I. Overview

Slight physical injuries are punishable under the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, particularly Article 266. They are the least serious form of punishable bodily harm under the Code, compared with serious physical injuries and less serious physical injuries.

The offense generally covers physical harm that is minor in nature, such as injuries requiring only brief medical attention, injuries that do not incapacitate the victim for labor for a long period, or physical violence that does not produce visible injuries but still constitutes ill-treatment.

Although the word “slight” may make the offense sound minor, slight physical injuries can still result in criminal liability, arrest, prosecution, imprisonment or fine, civil liability, and a criminal record. The penalty depends on the kind of injury, the duration of medical attendance or incapacity, and the manner in which the violence was committed.

II. Legal Basis

The primary legal basis is Article 266 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes slight physical injuries and maltreatment.

Article 266 covers three broad situations:

physical injuries that incapacitate the offended party for labor from one to nine days, or require medical attendance during the same period;
physical injuries that do not prevent the offended party from engaging in habitual work and do not require medical attendance;
ill-treatment by deed without causing injury.

The offense is part of the broader classification of crimes against persons.

III. Place of Slight Physical Injuries in the Revised Penal Code

Physical injuries under Philippine criminal law are generally classified into:

Serious physical injuries;
Less serious physical injuries;
Slight physical injuries.

The classification depends mainly on the nature and consequence of the injury, including:

whether the injury caused death;
whether it caused deformity;
whether it caused loss of body parts or functions;
whether it caused illness or incapacity for labor;
how long the victim required medical attendance;
whether the injury merely caused pain, bruising, or temporary discomfort;
whether there was no visible injury but there was physical maltreatment.

Slight physical injuries are at the lowest end of this statutory classification.

IV. What Constitutes Slight Physical Injuries

Slight physical injuries may consist of:

minor bruises;
abrasions;
scratches;
superficial wounds;
swelling;
redness;
minor contusions;
brief pain caused by a slap, punch, kick, push, or similar act;
injuries requiring medical attendance for not more than nine days;
incapacity for work for not more than nine days;
physical ill-treatment that produces no visible injury.

The law punishes not only bodily harm with visible marks but also certain acts of physical maltreatment.

V. Penalties Under Article 266

Article 266 of the Revised Penal Code provides different penalties depending on the type of slight physical injury.

A. First Kind: Incapacity or Medical Attendance from 1 to 9 Days

The first kind covers physical injuries that:

incapacitate the offended party for labor for one to nine days, or
require medical attendance for the same period.

The penalty is:

Arresto menor

Arresto menor means imprisonment from one day to thirty days.

This is the most serious category under Article 266.

Example

A person punches another, causing swelling and bruising. The victim is advised by a doctor to rest for five days or receive medical treatment for five days. If no more serious injury exists, the act may fall under slight physical injuries punishable by arresto menor.

B. Second Kind: Injuries Not Requiring Medical Attendance or Incapacity

The second kind covers physical injuries that:

do not prevent the offended party from engaging in habitual work; and
do not require medical attendance.

The penalty is:

Arresto menor or a fine

This category applies where there is some physical injury, but it is very minor.

Example

A person scratches another’s arm, causing slight redness or a minor superficial mark, but the victim continues normal work and does not need medical treatment. This may be slight physical injuries under the second category.

C. Third Kind: Ill-Treatment by Deed Without Causing Injury

The third kind is commonly referred to as unjust vexation by physical maltreatment or maltreatment by deed, depending on how it is charged and appreciated. Under Article 266, it covers ill-treatment of another by deed without causing any injury.

The penalty is:

Arresto menor in its minimum period or a fine

Arresto menor in its minimum period means imprisonment from one day to ten days.

Example

A person slaps another, shoves another, pulls another’s hair, or throws water at another, but no visible injury or medical consequence is shown. The act may still be punishable as ill-treatment by deed.

VI. Duration of Arresto Menor

Arresto menor is a light penalty under the Revised Penal Code. Its duration is:

1 day to 30 days

It has three periods:

Period	Duration
Minimum	1 day to 10 days
Medium	11 days to 20 days
Maximum	21 days to 30 days

Where the law imposes arresto menor without specifying a period, the court determines the proper period based on the rules on penalties, including the presence or absence of aggravating or mitigating circumstances.

Where the law imposes arresto menor in its minimum period, the range is 1 day to 10 days.

VII. Fine

Article 266 allows a fine in certain categories. The amount may depend on the applicable text of the Revised Penal Code, amendments, and judicial interpretation. In practice, courts may impose a fine instead of imprisonment in the appropriate cases.

The fine is usually imposed where the injury is minimal or where the law expressly permits a fine as an alternative penalty.

A fine should not be confused with civil damages. The fine is a criminal penalty paid to the government. Civil damages are awarded to the offended party.

VIII. Elements of Slight Physical Injuries

The usual elements are:

the offender inflicted physical injuries, or committed ill-treatment by deed;
the injuries or ill-treatment were inflicted upon another person;
the injury did not amount to serious or less serious physical injuries;
the injury caused either:
- incapacity for labor from one to nine days;
- medical attendance from one to nine days;
- no incapacity or medical attendance but some minor injury; or
- no injury, but physical ill-treatment;
the act was voluntary and unlawful.

The prosecution must prove the act and the resulting injury or maltreatment beyond reasonable doubt.

IX. Importance of Medical Attendance and Incapacity

The distinction among physical injuries depends heavily on the number of days of medical attendance or incapacity for labor.

For slight physical injuries, the relevant period is usually one to nine days.

If the injury requires medical attendance or incapacitates the victim for labor for ten days or more, the offense may become less serious physical injuries or serious physical injuries, depending on the period and nature of the injury.

Therefore, the medical certificate is often crucial.

X. Medical Certificate

A medical certificate is commonly used to establish:

the nature of the injury;
the location of the injury;
whether the injury is superficial or serious;
estimated healing period;
required medical attendance;
period of incapacity for work;
whether there is deformity, fracture, disability, or permanent consequence.

A medical certificate is not always indispensable for the third category of Article 266, especially where the charge is ill-treatment by deed without visible injury. However, for physical injuries based on actual bodily harm, medical evidence is usually important.

XI. Incapacity for Labor

“Incapacity for labor” refers to the victim’s inability to perform his or her usual work or habitual activity because of the injury.

It does not always mean that the person is employed. The law may consider the person’s ordinary occupation, livelihood, or habitual activity.

Examples:

a farmer unable to work because of bruising or swelling;
a driver unable to drive because of a hand injury;
a student unable to attend school because of pain or injury;
a homemaker unable to perform ordinary household tasks.

The period of incapacity affects the classification of the offense.

XII. Medical Attendance

“Medical attendance” generally refers to treatment or supervision by a physician or medical professional. It is not limited to hospitalization.

It may include:

consultation;
wound cleaning;
medication;
follow-up checkups;
bandaging;
monitoring of swelling or contusion;
treatment for pain or inflammation.

However, the medical attendance must be reasonably necessary because of the injury. A self-serving or exaggerated medical certificate may be questioned in court.

XIII. Slight Physical Injuries Compared With Less Serious Physical Injuries

The difference is usually based on duration.

Offense	General Basis
Slight physical injuries	Medical attendance or incapacity for 1 to 9 days, or minor injury/no injury but maltreatment
Less serious physical injuries	Medical attendance or incapacity for 10 to 30 days, subject to qualifying circumstances
Serious physical injuries	Grave consequences, deformity, loss of body part, illness/incapacity for more than 30 days, or other serious results

Thus, a wound requiring medical attendance for seven days may be slight physical injuries, while one requiring medical attendance for fifteen days may be less serious physical injuries.

XIV. Slight Physical Injuries Compared With Serious Physical Injuries

Serious physical injuries involve more severe consequences, such as:

insanity;
imbecility;
impotence;
blindness;
loss of use of a body part;
deformity;
loss of speech or hearing;
illness or incapacity for more than thirty days;
other serious bodily consequences recognized by law.

Slight physical injuries do not involve these grave results.

XV. Slight Physical Injuries Compared With Unjust Vexation

Unjust vexation punishes acts that annoy, irritate, or torment another without necessarily involving physical harm. Slight physical injuries or maltreatment under Article 266 involves physical contact, bodily harm, or physical ill-treatment.

The distinction can be subtle.

Examples:

Insulting someone without touching may be unjust vexation or another offense, depending on facts.
Pushing someone without injury may be maltreatment by deed.
Repeatedly harassing someone by words and gestures may be unjust vexation.
Slapping someone without visible injury may be slight physical injuries by ill-treatment or unjust vexation depending on how the prosecution charges and proves the case.

The facts and charge determine the applicable offense.

XVI. Slight Physical Injuries Compared With Alarms and Scandals

If the conduct disturbs public order, the charge may involve alarms and scandals, unjust vexation, or another offense. If the essence of the act is bodily harm or physical maltreatment, slight physical injuries may apply.

Example:

A person shouts and creates a disturbance in public may be liable for alarms and scandals. If the same person also slaps another, slight physical injuries may also be considered.

XVII. Slight Physical Injuries Compared With Grave Coercion

If violence is used to compel another person to do something against his or her will, the case may involve coercion rather than mere slight physical injuries.

Example:

A person grabs and pushes another to force him to leave a property. Depending on the facts, the act may be charged as coercion, slight physical injuries, unjust vexation, or another offense.

The legal characterization depends on the offender’s intent and the act’s principal purpose.

XVIII. Slight Physical Injuries in Domestic or Intimate Partner Context

If the victim is a woman in a dating, sexual, or marital relationship with the offender, or the child of such woman, the case may fall under Republic Act No. 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, instead of or in addition to the Revised Penal Code.

Violence causing even minor physical harm may be treated differently if committed in the context of violence against women and children.

Thus, what might otherwise appear to be slight physical injuries may be prosecuted under a special law if the relationship and circumstances fall within that statute.

XIX. Slight Physical Injuries Against Children

If the victim is a child, other laws may become relevant, including child protection laws. Physical harm against a child may be considered child abuse depending on the circumstances, intent, cruelty, discipline context, and resulting injury.

A minor bruise caused by a stranger, parent, teacher, guardian, or caregiver may have different legal implications depending on the facts.

The Revised Penal Code classification does not always end the legal analysis when the victim is a child.

XX. Slight Physical Injuries in School, Workplace, and Public Settings

Slight physical injuries may arise from:

school fights;
workplace altercations;
neighborhood disputes;
traffic confrontations;
domestic arguments;
sports-related conflicts;
barangay disputes;
public market quarrels;
drinking sessions;
social media-related confrontations that become physical.

The same Article 266 analysis applies, but additional consequences may arise, such as school discipline, employment sanctions, administrative liability, civil claims, or barangay settlement.

XXI. Intent to Kill

If there is intent to kill, the offense may not be physical injuries. It may be attempted or frustrated homicide or murder, depending on the acts performed and the result.

For slight physical injuries, there is generally no intent to kill. The offender intended to injure, hit, harm, or maltreat, but not to kill.

Indicators of intent to kill may include:

use of a deadly weapon;
nature, number, and location of wounds;
words uttered before or during the attack;
manner of attack;
previous threats;
persistence of assault;
victim’s vulnerability;
circumstances showing a deliberate intent to end life.

A minor wound does not automatically mean slight physical injuries if the attack clearly showed intent to kill.

XXII. Qualifying or Aggravating Circumstances

Although slight physical injuries carry light penalties, circumstances may affect liability, such as:

treachery;
abuse of superior strength;
evident premeditation;
insult or disregard of rank, age, sex, or dwelling;
nighttime;
use of weapon;
relationship;
recidivism;
intoxication, depending on facts;
commission in a place of worship or public office.

However, for slight physical injuries, the statutory penalty range is limited. Aggravating or mitigating circumstances may affect the period of penalty or whether the court chooses imprisonment or fine when allowed.

XXIII. Mitigating Circumstances

The accused may raise mitigating circumstances recognized under the Revised Penal Code, such as:

voluntary surrender;
plea of guilty;
sufficient provocation;
passion or obfuscation;
lack of intent to commit so grave a wrong;
incomplete self-defense;
minority, subject to juvenile justice rules;
analogous circumstances.

Mitigating circumstances may reduce the penalty within the applicable range or affect the court’s discretion.

XXIV. Self-Defense

Self-defense is a complete defense if the accused proves:

unlawful aggression by the victim;
reasonable necessity of the means employed to prevent or repel it;
lack of sufficient provocation on the part of the person defending himself or herself.

In slight physical injuries cases, self-defense commonly arises in fistfights, neighborhood altercations, family disputes, and traffic confrontations.

If self-defense is complete, the accused may be acquitted. If incomplete, it may mitigate liability.

XXV. Mutual Fight or Rumble

A mutual fight does not automatically excuse criminal liability. If both parties voluntarily engaged in a fight, each may be liable for injuries inflicted on the other, depending on proof.

In a mutual fight, the court may examine:

who started the aggression;
whether the aggression had ceased;
whether the response was reasonable;
whether weapons were used;
whether injuries were actually caused;
whether witnesses are credible;
whether both parties filed complaints.

A person cannot always invoke self-defense if he or she willingly participated in the fight.

XXVI. Accidental Injuries

If the injury was purely accidental and without negligence or criminal intent, criminal liability may not attach.

However, if the injury resulted from reckless imprudence, the offender may be liable for reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries rather than intentional slight physical injuries.

Example:

A person accidentally bumps another in a crowded place without negligence may not be criminally liable. But a driver who negligently causes minor injuries may be liable under rules on reckless imprudence.

XXVII. Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Slight Physical Injuries

Where the injury was caused not by intentional assault but by negligence, imprudence, lack of skill, or lack of foresight, the offense may be reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries.

Common examples include:

minor traffic accidents;
negligent operation of machinery;
accidental injury in construction;
careless handling of objects;
negligent sports or recreational acts, depending on facts.

The penalty is determined under the rules on quasi-offenses and the gravity of the resulting injury.

XXVIII. Civil Liability

A person convicted of slight physical injuries may also be ordered to pay civil liability, such as:

medical expenses;
lost income;
transportation expenses for treatment;
moral damages in proper cases;
temperate damages where exact proof is unavailable;
exemplary damages if aggravating circumstances are present;
attorney’s fees, in proper cases;
costs of suit.

Civil liability is payable to the offended party, unlike a criminal fine, which is payable to the government.

XXIX. Settlement

Slight physical injuries cases are often settled at the barangay or during court proceedings. Settlement may include:

apology;
payment of medical expenses;
reimbursement of lost wages;
agreement not to repeat the act;
undertaking to keep peace;
payment of agreed damages;
desistance by complainant.

However, settlement does not always automatically extinguish criminal liability once a case has been filed. The public prosecutor controls the criminal action, although an affidavit of desistance may affect prosecution if evidence becomes insufficient.

XXX. Barangay Conciliation

Many slight physical injuries disputes are subject to barangay conciliation under the Katarungang Pambarangay system if the parties live in the same city or municipality, or in adjoining barangays of the same city or municipality, and no exception applies.

Barangay proceedings may result in:

mediation;
conciliation;
settlement;
issuance of certification to file action if settlement fails.

Barangay conciliation is often a condition precedent before filing in court for covered offenses.

However, exceptions exist, such as where the penalty exceeds the jurisdictional limit, one party is the government, urgent legal action is needed, the parties are from different cities or municipalities not covered by the rules, or the offense falls outside barangay jurisdiction.

XXXI. Prescriptive Period

Slight physical injuries are generally considered a light offense. Light offenses prescribe in a shorter period than more serious crimes.

Because prescription rules can be technical, the offended party should act promptly. Delay may result in loss of the right to prosecute.

Prescription may be affected by the filing of a complaint with the proper authority, preliminary proceedings, barangay conciliation issues, and other procedural rules.

XXXII. Jurisdiction

Slight physical injuries cases are generally within the jurisdiction of first-level courts, such as the Municipal Trial Court, Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court in Cities, or Municipal Circuit Trial Court, depending on the place where the offense was committed.

If the offense is charged under a special law, involves a child, domestic violence, or is connected with another more serious offense, jurisdiction and procedure may differ.

XXXIII. Criminal Procedure

A typical slight physical injuries case may proceed as follows:

incident occurs;
victim obtains medical certificate, if injured;
complaint is made to barangay or police;
barangay conciliation is conducted if required;
complaint-affidavit is filed with the prosecutor or directly with the proper court, depending on procedure;
prosecutor evaluates the case, if applicable;
information or complaint is filed in court;
accused is arraigned;
pre-trial or mediation may occur;
trial proceeds if no settlement or dismissal occurs;
court renders judgment;
penalty and civil liability are imposed if guilt is proven.

For light offenses, procedure may be simplified in some cases.

XXXIV. Evidence Needed

The complainant should gather:

medical certificate;
photographs of injuries;
police blotter;
barangay blotter;
witness statements;
CCTV footage;
phone videos;
screenshots of threats or admissions;
receipts for medical expenses;
proof of lost income;
damaged clothing or objects, if relevant;
affidavits.

The accused may gather:

evidence of self-defense;
CCTV or videos;
witnesses;
medical certificate showing own injuries;
proof of provocation;
proof of settlement;
inconsistencies in complainant’s evidence;
proof that injuries were self-inflicted or caused by another person;
proof of alibi, where applicable.

XXXV. Importance of Photographs and Timing

Minor injuries heal quickly. A bruise, scratch, redness, or swelling may disappear in a few days. Therefore, prompt documentation is important.

The victim should ideally:

seek medical examination immediately;
take clear photos with date and time;
preserve original files;
record names of witnesses;
report promptly to barangay or police.

Delayed medical examination may weaken the case, especially if the accused disputes the source of injury.

XXXVI. Police Blotter

A police blotter is not by itself proof that the crime happened. It is merely an official record that a report was made.

However, it may help establish:

promptness of complaint;
initial version of events;
identity of parties;
location and time of incident;
names of witnesses.

A blotter entry does not replace testimony, medical evidence, or other proof.

XXXVII. Affidavit of Desistance

An affidavit of desistance is a statement by the complainant that he or she no longer wishes to pursue the case.

It may be considered by the prosecutor or court, but it does not automatically dismiss the criminal case. This is because crimes are offenses against the State, not merely private disputes.

The case may still proceed if the prosecution has sufficient evidence.

XXXVIII. Effect of Apology

An apology may help settle the dispute and mitigate conflict, but it does not automatically erase criminal liability.

Depending on wording, an apology may even be treated as an admission. Parties should be careful when making written statements during settlement discussions.

XXXIX. Compromise and Civil Liability

The civil aspect may be compromised. The offended party may accept payment for medical expenses and damages.

However, compromise of civil liability does not necessarily extinguish criminal liability. It may influence the complainant’s participation and the court’s view of restitution, but criminal prosecution may still continue.

XL. Minor Accused

If the offender is a minor, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act and related rules may apply.

A child in conflict with the law may be subject to:

exemption from criminal liability if below the statutory age threshold;
intervention programs;
diversion;
social welfare assessment;
restorative justice measures;
special court procedures.

The ordinary penalty under Article 266 may not be applied in the same way to a minor.

XLI. Minor Victim

If the victim is a minor, prosecutors and courts may consider child protection laws, abuse, cruelty, or special circumstances. A case that appears to involve slight injury may be treated more seriously if committed against a child by a person exercising authority, custody, discipline, or influence.

XLII. Public Officers and Persons in Authority

If slight physical injuries are inflicted upon a person in authority or an agent of a person in authority while performing official duties, other offenses may be considered, such as direct assault or resistance, depending on the facts.

For example, striking a teacher, police officer, barangay official, or traffic enforcer during the performance of official duty may involve more than slight physical injuries.

XLIII. Slight Physical Injuries and Persons in Authority as Offenders

If the offender is a public officer, teacher, police officer, barangay official, jail officer, or other person acting under color of authority, administrative liability may arise in addition to criminal liability.

Possible consequences include:

administrative complaint;
disciplinary sanctions;
suspension;
dismissal;
civil damages;
criminal prosecution;
human rights investigation, in proper cases.

XLIV. Physical Injuries and Sports

In sports, minor injuries may occur as part of normal play. Not every sports injury is criminal.

However, criminal liability may arise if the act was:

clearly outside the rules of the game;
intentionally violent;
malicious;
retaliatory;
unrelated to legitimate play;
committed after the play had stopped;
grossly excessive.

Example: A legal basketball contact causing minor injury may not be criminal. Punching an opponent after a whistle may be slight physical injuries or a more serious offense depending on the injury.

XLV. Physical Injuries and Discipline

Parents, guardians, teachers, or persons in authority sometimes raise discipline as a defense or explanation. Philippine law recognizes parental authority, but it does not authorize cruelty, abuse, excessive force, or unlawful injury.

Physical discipline causing injury may result in liability under the Revised Penal Code, child protection laws, school regulations, administrative rules, or civil law.

The legality depends on the relationship, age of the child, nature of the act, degree of force, injury, intent, and surrounding circumstances.

XLVI. Physical Injuries and Workplace Discipline

Employers and supervisors have no right to physically punish employees. A slap, push, punch, or similar act by a superior may constitute slight physical injuries, unjust vexation, coercion, or another offense, and may also support labor claims or administrative complaints.

XLVII. Physical Injuries and Road Rage

Road rage incidents commonly result in slight physical injuries. Examples include:

slapping another driver;
punching a motorist;
pushing a cyclist;
grabbing a passenger;
hitting a pedestrian;
minor injury during a traffic argument.

Depending on the facts, other charges may also arise, including grave threats, malicious mischief, alarm and scandal, unjust vexation, coercion, or traffic-related offenses.

XLVIII. Civil Case Independent of Criminal Case

An offended party may have civil remedies arising from the wrongful act. Civil liability may be pursued with the criminal case or separately in certain circumstances.

However, procedural rules govern when the civil action is deemed instituted with the criminal action and when it may proceed independently.

A complainant should be careful not to waive civil claims unintentionally.

XLIX. Employment and Administrative Consequences

A conviction or even a pending case may affect:

employment;
professional licenses;
security clearances;
school discipline;
immigration applications;
firearms licensing;
government employment;
business dealings;
reputation.

Even where the penalty is light, the collateral consequences may be significant.

L. Practical Guidance for Complainants

A complainant should:

seek medical examination immediately;
photograph injuries;
report to barangay or police promptly;
secure witness names and contact information;
preserve CCTV or video evidence;
keep receipts for expenses;
attend barangay proceedings if required;
avoid exaggerating injuries;
avoid social media statements that may complicate the case;
consult counsel if the case involves domestic violence, children, public officers, or serious threats.

LI. Practical Guidance for Accused Persons

An accused person should:

avoid contacting or threatening the complainant;
preserve evidence;
document injuries, if any;
identify witnesses;
attend barangay or court proceedings;
avoid signing admissions without understanding them;
consider settlement where appropriate;
raise self-defense or other defenses truthfully;
comply with court processes;
consult counsel if the case may affect employment, licensing, or reputation.

LII. Common Questions

Is slight physical injuries punishable by imprisonment?

Yes. Depending on the category, the penalty may include arresto menor, which ranges from one day to thirty days.

Can a person be jailed for slapping someone?

Yes, if the slap causes injury or constitutes physical ill-treatment. If no injury results, it may still fall under Article 266 as ill-treatment by deed, depending on the facts.

Is a medical certificate required?

It is highly important when actual physical injuries are alleged. For ill-treatment without injury, the case may proceed based on testimony and other evidence, but a medical certificate helps if there is any visible injury.

What if the injury heals in three days?

If the injury required medical attendance or caused incapacity for one to nine days, it may be slight physical injuries.

What if the injury lasts more than nine days?

The offense may be less serious or serious physical injuries depending on the number of days and nature of the injury.

Can the case be settled at the barangay?

Many cases can go through barangay conciliation if the parties and offense fall within barangay jurisdiction.

Does an affidavit of desistance automatically dismiss the case?

No. It may influence the case, but the prosecutor or court may still proceed if evidence is sufficient.

Is slight physical injuries a public crime?

Yes. Criminal offenses are prosecuted in the name of the People of the Philippines, although the complainant’s participation is important.

Can both parties file charges after a fight?

Yes. If both parties suffered injuries and evidence supports their claims, each may file a complaint.

Can a minor be charged?

A minor may be subject to special rules under juvenile justice laws. Criminal liability and procedure depend on age and discernment.

LIII. Conclusion

Slight physical injuries under Philippine law are punishable under Article 266 of the Revised Penal Code. The penalty depends on the nature of the injury and its consequences. If the injury causes incapacity for labor or requires medical attendance for one to nine days, the penalty is arresto menor, or imprisonment from one day to thirty days. If the injury does not require medical attendance or does not prevent the victim from working, the penalty may be arresto menor or a fine. If there is ill-treatment by deed without injury, the penalty is arresto menor in its minimum period or a fine.

The classification of the offense depends heavily on medical findings, the duration of incapacity or treatment, the existence or absence of visible injury, and the surrounding facts. Minor injuries can still carry legal consequences, especially when committed against women, children, persons in authority, or in circumstances involving domestic violence, coercion, public disturbance, or abuse.

The practical legal lesson is that even seemingly minor acts of violence—such as slapping, pushing, punching, scratching, or shoving—may result in criminal prosecution. Victims should document injuries promptly, while accused persons should respond through lawful defenses and avoid retaliation or intimidation. Both sides should understand that settlement may resolve the civil aspect and sometimes reduce conflict, but it does not always automatically extinguish criminal liability.