The Revised Penal Code (RPC) of the Philippines, enacted as Act No. 3815 on December 8, 1930, and effective January 1, 1932, serves as the foundational criminal statute in the Philippine legal system. Book Two of the RPC, encompassing Articles 114 to 365, delineates specific crimes and their corresponding penalties, organized into fourteen titles that address offenses against the state, society, persons, property, and other interests. Articles 366 and 367 form part of the final provisions, ensuring continuity with prior laws and repealing inconsistent enactments. This article provides a detailed exposition of these provisions, including definitions, elements of each crime, penalties, and relevant legal principles within the Philippine context. While the RPC has been amended by subsequent laws (e.g., Republic Acts for specific crimes like drug offenses or human trafficking), the focus here is on the original framework, with notations on key modifications where integral to understanding.
The RPC adopts a classical school approach, emphasizing retribution and proportionality in penalties, influenced by Spanish colonial law and adapted to Philippine sovereignty. Crimes are classified as felonies, punishable by afflictive, correctional, or light penalties, with degrees (consummated, frustrated, attempted) and modifying circumstances (aggravating, mitigating) affecting liability. Enforcement falls under the Department of Justice, with courts applying these articles in criminal proceedings under the Rules of Court.
Below, the provisions are organized by title, with each article defined, including its elements, penalties (in terms of imprisonment, fines, or other sanctions), and contextual notes on application in Philippine jurisprudence.
Title One: Crimes Against National Security and the Law of Nations (Articles 114-123)
This title protects the integrity of the Philippine state against internal and external threats, reflecting the nation's commitment to sovereignty post-independence.
Article 114: Treason – Defines treason as a Filipino citizen or alien residing in the Philippines levying war against the country or adhering to its enemies during wartime, giving them aid or comfort. Elements: (1) war exists; (2) adherence or aid. Penalty: Reclusion perpetua to death, with fine up to P4,000,000 (as amended). In Philippine context, applied during World War II collaborations; two-witness rule required.
Article 115: Conspiracy and Proposal to Commit Treason – Conspiracy exists when two or more persons agree to commit treason; proposal when one suggests it to another. Penalty: Prision mayor and fine up to P2,000,000.
Article 116: Misprision of Treason – Failure by a citizen to report knowledge of treason to authorities. Penalty: Accessory-level punishment.
Article 117: Espionage – Entering military establishments without permission to obtain secrets, or disclosing secrets to foreign agents. Penalty: Prision correccional to reclusion perpetua, depending on wartime status.
Article 118: Inciting to War or Giving Motives for Reprisals – Provoking war or exposing Filipinos to reprisals through unlawful acts. Penalty: Reclusion temporal.
Article 119: Violation of Neutrality – Disobeying regulations during neutrality declarations. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 120: Correspondence with Hostile Country – Corresponding with enemies during war if prohibited or conveying prejudicial information. Penalty: Prision correccional to reclusion temporal.
Article 121: Flight to Enemy's Country – Attempting to flee to enemy territory during war when prohibited. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 122: Piracy in General and Mutiny on the High Seas – Attacking or seizing vessels on high seas or Philippine waters without lawful authority. Penalty: Reclusion perpetua (amended by RA 7659 for qualified piracy with death or rape).
Article 123: Qualified Piracy – Piracy with murder, homicide, physical injuries, or rape. Penalty: Death (now reclusion perpetua post-RA 9346 abolishing death penalty).
Title Two: Crimes Against the Fundamental Laws of the State (Articles 124-133)
These provisions safeguard constitutional rights and government functions, addressing abuses of power and violations of civil liberties.
Article 124: Arbitrary Detention – Public officer detaining a person without legal grounds. Penalty: Arresto mayor to reclusion temporal, based on duration.
Article 125: Delay in the Delivery of Detained Persons to the Proper Judicial Authorities – Failing to deliver detainee within specified periods (12-36 hours). Penalty: Arresto mayor to prision mayor.
Article 126: Delaying Release – Delaying execution of release orders. Penalty: Similar to Article 125.
Article 127: Expulsion – Expelling a person from the Philippines or compelling residence change without authority. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 128: Violation of Domicile – Entering dwelling against owner's will, searching without warrant, or refusing to leave. Penalty: Arresto mayor to prision correccional.
Article 129: Search Warrants Maliciously Obtained and Abuse in the Service of Those Legally Obtained – Procuring warrant without cause or exceeding authority. Penalty: Prision correccional and fine.
Article 130: Searching Domicile Without Witnesses – Searching without required witnesses. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 131: Prohibition, Interruption, and Dissolution of Peaceful Meetings – Preventing or disturbing peaceful assemblies. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 132: Interruption of Religious Worship – Preventing or disturbing religious ceremonies. Penalty: Prision correccional if with violence.
Article 133: Offending the Religious Feelings – Mocking or ridiculing religious acts in places of worship. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Title Three: Crimes Against Public Order (Articles 134-160)
This title maintains societal peace, covering rebellions, sedition, and related disorders, crucial in a democracy with historical insurgencies.
Article 134: Rebellion or Insurrection – Rising publicly and taking arms against the government to remove territory or deprive authorities of powers. Penalty: Reclusion perpetua (amended for complex crimes).
Article 134-A: Coup d'Etat – Swift attack by military or public officers against government (added by RA 6968). Penalty: Reclusion perpetua.
Article 135: Penalty for Rebellion, Insurrection, or Coup d'Etat – Leaders: reclusion perpetua; participants: reclusion temporal.
Article 136: Conspiracy and Proposal to Commit Coup d'Etat, Rebellion, or Insurrection – Agreements or proposals to commit. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 137: Disloyalty of Public Officers or Employees – Failing to resist rebellion. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 138: Inciting to Rebellion or Insurrection – Inciting through speeches or writings. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 139: Sedition – Rising tumultuously to prevent law execution or inflict hate. Penalty: Prision correccional to prision mayor.
Article 140: Penalty for Sedition – Leaders: prision mayor; participants: prision correccional.
Article 141: Conspiracy to Commit Sedition – Agreement to commit. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 142: Inciting to Sedition – Inciting through various means without direct participation. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 143: Acts Tending to Prevent the Meeting of the Assembly and Similar Bodies – Disturbing legislative sessions. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 144: Disturbance of Proceedings – Disturbing public meetings. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 145: Violation of Parliamentary Immunity – Arresting legislators during sessions without cause. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 146: Illegal Assemblies – Assemblies for crime or with armed attendees. Penalty: Prision correccional for leaders.
Article 147: Illegal Associations – Associations for crime or against public morals. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 148: Direct Assault – Attacking public authorities while performing duties. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 149: Indirect Assault – Assaulting persons aiding authorities. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 150: Disobedience to Summons Issued by the National Assembly, Its Committees or Subcommittees, by the Constitutional Commissions, Its Committees, Subcommittees or Divisions – Refusing summons or testimony. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 151: Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority or the Agents of Such Person – Resisting lawful orders. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 152: Persons in Authority and Agents of Persons in Authority – Defines who qualifies (e.g., teachers, lawyers in certain roles).
Article 153: Tumults and Other Disturbances of Public Order – Causing serious disturbances in public places. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 154: Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances – Publishing alarming news tending to cause panic. Penalty: Arresto mayor and fine.
Article 155: Alarms and Scandals – Discharging firearms or causing scandals in public. Penalty: Arresto menor.
Article 156: Delivering Prisoners from Jail – Aiding escape from jail. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 157: Evasion of Service of Sentence – Escaping during confinement. Penalty: Increased original sentence.
Article 158: Evasion of Service of Sentence on the Occasion of Disorders, Conflagrations, Earthquakes, or Other Calamities – Escaping during calamities without returning. Penalty: Increased sentence.
Article 159: Other Cases of Evasion of Service of Sentence – Violating conditional pardon. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 160: Commission of Another Crime During Service of Penalty Imposed for Another Previous Offense – Committing new felony while serving sentence. Penalty: Maximum for new crime.
Title Four: Crimes Against Public Interest (Articles 161-188)
Focuses on integrity in public documents and transactions, vital in combating corruption in government.
Article 161: Counterfeiting the Great Seal of the Government of the Philippine Islands, Forging the Signature or Stamp of the Chief Executive – Forging seals or signatures. Penalty: Reclusion temporal.
Article 162: Using Forged Signature or Counterfeit Seal or Stamp – Using such forgeries. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 163: Making and Importing and Uttering False Coins – Counterfeiting currency. Penalty: Prision mayor to reclusion temporal.
Article 164: Mutilation of Coins – Diminishing coin value. Penalty: Prision correccional and fine.
Article 165: Selling of False or Mutilated Coin, Without Connivance – Possessing or selling counterfeits. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 166: Forging Treasury or Bank Notes or Other Documents Payable to Bearer – Forging notes or certificates. Penalty: Reclusion temporal.
Article 167: Counterfeiting, Importing, and Uttering Instruments Not Payable to Bearer – Similar for non-bearer instruments. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 168: Illegal Possession and Use of False Treasury or Bank Notes and Other Instruments of Credit – Possessing forgeries with intent to use. Penalty: One degree lower than forging.
Article 169: How Forgery is Committed – Defines forgery as imitation or alteration causing prejudice.
Article 170: Falsification of Legislative Documents – Altering bills or resolutions. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 171: Falsification by Public Officer, Employee or Notary or Ecclesiastical Minister – Falsifying public documents. Penalty: Prision mayor and fine.
Article 172: Falsification by Private Individuals and Use of Falsified Documents – Private falsification or use. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 173: Falsification of Wireless, Cable, Telegraph, and Telephone Messages, and Use of Said Falsified Messages – Altering communications. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 174: False Medical Certificates, False Certificates of Merit or Service, Etc. – Issuing false certificates. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 175: Using False Certificates – Using such. Penalty: Arresto menor.
Article 176: Manufacturing and Possession of Instruments or Implements for Falsification – Making tools for falsification. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 177: Usurpation of Authority or Official Functions – Assuming official powers without right. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 178: Using Fictitious Name and Concealing True Name – Using false names for fraud. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 179: Illegal Use of Uniforms or Insignia – Wearing official uniforms unlawfully. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 180: False Testimony Against a Defendant – Giving false testimony in criminal cases. Penalty: Prision correccional to reclusion temporal.
Article 181: False Testimony Favorable to the Defendant – Similar, but favorable. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 182: False Testimony in Civil Cases – False testimony in civil suits. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 183: False Testimony in Other Cases and Perjury in Solemn Affirmation – Perjury in oaths. Penalty: Arresto mayor to prision correccional.
Article 184: Offering False Testimony in Evidence – Presenting false witnesses. Penalty: As accessory.
Article 185: Machinations in Public Auctions – Rigging bids. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 186: Monopolies and Combinations in Restraint of Trade – Monopolizing commodities. Penalty: Prision correccional (superseded by antitrust laws).
Article 187: Importation and Disposition of Falsely Marked Articles or Merchandise Made of Gold, Silver, or Other Precious Metals or Their Alloys – Dealing in falsely marked goods. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 188: Substituting and Altering Trade-marks, Trade-names, or Service Marks – Repealed by Intellectual Property Code (RA 8293).
Title Five: Crimes Relative to Opium and Other Prohibited Drugs (Articles 190-194)
Originally addressing opium, this title has been largely superseded by the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165).
Article 190: Possession, Preparation and Use of Prohibited Drugs and Maintenance of Opium Dens – Possessing or using opium. Penalty: Prision mayor (repealed).
Article 191: Keeper, Watchman and Visitor of Opium Den – Maintaining or visiting dens. Penalty: Prision correccional (repealed).
Article 192: Importation and Sale of Prohibited Drugs – Importing or selling. Penalty: Reclusion temporal (repealed).
Article 193: Illegal Possession of Opium Pipe or Other Paraphernalia – Possessing tools. Penalty: Arresto mayor (repealed).
Article 194: Prescribing Opium Unnecessarily for Patients – Physicians overprescribing. Penalty: Prision correccional (repealed).
Title Six: Crimes Against Public Morals (Articles 195-202)
Protects societal ethics, including gambling and immorality, though gambling provisions are amended by PD 1602 and RA 9287.
Article 195: What Acts Are Punishable in Gambling – Engaging in illegal gambling. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 196: Importation, Sale and Possession of Lottery Tickets or Advertisements – Dealing in lotteries. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 197: Betting in Sport Contests – Betting on sports (repealed for certain regulated activities).
Article 198: Illegal Betting on Horse Races – Unauthorized betting. Penalty: Arresto menor.
Article 199: Illegal Cockfighting – Unauthorized cockfights. Penalty: Arresto menor.
Article 200: Grave Scandal – Acts offensive to decency in public. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 201: Immoral Doctrines, Obscene Publications and Exhibitions, and Indecent Shows – Promoting obscenity. Penalty: Prision mayor (amended by anti-porn laws).
Article 202: Vagrants and Prostitutes – Defines vagrancy and prostitution. Penalty: Arresto menor (prostitution decriminalized in parts, but solicitation punishable).
Title Seven: Crimes Committed by Public Officers (Articles 203-245)
Central to anti-corruption efforts, these address malfeasance, with penalties enhanced by RA 3019 (Anti-Graft Law).
Article 203: Who Are Public Officers – Defines as those with public duties by election or appointment.
Article 204: Knowingly Rendering Unjust Judgment – Judges issuing unjust decisions. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 205: Judgment Rendered Through Negligence – Negligent unjust judgments. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 206: Unjust Interlocutory Order – Issuing unjust orders. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 207: Malicious Delay in the Administration of Justice – Delaying justice. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 208: Prosecution of Offenses; Negligence and Tolerance – Failing to prosecute. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 209: Betrayal of Trust by an Attorney or Solicitor – Attorneys causing prejudice. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 210: Direct Bribery – Accepting bribes for acts. Penalty: Prision mayor to reclusion temporal.
Article 211: Indirect Bribery – Accepting gifts offered due to office. Penalty: Suspension.
Article 211-A: Qualified Bribery – For serious crimes like murder (added). Penalty: Same as principal.
Article 212: Corruption of Public Officials – Offering bribes. Penalty: Same as briber.
Article 213: Frauds Against the Public Treasury and Similar Offenses – Defrauding government. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 214: Other Frauds – Fraud by public officers. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 215: Prohibited Transactions – Officers engaging in private transactions. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 216: Possession of Prohibited Interest by a Public Officer – Having interest in business. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 217: Malversation of Public Funds or Property – Misappropriating funds. Penalty: Prision mayor to reclusion perpetua.
Article 218: Failure of Accountable Officer to Render Accounts – Not accounting. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 219: Failure to Make Delivery of Public Funds or Property – Failing delivery. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 220: Illegal Use of Public Funds or Property – Technical malversation. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 221: Failure to Make Payment – Refusing legitimate payments. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 222: Officers Included in the Preceding Provisions – Extends to private individuals handling public funds.
Article 223: Conniving with or Consenting to Evasion – Allowing prisoner escape. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 224: Evasion Through Negligence – Negligent escape. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 225: Escape of Prisoner Under the Custody of a Person Not a Public Officer – Private custodians. Penalty: Lower than public.
Article 226: Removal, Concealment, or Destruction of Documents – Tampering documents. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 227: Officer Breaking Seal – Breaking seals. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 228: Opening of Closed Documents – Opening sealed papers. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 229: Revelation of Secrets by an Officer – Disclosing official secrets. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 230: Public Officer Revealing Secrets of Private Individual – Revealing private secrets. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 231: Open Disobedience – Refusing judicial orders. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 232: Disobedience to Order of Superior Officer, When Said Order Was Suspended by Inferior Officer – Disobeying suspensions. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 233: Refusal of Assistance – Refusing aid to justice. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 234: Refusal to Discharge Elective Office – Refusing elected duties. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 235: Maltreatment of Prisoners – Abusing detainees. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 236: Anticipation of Duties of a Public Office – Assuming office prematurely. Penalty: Suspension.
Article 237: Prolonging Performance of Duties and Powers – Overstaying office. Penalty: Suspension.
Article 238: Abandonment of Office or Position – Abandoning to evade duties. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 239: Usurpation of Legislative Powers – Executive encroaching legislature. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 240: Usurpation of Executive Functions – Judiciary or legislature encroaching executive. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 241: Usurpation of Judicial Functions – Executive or legislature encroaching judiciary. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 242: Disobeying Request for Disqualification – Continuing despite disqualification. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 243: Orders or Requests by Executive Officers to Any Judicial Authority – Improper interference. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 244: Unlawful Appointments – Appointing unqualified persons. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 245: Abuses Against Chastity – Public officers soliciting sexual favors. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Title Eight: Crimes Against Persons (Articles 246-266)
Addresses violent crimes against life and bodily integrity, with penalties increased by RA 7659 for heinous crimes.
Article 246: Parricide – Killing spouse, ascendant, descendant, or legitimate relative. Penalty: Reclusion perpetua to death.
Article 247: Death or Physical Injuries Inflicted Under Exceptional Circumstances – Killing spouse or paramour in flagrante. Penalty: Destierro (exile).
Article 248: Murder – Killing with treachery, evident premeditation, etc. Penalty: Reclusion perpetua.
Article 249: Homicide – Unlawful killing without qualifying circumstances. Penalty: Reclusion temporal.
Article 250: Penalty for Frustrated Parricide, Murder or Homicide – One degree lower.
Article 251: Death Caused in a Tumultuous Affray – Killing in fights without clear perpetrator. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 252: Physical Injuries Inflicted in a Tumultuous Affray – Injuries in affrays. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 253: Giving Assistance to Suicide – Aiding suicide. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 254: Discharge of Firearms – Shooting without hitting. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 255: Infanticide – Killing child under 3 days. Penalty: As parricide, but mitigated.
Article 256: Intentional Abortion – Causing abortion with violence. Penalty: Reclusion temporal.
Article 257: Unintentional Abortion – Abortion through violence without intent. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 258: Abortion Practiced by the Woman Herself or by Her Parents – Self-abortion. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 259: Abortion Practiced by a Physician or Midwife and Dispensing of Abortives – Professionals aiding. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 260: Responsibility of Participants in a Duel – Dueling. Penalty: Reclusion temporal if death.
Article 261: Challenging to a Duel – Provoking duels. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 262: Mutilation – Castration or mayhem. Penalty: Reclusion temporal.
Article 263: Serious Physical Injuries – Injuries causing insanity, impotence, etc. Penalty: Reclusion temporal to prision correccional.
Article 264: Administering Injurious Substances or Beverages – Poisoning without intent to kill. Penalty: As serious injuries.
Article 265: Less Serious Physical Injuries – Injuries requiring medical attention 10-30 days. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 266: Slight Physical Injuries and Maltreatment – Minor injuries. Penalty: Arresto menor.
Article 266-A to 266-B: Rape – (Amended by RA 8353) Carnal knowledge by force, threat, etc. Penalty: Reclusion perpetua; includes acts beyond traditional definition.
Title Nine: Crimes Against Personal Liberty and Security (Articles 267-292)
Safeguards individual freedoms, with amendments for anti-trafficking (RA 9208).
Article 267: Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention – Detaining for ransom or over 3 days. Penalty: Reclusion perpetua.
Article 268: Slight Illegal Detention – Shorter detention. Penalty: Reclusion temporal.
Article 269: Unlawful Arrest – Arresting without cause. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 270: Kidnapping and Failure to Return a Minor – Entrusting minor and failing return. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 271: Inducing a Minor to Abandon His Home – Inducing minor to leave. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 272: Slavery – Purchasing or selling persons. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 273: Exploitation of Child Labor – Assigning minors to dangerous work. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 274: Services Rendered Under Compulsion in Payment of Debt – Forced labor for debts. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 275: Abandonment of Persons in Danger and Abandonment of One's Own Victim – Failing to aid. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 276: Abandoning a Minor – Abandoning child under 7. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 277: Abandonment of Minor by Person Entrusted with His Custody; Indifference of Parents – Neglecting child. Penalty: Arresto menor.
Article 278: Exploitation of Minors – Using minors for begging or immoral purposes. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 279: Additional Penalties for Other Offenses – Adds penalties if committed with other crimes.
Article 280: Qualified Trespass to Dwelling – Entering dwelling against will. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 281: Other Forms of Trespass – Entering closed premises. Penalty: Arresto menor.
Article 282: Grave Threats – Threatening serious harm. Penalty: Arresto mayor to prision correccional.
Article 283: Light Threats – Minor threats. Penalty: Arresto menor.
Article 284: Bond for Good Behavior – Court-ordered bond in threat cases.
Article 285: Other Light Threats – Prohibited weapon possession threats. Penalty: Arresto menor.
Article 286: Grave Coercions – Preventing acts by violence. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 287: Light Coercions – Seizing property for debts. Penalty: Arresto menor.
Article 288: Other Similar Coercions – Compulsory purchase of merchandise. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 289: Formation, Maintenance, and Prohibition of Combination of Capital or Labor Through Violence or Threats – Forcing labor combinations. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 290: Discovering Secrets Through Seizure of Correspondence – Seizing papers to discover secrets. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 291: Revealing Secrets with Abuse of Office – Officials revealing business secrets. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 292: Revelation of Industrial Secrets – Revealing secrets causing damage. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Title Ten: Crimes Against Property (Articles 293-332)
Covers theft, robbery, and fraud, essential for economic security.
Article 293: Who Are Guilty of Robbery – Taking property with violence or intimidation.
Article 294: Robbery with Violence Against or Intimidation of Persons – Penalty: Reclusion perpetua for homicide accompaniment.
Article 295: Robbery with Physical Injuries, Committed in an Uninhabited Place and by a Band – Qualified forms. Penalty: Higher degrees.
Article 296: Definition of a Band and Penalty Incurred by the Members Thereof – Three or more armed malefactors.
Article 297: Attempted and Frustrated Robbery Committed Under Certain Circumstances – With homicide. Penalty: Reclusion temporal.
Article 298: Execution of Deeds by Means of Violence or Intimidation – Forcing document execution. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 299: Robbery in an Inhabited House or Public Building or Edifice Devoted to Worship – Breaking in. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 300: Robbery in an Uninhabited Place and by a Band – Qualified. Higher penalty.
Article 301: What is an Inhabited House, Public Building or Building Dedicated to Religious Worship and Their Dependencies – Definitions.
Article 302: Robbery in an Uninhabited Place or in a Private Building – Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 303: Robbery of Cereals, Fruits, or Firewood in an Inhabited Place or Private Building – Lower penalty for basics.
Article 304: Possession of Picklocks or Similar Tools – Possessing burglary tools. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 305: False Keys – Defines false keys.
Article 306: Who Are Brigands – Band robbery on highways. Penalty: Reclusion temporal.
Article 307: Aiding and Abetting a Band of Brigands – Aiding brigands. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 308: Who Are Liable for Theft – Taking property without violence. Penalty: Based on value.
Article 309: Penalties – For theft, scaled by amount.
Article 310: Qualified Theft – With abuse of confidence, etc. Penalty: Two degrees higher.
Article 311: Theft of the Property of the National Library and National Museum – Higher penalty.
Article 312: Occupation of Real Property or Usurpation of Real Rights in Property – Usurping property. Penalty: Fine.
Article 313: Altering Boundaries or Landmarks – Changing markers. Penalty: Arresto menor.
Article 314: Fraudulent Insolvency – Concealing assets in bankruptcy. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 315: Swindling (Estafa) – Defrauding by false pretenses. Penalty: Based on amount.
Article 316: Other Forms of Swindling – Selling encumbered property, etc. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 317: Swindling a Minor – Defrauding minors. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 318: Other Deceits – Minor frauds. Penalty: Arresto menor.
Article 319: Removal, Sale or Pledge of Mortgaged Property – Disposing mortgaged goods. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 320: Destructive Arson – Burning inhabited buildings. Penalty: Reclusion temporal (amended by PD 1613).
Article 321: Other Forms of Arson – Lesser arsons. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 322: Cases of Arson Not Included in the Preceding Articles – Specific cases.
Article 323: Arson of Property of Small Value – Minor value. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 324: Crimes Involving Destruction – Causing destruction by explosion, etc. Penalty: Reclusion temporal.
Article 325: Burning One's Own Property as Means to Commit Arson – Insurance fraud arson. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 326: Setting Fire to Property Exclusively Owned by the Offender – If endangering others.
Article 326-A: In Cases Where Death Resulted as a Consequence of Arson – Penalty: Reclusion perpetua.
Article 326-B: Prima Facie Evidence of Arson – Evidence rules.
Article 327: Who Are Liable for Malicious Mischief – Damaging property. Penalty: Based on value.
Article 328: Special Cases of Malicious Mischief – Specific damages like to crops.
Article 329: Other Mischiefs – Not specially provided.
Article 330: Damage and Obstruction to Means of Communication – Damaging railways. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 331: Destroying or Damaging Statues, Public Monuments or Paintings – Vandalism. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 332: Persons Exempt from Criminal Liability – Relatives exempt in theft, estafa, mischief.
Title Eleven: Crimes Against Chastity (Articles 333-346)
Deals with sexual offenses, largely amended by RA 8353 (Anti-Rape Law) and RA 9262 (Anti-VAWC).
Article 333: Who Are Guilty of Adultery – Married woman with another man. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 334: Concubinage – Married man keeping mistress. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 335: Simple Rape – Repealed; now under 266-A.
Article 336: Acts of Lasciviousness – Lewd acts. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 337: Qualified Seduction – Seduction of virgin by authority. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 338: Simple Seduction – Seduction by deceit. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 339: Acts of Lasciviousness with the Consent of the Offended Party – With minors. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 340: Corruption of Minors – Promoting prostitution. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 341: White Slave Trade – Profiting from prostitution. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 342: Forcible Abduction – Abducting woman for lewd purposes. Penalty: Reclusion temporal.
Article 343: Consented Abduction – Abduction with consent for lewd. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 344: Prosecution of the Crimes of Adultery, Concubinage, Seduction, Abduction, Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness – Private crimes; complaint required.
Article 345: Civil Liability of Persons Guilty of Crimes Against Chastity – Support obligations.
Article 346: Liability of Ascendants, Guardians, Teachers, or Other Persons Entrusted with the Custody of the Offended Party – As principals.
Title Twelve: Crimes Against the Civil Status of Persons (Articles 347-352)
Protects family and identity status.
Article 347: Simulation of Births, Substitution of One Child for Another and Concealment or Abandonment of a Legitimate Child – Faking births. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 348: Usurpation of Civil Status – Assuming another's status for rights. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 349: Bigamy – Contracting second marriage. Penalty: Prision mayor.
Article 350: Marriage Contracted Against Provisions of Laws – Illegal marriages. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 351: Premature Marriages – Widows remarrying too soon. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 352: Performance of Illegal Marriage Ceremony – Unauthorized solemnization. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Title Thirteen: Crimes Against Honor (Articles 353-364)
Safeguards reputation, with defenses like truth in libel.
Article 353: Definition of Libel – Public imputation of crime or vice. Penalty: Prision correccional.
Article 354: Requirement for Publicity – Malicious publication.
Article 355: Libel by Means of Writings or Similar Means – Through various media.
Article 356: Threatening to Publish and Offer to Prevent Such Publication for a Compensation – Blackmail. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 357: Prohibited Publication of Acts Referred to in the Course of Official Proceedings – Publishing sealed proceedings.
Article 358: Slander – Oral defamation. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 359: Slander by Deed – Humiliating acts. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 360: Persons Responsible for Libel – Authors, editors.
Article 361: Proof of the Truth – Defense in libel.
Article 362: Libelous Remarks – In pleadings.
Article 363: Incriminating Innocent Person – Planting evidence. Penalty: Arresto mayor.
Article 364: Intriguing Against Honor – Spreading rumors. Penalty: Arresto menor.
Title Fourteen: Quasi-Offenses (Article 365)
- Article 365: Imprudence and Negligence – Reckless or simple negligence causing damage. Penalty: Arresto mayor to prision correccional, based on gravity. In Philippine law, distinguishes criminal from civil negligence; applied in traffic accidents and medical malpractice.
Final Provisions (Articles 366-367)
Article 366: Application of Laws Enacted Prior to This Code – Prior laws apply if not inconsistent, ensuring legal continuity in the transition from Spanish to Philippine penal system.
Article 367: Repealing Clause – Repeals all conflicting laws, solidifying the RPC as the primary criminal code, though special laws (e.g., Bouncing Checks Law, Cybercrime Prevention Act) supplement it.
In the Philippine context, these articles form the backbone of criminal justice, interpreted by the Supreme Court in landmark cases like People v. Lava (on rebellion) or Estrada v. Sandiganbayan (on plunder, related to malversation). Penalties are adjusted for indeterminate sentences under Act 4103, and human rights considerations under the 1987 Constitution mitigate applications, such as banning cruel punishments. Understanding these requires cross-reference with procedural laws and international treaties like the ICCPR, to which the Philippines is a party. For practical application, consult updated annotations or jurisprudence, as amendments address modern issues like cybercrimes or environmental offenses not originally covered.