In the Philippine legal system, Reckless Imprudence is not a crime in itself but a modality of committing a crime. Under Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), it is defined as a voluntary, but without malice, act or omission from which material damage results by reason of inexcusable lack of precaution on the part of the person performing or failing to perform such act.

When this negligence leads to Physical Injuries or Damage to Property, the law imposes specific criminal penalties and civil liabilities.

The Elements of Reckless Imprudence

To convict a person of reckless imprudence, the prosecution must prove:

That the offender does or fails to do an act.
That the act or omission is voluntary.
That it be done without malice.
That material damage (physical injury or property damage) results.
That there is inexcusable lack of precaution on the part of the offender.

1. Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Physical Injuries

The penalties for physical injuries caused by reckless imprudence are scaled based on the severity of the injury as defined in Articles 263, 265, and 266 of the RPC.

Type of Injury	Corresponding Penalty under Art. 365
Serious Physical Injuries (Art. 263, par. 1)	Arresto mayor in its maximum period to prision correccional in its minimum period.
Serious Physical Injuries (Art. 263, par. 2)	Arresto mayor in its medium and maximum periods.
Serious Physical Injuries (Art. 263, par. 3 & 4)	Arresto mayor in its minimum and medium periods.
Less Serious Physical Injuries (Art. 265)	Arresto menor in its maximum period.
Slight Physical Injuries (Art. 266)	Arresto menor in its minimum period or a fine not exceeding ₱200 (though modern circulars adjust these values).

2. Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Damage to Property

When the imprudence results only in damage to the property of another, the penalty is generally a fine.

General Rule: The offender shall be punished by a fine ranging from an amount equal to the value of the damage to three times such value.
Minimum Fine: The fine shall in no case be less than ₱25.
Note on Subsidiary Imprisonment: If the offender is unable to pay the fine, they may be subject to subsidiary imprisonment, subject to the limitations set by law (Art. 39, RPC).

3. Complex Crimes: "Reckless Imprudence Resulting in..."

In many cases, a single negligent act (e.g., a vehicular accident) results in both property damage and multiple physical injuries. This is often treated as a Complex Crime under Article 48.

However, the Supreme Court in Ivler v. Modesto-San Pedro clarified that reckless imprudence is a single quasi-offense. Therefore, a person cannot be prosecuted separately for "Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Damage to Property" and "Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide/Physical Injuries" if they arise from the same act. The penalty for the most serious crime shall be imposed in its maximum period.

Important Legal Considerations

The "Hit-and-Run" Aggravation

Under the last paragraph of Article 365, if the offender fails to lend on-the-spot assistance to the victim (unless doing so would endanger the offender), the penalty shall be imposed in its next higher degree. This is commonly known as the "Failure to Help" or "Hit-and-Run" provision.

Contributory Negligence

While the victim’s contributory negligence does not erase the criminal liability of the offender, it may be used to mitigate the civil liability (damages) that the offender must pay.

The "Provisional" Nature of Drivers' Licenses

In vehicular cases, a conviction for reckless imprudence often carries the accessory penalty of suspension or revocation of the driver’s license by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), independent of the criminal fine or jail time.

Summary Table of Penalties

Resulting Damage/Injury	Penalty Range
Homicide	Prision correccional in its medium and maximum periods.
Serious Physical Injury	Arresto mayor (Minimum to Maximum periods depending on severity).
Damage to Property	Fine (1x to 3x the value of the damage).
With Failure to Help	Penalty increased by one degree.