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Article 266Slight physical injuries and maltreatment

Act No. 3815 · Revised Penal CodeKey provision

ELI5— what this means for you

Article 266 covers slight physical injuries (arresto menor penalty). Article 266-A (added by RA 8353 — Anti-Rape Law of 1997) defines rape: carnal knowledge through force/threat/intimidation, victim unconscious, fraudulent machination, or victim under 16 (statutory rape). Marital rape is also punishable.

Key point

Rape (Art. 266-A) is a crime against persons, not chastity. The State can prosecute even without a complaint from the victim.

Official text — Act No. 3815

Slight physical injuries and maltreatment.

-The crime of slight physical inj uries shall be punished:

1. By arresto menor when the offender has inflicted physical injuries which shall incapacitate the offended party for labor from one to nine days, or shall require medical attendance during the same period.

2. By arresto menor or a fine not exceeding 200 pesos and censure when the offender has caused physical injuries which do not prevent the offended party from engaging in his habitual work nor require medical attendance.

3. By arresto menor in its minimum period or a fine not exceeding 50 pesos when the offender shall illtreat another by deed without causing any injury.

TITLE NINE

CRIMES AGAINST PERSONAL LIBERTY AND SECURITY

CHAPTER ONE

CRIMES AGAINST LIBERTY

SECTION ONE.-Illegal detention

Source: lawphil.net (Act No. 3815 as amended)

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Legal disclaimer: BatasKo provides general legal information, not legal advice. Criminal law has serious consequences — for advice on your specific situation, consult a licensed Filipino lawyer or the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) at pao.gov.ph.