Introduction

In the Philippines, physical injuries refer to harm inflicted on a person's body that impairs physical integrity or causes pain, illness, or incapacity. These offenses are criminalized under the Revised Penal Code (RPC), specifically Articles 262 to 266, which classify injuries based on their severity and prescribe corresponding penalties. Filing a criminal case for physical injuries involves a structured legal process aimed at holding the offender accountable and providing justice to the victim. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the topic within the Philippine legal framework, including the classification of injuries, required evidence, applicable penalties, and the step-by-step procedure for initiating and pursuing such a case. It is important to note that while this serves as a general guide, consulting a licensed attorney is essential for case-specific advice.

Classification of Physical Injuries

Physical injuries are categorized under the RPC into three main types based on the extent of harm caused: serious physical injuries, less serious physical injuries, and slight physical injuries. The classification determines the gravity of the offense, the potential penalties, and sometimes the jurisdiction of the court handling the case.

Serious Physical Injuries (Article 263, RPC)

Serious physical injuries involve grave harm that may result in permanent damage or long-term incapacity. Examples include:

Loss of the use of a body part (e.g., blindness, deafness, or loss of a limb).
Deformity or disfigurement (e.g., visible scars or loss of teeth).
Illness or incapacity for labor lasting more than 90 days.
Insanity, imbecility, or impotence as a result of the injury.

If the injury was inflicted with intent to kill but death did not occur, it may be classified as frustrated homicide instead, depending on the circumstances.

Less Serious Physical Injuries (Article 265, RPC)

These are injuries that cause illness or incapacity for labor for a period of 10 to 30 days, or require medical attendance for the same duration. This category bridges minor harm and severe damage, often involving bruises, fractures, or wounds that heal without permanent effects but still significantly impact the victim's daily life.

Slight Physical Injuries (Article 266, RPC)

Slight physical injuries encompass minor harm that does not require medical attendance or causes incapacity for less than 10 days. This includes slaps, punches, or scratches that result in temporary pain or minor bruising. If no medical certificate is presented, the offense defaults to this category.

Additionally, physical injuries can be qualified by aggravating circumstances, such as when committed with treachery, abuse of superior strength, or against vulnerable persons (e.g., children, elderly, or persons with disabilities), which may increase penalties.

Elements of the Crime

To establish a criminal case for physical injuries, the prosecution must prove the following elements beyond reasonable doubt:

Act of Inflicting Injury: The offender must have physically harmed the victim through an intentional act, such as hitting, stabbing, or pushing.
Intent to Injure: There must be general intent (dolo) to cause harm, though specific intent (e.g., to kill) may elevate the charge.
Resulting Harm: The injury must have occurred, as evidenced by medical findings or observable effects.
No Justifying Circumstance: The act was not in self-defense, lawful arrest, or other legally excused scenarios.

Negligence (culpa) can also lead to charges under Article 365 for imprudent acts causing injuries, but this is quasi-criminal and handled differently.

Penalties for Physical Injuries

Penalties under the RPC are imprisonment-based and vary by injury severity, with fines possible in some cases. The Indeterminate Sentence Law applies, allowing for minimum and maximum terms within the prescribed range. Penalties can be mitigated or aggravated based on circumstances like voluntary surrender or use of a weapon.

Type of Injury	Penalty Range	Additional Notes
Serious Physical Injuries	Prisión mayor (6 years and 1 day to 12 years) for basic cases; reclusión temporal (12 years and 1 day to 20 years) if qualified (e.g., deformity or loss of limb); reclusión perpetua (20 years and 1 day to 40 years) for extreme cases like blindness or insanity.	Civil liability for damages is often imposed alongside criminal penalties.
Less Serious Physical Injuries	Arresto mayor (1 month and 1 day to 6 months).	If committed with a weapon or against a public authority, penalties increase.
Slight Physical Injuries	Arresto menor (1 to 30 days) or a fine not exceeding P500.	For maltreatment (e.g., repeated slight injuries), penalties may accumulate.

In cases involving family members, Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act) may apply if the victim is a woman or child, potentially classifying the act as violence against women and children (VAWC) with stiffer penalties, including imprisonment up to 12 years and fines up to P300,000. Similarly, Republic Act No. 7610 (Child Protection Act) enhances penalties for injuries to minors.

Procedure for Filing a Criminal Case

Filing a criminal case for physical injuries follows the Philippine criminal justice system's adversarial process, primarily governed by the Rules of Court and the Revised Rules on Criminal Procedure.

Step 1: Reporting the Incident

Immediately report the incident to the nearest police station or barangay (village) office. For VAWC-related cases, report to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children Protection Desk.
Obtain a police blotter entry, which serves as initial documentation.
Seek medical attention promptly to secure a medico-legal certificate, crucial for evidence.

Step 2: Filing the Complaint

File a formal complaint-affidavit with the Office of the City or Provincial Prosecutor (fiscal). For slight physical injuries, this can sometimes be filed directly with the Municipal Trial Court (MTC) or Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC).
The complaint must detail the facts, identify the offender, and attach supporting evidence.
No filing fees are required for criminal cases, but indigent litigants can seek assistance from the Public Attorney's Office (PAO).

Step 3: Preliminary Investigation

The prosecutor conducts a preliminary investigation to determine probable cause. Both parties submit affidavits and counter-affidavits.
If probable cause exists, the prosecutor files an information (formal charge) with the appropriate court: MTC/MeTC for less serious and slight injuries; Regional Trial Court (RTC) for serious injuries.
If no probable cause, the case is dismissed, though the complainant can appeal to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Step 4: Arraignment and Pre-Trial

The accused is arraigned, entering a plea (guilty or not guilty).
Pre-trial involves stipulations, marking of evidence, and possible plea bargaining (e.g., reducing charges for slight injuries).

Step 5: Trial

The prosecution presents evidence first, followed by the defense.
Witnesses testify, and cross-examinations occur.
The court renders a judgment based on evidence. Conviction leads to sentencing; acquittal ends the case.

Step 6: Appeals and Execution

Appeals can be made to the Court of Appeals (CA) and Supreme Court (SC) if dissatisfied with the RTC decision.
Upon final conviction, the sentence is executed, and civil damages (e.g., medical expenses, moral damages) may be awarded.

The entire process can take months to years, depending on court backlog. For urgent protection, victims can seek a Barangay Protection Order (BPO), Temporary Protection Order (TPO), or Permanent Protection Order (PPO) under RA 9262.

Evidence Required

Strong evidence is vital to prove the elements of the crime and overcome the presumption of innocence.

Key Types of Evidence:

Medico-Legal Certificate: Issued by a government physician or accredited hospital, detailing the nature, extent, and duration of injuries. This classifies the injury and estimates healing time.
Witness Statements: Affidavits from eyewitnesses describing the incident.
Photographic or Video Evidence: Images of injuries, the scene, or the act itself (e.g., CCTV footage).
Physical Evidence: Weapons used, blood-stained clothing, or other items linking the accused to the crime.
Expert Testimony: From doctors or forensic experts on injury causation.
Documentary Evidence: Hospital records, receipts for medical expenses, or prior threats (e.g., text messages) showing motive.

Evidence must be relevant, material, and admissible under the Rules on Evidence. Chain of custody is critical for physical items to prevent tampering allegations.

Defenses and Mitigating Factors

Common defenses include:

Self-Defense: Proving the accused acted to protect themselves from unlawful aggression.
Lack of Intent: Arguing the injury was accidental or due to negligence (potentially reducing to reckless imprudence).
Alibi: Proving the accused was elsewhere during the incident.
Insanity or Minority: If the accused was mentally incapacitated or under 18 (governed by Juvenile Justice Act).

Mitigating circumstances like voluntary surrender or lack of intent to commit grave harm can reduce penalties.

Related Laws and Special Considerations

Battered Woman Syndrome: Under RA 9262, victims can invoke this as a defense if they retaliate.
Cyber-Related Injuries: If injuries stem from online harassment leading to physical harm, Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act) may intersect.
Workplace Injuries: If occurring at work, may involve labor laws or workers' compensation under the Employees' Compensation Commission.
Prescription Periods: Criminal actions prescribe after 10 years for serious injuries, 5 years for less serious, and 1 year for slight.
Civil Aspects: Victims can file a separate civil case for damages or integrate it into the criminal proceeding.

Conclusion

Filing a criminal case for physical injuries in the Philippines is a mechanism to address bodily harm through legal accountability, emphasizing victim protection and offender punishment. Understanding the classifications, evidentiary requirements, penalties, and procedural steps empowers individuals to navigate the justice system effectively. While the process is accessible, professional legal assistance ensures compliance with nuances and maximizes the chances of a favorable outcome. Victims are encouraged to act promptly to preserve evidence and meet prescription periods.