People v. Sumicad, 56 Phil. 643 (1932)
People v. Luague, 62 Phil 504 (1935)
People v. Dela Cruz, 61 Phil 344
( 1935)
People v. Jaurigue, 76 Phil 174 (1946)
US v. Bumanglang, 14 Phil 644 (1909)

 STATE OF NECESSITY (AVOIDANCE OF GREAT EVIL)

People v. Ricohermoso, 56 SCRA 431

(1974)
Ty v. People, 439 SCRA220 (2004)

 FULFILLMENT OF DUTY OR LAWFUL EXERCISE OF

RIGHT
Civil Code, Art. 429

Cases:

People v. Ulep, 340 SCRA 688 (2000)

Cabanlig v. Sandiganbayan, 464 SCRA
324 (2005)
People v. Delima, 46 Phil 738 (1922)
People v. Oanis, 74 Phil 257 (1943)

 OBEDIENCE TO SUPERIOR ORDER

Cases;
People v. Beronilla, 96 Phil 566 (1955)
Tabuena v. Sandiganbayan, 268 SCRA
332 (1997)

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 2. Exempting Circumstances
RPC, Art. 12

 INSANITY AND IMBECILITY

Cases:
In Re: M’Naghten, 8 Eng. Rep. 718
(reserve section Library)
People vs. Tabugoca, 285 SCRA 312
(1998)
People v. Madarang. 332 SCRA 99
(2000)
People v. Bonoan; 64 Phil 87 (1937)
People v. Taneo, 58 Phil 255 (1933)
People v. Formigones, 87 Phil 658
(1950)

 MINORITY
RPC, Art. 80
RA 9344 Sections 6 & 58
Pres. Dec. No. 603, Arts. 189 at seq.
Rule on Commitment of Children (A.M. No. 02-1-
19-SC)
Rule on Juveniles in Conflict with Law (A.M. No. 02-
1-18-SC)

Cases:
People v. Doquena, 68 Phil 580 (1939)
Llave v. People 488 SCRA 376 (2006)

 ACCIDENT

Pomoy v. People, 439 SCRA 439

(2004)
People v. Agliday, 367 SCRA 273
(2001)
US v. Tanedo, 15 Phil 196 (1910)
People v. Bindoy, 56 Phil 15 (1931)

 IRRESISTABLE FORCE/UNCONTROLLABLE FEAR

Ty v. People, 439 SCRA 220 (2004)

People v. Lising, 285 SCRA 595 (1998)
People v. Elicanal, 35 Phil 209 (1916)
US v. Caballeros, 4 Phil 350 (1905)
US v. Exaltacion, 3 Phil 339 (1905)
People v. Fronda, 222 SCRA 71 (1993)

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 INSUPERABLE OR LAWFUL CAUSES

US v. Vincentillo, 19 Phil 118 (1911)

People v. Bandian, 63 Phil 530 (1936)

3. Mitigating Cirumstances
RPC, Art. 13

 INCOMPLETE JUSTIFICATION/EXEMPTION
 UNDER 18 OR OVER 70 YEARS OF AGE
 NO INTENTION TO COMMIT SO GRAVE A WRONG

Cases:
People v. Court of Appeals and
Tangan, 352 SCRA 599 (2001)
People v. Ural, 56 SCRA 138 (1974)
People v. Amit, 32 SCRA 95 (1970)
People v. Regato, 127 SCRA 287
(1984)

 SUFFICIENT PROVOCATION OR THREAT

People v. Beltran, G.R. No. 168051, 27

September 2006
People v. Pagal, 79 SCRA 570 (1977)
Romero v. People, 434 SCRA 467

 IMMEDIATE VINDICATION OF A GRAVE OFFENSE

US v. Ampar, 37 Phil 201 (1917)

People v. Parana, 64 Phil 331 (1937)
People v. Diokno, 63 Phil 601 (1936 )
People v. Torpio, 431 SCRA 9 (2004)

 PASSION OR OBFUSCATION

People v. Bates, 400 SCRA 95 (2003)

People v. Genosa, 419 SCRA 537
(2004)
People v. Muit, 117 SCRA 696 (1982)
US v. Hicks, 14 Phil 217 (1909)
US v. Dela Cruz. 22 Phil 429 (1912)
People v. Germina, 290 SCRA 146
(1998)

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 VOLUNTARY SURRENDER

Cases:
People v. Basite, 412 SCRA 558 (2003)
People v. Quimson, 427 SCRA 261
(2004)
People v. Pinca, 318 SCRA 270 (1999)
People v. Amaguin, 229 SCRA 166
(1994)
People v. Dulos, 237 SCRA 141 (1994)

 PLEA OF GUILT

People v. Montinola, 360 SCRA 631

People v. Crisostomo, 160 SCRA 47
(1988)
People v. Jose, et al., 37 SCRA 450
(1971)

 PHYSICAL DEFECTS
 ILLNESS

ANALOGOUS MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES

4. Aggravating Circumstances
RPC, Art. 14

 TAKING ADVANTAGE OF PUBLIC OFFICE

RPC , Art. 19 (3)

Cases:
People v. Villamor, 373 SCRA 254
(2002)
People v. Capalac, 117 SCRA 874
(1982)
People v. Gapasin, 231 SCRA 728
(1994)

 IN CONTEMPT OF OR WITH INSULT TO PUBLIC

AUTHORITIES
 WITH INSULT OR LACK OF REGARD DUE TO
OFFENDED PARTY BY REASON OF RANK, AGE, OR
SEX
 DWELLING

9
 People v. Montinola, 360 SCRA 631
(2001)
Mari v. Court of Appeals, 332 SCRA
475 (2000)
People v. Rodil, 109 SCRA 308 (1981)
People v. Daniel, 86 SCRA 511 (1978
People v. Banez, 301 SCRA 248 (1999)
People v. Lapaz, 171 SCRA 539 (1989)

 ABUSE OF CONFIDENCE AND OBVIOUS

UNGRATEFULNESS

People v. Arrojado, 350 SCRA 679

(2001)
People v. Mandolado, 123 SCRA 128
(1983)

 CRIME IN PALACE OR IN PRESENCE OF THE CHIEF

EXECUITIVE
 NIGHTTIME, UNINHABITED PLACE OR WITH BAND
RPC, Art 296

Cases:
People v. Silva, 387 SCRA 77
(2002)
People v. Librando, 335 SCRA
232
People v. Jose, supra
People v. Desalisa, 229 SCRA 35
(1994)

 ON OCCASION OF A CALAMITY
 AID OR ARMED MEN OR MEANS TO ENSURE
IMPUNITY
 RECIDIVISM
RPC, Art. 160

Case:
People v. Dacillo, 427 SCRA 528
People v. Molina, 336 SCRA 400
(2000)

 REITERACION OR HABITUALITY
RPC, Arts. 62 (5), 160

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 Case:
People v. Cajara, 341 SCRA 192
(2000)
People v. Gaorana, 289 SCRA
652 (1998)
People v. Villapando, 178 SCRA
341 (1989)

 PRICE, REWARD OR PROMISE

 INUNDATION, FIRE, POISON
 EVIDENT PREMIDETATION

People v. Uganap, 358 SCRA 674

People v. Campomanes, 376
SCRA 307 (2002)
People v. Bibat, 290 SCRA 27
(1988)
People v. Lug-aw, 229 SCRA 308
(1994)
People v. Camilet, 142 SCRA 402
(1986)
People v. Ilaoa, 233 SCRA 231
(1984)

 CRAFT, FRAUD OR DISGUISE

People v. Labuguen, 337 SCRA

488 (2000)
People v. Marquez, 117 SCRA
165 (1982)
People v. Empacis, 222 SCRA 59
(1993)

 SUPERIOR STRENGTH OR MEANS TO WEAKEN

DEFENSE

People v. Ambrocio, 433 SCRA

67 (2004)
People v. Cabato, 160 SCRA 98
(1988)
People vs. Ruelan, 231 SCRA
650 (1994)
People v. Padilla, 233 SCRA 46
(1994)

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  TREACHERY

People v. Jorolan, 404 SCRA 564

(2003)
People v. Malejana, 479 SCRA
610 (2006)
People v. Castillo, 289 SCRA 213
(1998)
People v. Sangalang, 58 SCRA
737 (1974)
People v. Gutierrez, 158 SCRA
614 (1988)
People v. Verchez, 233 SCRA
174 (1994)

 IGNOMINY

People v. Bumidang, 346 SCRA

807 (2000)
People v. Siao, 327 SCRA 269
(2000)

 UNLAWFUL ENTRY

People v. Baello, 224 SCRA 218

(1993)

 BREAKING WALL, FLOOR, ROOF

 WITH AID OF PERSONS UNDER 15 OR BY MOTOR
VEHICLE
 CRUELTY

People v. Guerrero, 389 SCRA

389 (2002)
People v. Lacao, 60 SCRA 89
(1974)
People v. Ilaoa, Supra

SPECIAL AGGRAVATING
CIRCUMSTANCE/QUALIFYING
RPC, Art. 266-B

Case:
People v. Balgos, 323 SCRA 372
(2000)

` 5. Alternative Circumstances

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 RPC, Art. 15

 RELATIONSHIP

Case:
People v. Marcos, 349 SCRA 537
(2001)
People v. Atop, 286 SCRA 157
(1998)

 INTOXICATION
People v. Marquita, 327 SCRA 41
(2000)
People v. Renejane, 158 SCRA
258 (1988)
People v. Camano 115 SCRA 688
(1982)

 DEGREE OF INSTRUCTION AND EDUCATION

6, Absolutory Causes and Other Special Situations

a. Entrapment and Instigation

Chang v. People, 496 SCRA321
(2006)
People v. Sy G.R. No. 171397, 27
September 2006
People v. Lua Chu, 56 Phil 44
(1931)
Araneta v. CA, 142 SCRA532
(1986)

b. Effect of Pardon
RPC , Art. 23
Rep. Act. No. 8353

c. Absolutory Causes
RPC, Art. 6 (3), 7, 20, 16, 247, 280, 332,
344

d. Acts not covered by law and in case of

excessive punishment
RPC , Art. 5

Case:
People v. Veneracion, 249 SCRA
244 (1995)

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IV. PERSONS CRIMINALLY LIABLE

A. In Grave and Less Grave Felonies

1. Principals
RPC, Art. 17

Case:
People v. Ragundiaz, 334 SCRA
193 (2000)

a. by direct participation

Cases:
People v. Dacillo, 427 SCRA 528
(2004)
People v. Nunag, 173 SCRA 274
(1989)
People v. Dela Cerna, 21 SCRA
569 (1967)

b. by inducement

People v. Dela Cruz, 97 SCRA

385 (1980)
US v. Idianan, 24 Phil. 203
(1913)

c. by indispensable cooperation

People v. Montealegre, 161

SCRA 700 (1988)

2. Accomplices
RPC, Art. 18

Cases:
People v. Roche, 330 SCRA 91
(2000)
People v. Tolentino, 380 SCRA
171 (2002)
People v. Geraldo, 438 SCRA 78
(2006)
People v. Mandolado, supra
People v. Doctolero, 193 SCRA
632 (1991)

3. Accessories
RPC, Arts. 19., 20

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 Presidential Decree No. 1612

Case:
People v. Tolentino, 380 SCRA
171 2002)
People vs. Mariano, 347 SCRA
109 (2000)
People v. Talingdan, 84 SCRA 19
(1978)
V. PENALTIES

A. General Principles

1, No ex post facto laws and other Constitutional

prohibitions
RPC, Art. 21
Constitution (1987), Art. III, Secs. 18 (1) & (2), 19
(1), 20 , 22

Cases:
In Re: Kay Villegas Kami, 35
SCRA 429 (1970)
People v. Ferrer, 48 SCRA 382
(1972)
People v. Bracamonte, 257 SCRA
380 (1996)
People v. Valdez, G.. R. No.
127663, 11 March 1999

2. Prospectivity; Exception
RPC, Art. 21, 22
Civil Code Art. 4

Cases:
People v. Gallo, 315 SCRA
461 (1999)
People v. Patalin, 311
SCRA 187 (1999)

3. Effect of Repeal of Penal Laws

a. With reenactment
b. Without reenactment

Case:
People v. Pimentel, supra

B. Penalties which may be imposed

RPC, Art. 25

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 1. Principal Penalties
2. Accessory Penalties

C. Specific Principal and Accessory Penalties

1. Capital Punishment
Republic Act No. 7659
Republic Act No. 8177 and Implementing
Rules and Regulations
Constitution (1987), Art. III, Sec. 19
RPC, Art. 40 , 47, 81-85

Cases:
People v. Echegaray, 257 SCRA
561 (1996)
Echegaray v. Secretary of
Justice, G.R. No. 132601,
Resolution dated 4 and 19 January 1999
People v, Esparas, et al., 260
SCRA 539 (1996)
People v. Munoz, 170 SCRA 107
(1989)

2. Afflictive Penalties
RPC, Art. 27, 41-42

a. Reclusion Perpetua

i. As Invisible Penalty

Case:
People v. Gatward, 267 SCRA
785 (1997)

ii. Distinguish from Life

Imprisonment

People v. Ballabare, 264

SCRA 350 (1996)

b. Reclusion Temporal
c. Prision Mayor

3. Correctional Penalties

a. Prision Correccional

16
 b. Arresto Mayor
RPC, Art. 27, 39, 43, 44

4. Light Penalties

a. Arresto Menor
b. Public Censure
RPC, Art. 27, 39, 44

5. Penalties common to afflictive, correctional and

light penalties

a. Fine
b. Bond to keep the peace
RPC, Arts. 25 , 26, 35, 66

D. Accessory Penalties
RPC, Arts 30-34, 41-45

1. Perpetual or Temporary Absolute Disqualification;

2. Perpetual or Temporary Special Disqualification
3. Suspension from Public Office, the Right to Vote
and be Voted for, the Right to Practice a Profession
or Calling;
4. Civil Interdiction;
5. Indemnification or Confiscation of Instruments or
Proceeds of the Offense
6. Payment Costs

E. Measures Not Considered Penalty

RPC , Art. 24
Family Code, Art. 228-229

F. Application and Computation of Penalties

1. Generally
RPC Art. 28, 29, 46

Case:
People v. Formigones, 87 Phil.
658 (1950)

1.1. RA 10592, "An Act Amending Article 29, 94,

97, 98 and 99 of the RPC"

2. Principals, Accomplices and Accessories in

Consummated, Frustrated and Attempted Felonies
RPC, Arts. 46, 50-57, 60-61

17
 Case:
People v. Campuhan,
supra

3. Effects of Mitigating and Aggravating

Circumstances
RPC, Art. 62-64, 67, 69

Case:
Lacanilao v. CA, 162 SCRA
563 (1988)

G. Special Rules

1. Complex Crimes
RPC, Art. 48

Cases:
People v. Escober, supra
People v. Hernandez, 99 Phil.
515 (1956)
People v. Geronimo, 100 Phil. 99
(1956)
Ponce Enrile v. Salazar, 186
SCRA 217 (1990)
People v. Toling, 62 SCRA 17
(1975)

2. Special Complex Crimes

People v. Fabon, 328 SCRA 302

(2000)
People v. Empante, 306 SCRA
251 (1999)

3. Crime different from that intended

RPC, Art. 49

4. Impossible Crimes
RPC, Arts. 4, 59

5. Additional penalty for certain accessories

RPC, Art. 58

6. Where the offender is below 18 years old

RPC, Art. 68
Presidential Decree No. 603, Art. 192

7. The Three-Fold Rule

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 RPC, Art. 70

Case:
Mejorada v. Sandiganbayan, 151 SCRA
339 (1987)

8. Where the penalty is composed of three periods

RPC, Art. 65

H. The Indeterminate Sentence Law

Act. No. 4103
RPC, Art. 64

Cases:
Dela Cruz v. CA, 265 SCRA
299 (1996)
People v. Campuhan,
supra
People v. Saley, supra

I. Execution Service Penalties

1. Execution of Penalties
RPC, Art.s. 78, 86-88
Rules and Regulations to Implement R.A. 8177
In the Matter of the Petition for Habeas Corpus of
Pete C. Lagran, 363 SCRA 275 (2001)

2. Effects of Probation of Law

Presidential Decree No. 968 (as amended)

Cases:
Llamado v. CA, 174 SCRA
566 (1989)
Bala v. Martinez, 181
SCRA 459 (1990)
Salgado v. CA, 189 SCRA
304 (1990)
Office of the Court
Administrator v. Librado,
260 SCRA 625 (1996)

2.1. Republic Act No. 10707 "An Act Amending

PD 968"

3. Suspension in case of Insanity or Minority

RPC, Art. 79
Presidential Decree No. 603, Arts. 189-204

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 Rule on Juveniles in Conflict with the Law, Sec. 32

VI. EXTINCTION OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY

A. Total Extinction
RPC, Art. 89-93,36

Cases:
Monsanto v. Factoran, 170
SCRA 190 (1989)
Presidential Ad Hoc Fact-
Finding Committee on
Behest Loans v. Desierto,
363 SCRA 489 (2001)

B. Partial Extinction
RPC, Arts. 94-99

See also RA 10592, supra

VII. CIVIL LIABILITY ARISING FROM A FELONY

A. General Rule
RPC, Art. 100
Civil Code, Arts. 20, 161, 2176, 2177
2000 Rules on Criminal Procedure, Rule 111

B. Special Cases

1. Insanity, Imbecility and those Over 9 and under 15

Years of Age
2. State Necessity
3. Irresistible Force, Uncontrollable Fear of Greater or
Equal Injury
RPC, Art. 101
4. Innkeepers and Similar Persons
RPC, Art. 102
5. Subsidiary Liability of Other Persons
RPC, Art. 103

Case:
Carpio v. Doroja, 180
SCRA 1 (1989)

C. What Civil Liability

RPC, Arts. 104-108

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D. Persons Civil Liable
RPC, Art. 108-111

E. Extinction of Civil Liability

RPC, Arts. 112-113
Civil Code, Art. 1231

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