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Ang Batas, Sa Simpleng Salita — your rights, finally explained.

Article 29

RA 386 · Civil Code of the PhilippinesKey provision

ELI5— what this means for you

When a person is acquitted in a criminal case because of reasonable doubt — not because the act was not illegal — a civil action for damages may still be filed separately. Criminal acquittal does not bar civil liability.

Official text — RA 386

When the accused in a criminal prosecution is acquitted on the ground that his guilt has not been proved beyond reasonable doubt, a civil action for damages for the same act or omission may be instituted. Such action requires only a preponderance of evidence. Upon motion of the defendant, the court may require the plaintiff to file a bond to answer for damages in case the complaint should be found to be malicious.

If in a criminal case the judgment of acquittal is based upon reasonable doubt, the court shall so declare. In the absence of any declaration to that effect, it may be inferred from the text of the decision whether or not the acquittal is due to that ground.

Source: lawphil.net (RA 386 as amended)

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