Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific concerns or questions regarding your situation, it is best to consult a qualified attorney in the Philippines.

Overview

Physical injuries cases in the Philippines are governed primarily by the Revised Penal Code (RPC), along with various rules of criminal procedure set forth by the Rules of Court and other relevant statutes. The term “physical injuries” typically covers offenses arising when a person inflicts bodily harm on another. These offenses range from minor scuffles that leave bruises to grievous attacks causing severe injuries.

Understanding the classifications, penalties, and procedural guidelines is essential for anyone who may be involved in such a case—whether as a complainant (the victim), the accused, or a witness.

Relevant Provisions under the Revised Penal Code

The RPC classifies physical injuries mainly according to the gravity of harm inflicted on the victim. The most commonly invoked provisions are:

Serious Physical Injuries (Article 263)
Less Serious Physical Injuries (Article 265)
Slight (Light) Physical Injuries (Article 266)

Each classification depends on the extent of the injury, period of medical treatment, incapacity for work, and other factors. Below is a simplified overview:

1. Serious Physical Injuries (Article 263)

Serious physical injuries usually involve:

Deformity
Loss of a part of the body or impairment of its use
Incapacity for work for more than 30 days
Illness or incapacity requiring medical attention for more than 30 days
Other injuries that are gravely injurious to the victim’s health or physical well-being

Penalties: Penalties vary, ranging from arresto mayor (imprisonment of one to six months) to prision mayor (imprisonment of six years and one day to twelve years), depending on the severity, circumstances, and the length of medical treatment or incapacity.

2. Less Serious Physical Injuries (Article 265)

Less serious physical injuries typically involve:

Incapacity for work or medical attendance of 10 to 30 days
Injuries that do not qualify as “serious” but are worse than mere “slight” harm

Penalties: The penalty is generally arresto mayor (one to six months of imprisonment).

3. Slight (Light) Physical Injuries (Article 266)

Slight or light physical injuries refer to:

Incapacity for work or medical attendance that does not exceed 9 days
Physical injuries which do not prevent the victim from engaging in their usual work or activities
Illness or incapacity that is relatively minor

Penalties: The penalty is arresto menor (one day to 30 days of imprisonment), or a fine, depending on the circumstances.

Who Can File a Case

Physical injuries are considered public crimes, meaning that anyone who has personal knowledge of the incident may initiate a complaint. However, practically, it is most common for the victim or the victim’s legal representative to file the case.

Jurisdiction of Courts

The Metropolitan Trial Courts (MeTC), Municipal Trial Courts (MTC), or Municipal Circuit Trial Courts (MCTC) generally have jurisdiction over offenses punishable with imprisonment not exceeding six years. Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) exercise jurisdiction when the prescribed penalty exceeds six years. In the context of physical injuries:

Serious Physical Injuries cases that carry a penalty exceeding six years fall under the RTC.
Less Serious Physical Injuries and Light Physical Injuries typically fall under the MTC or MeTC, depending on the city or municipality.

Steps in Filing a Criminal Case for Physical Injuries

Initial Report to Authorities
- The victim should report the incident to the local police station or other law enforcement agencies immediately.
- An incident report or police blotter entry will be prepared, detailing the facts of the altercation or attack and the injuries sustained.
Barangay Conciliation (if applicable)
- For minor cases or when parties reside in the same city or municipality, the Katarungang Pambarangay Law (under the Local Government Code) may require the dispute to first undergo mediation/conciliation at the barangay level before the case can be filed in court.
- If the parties fail to settle at the barangay level, a Certification to File Action will be issued, which is necessary to proceed with filing in court (unless the offense is one that falls under exceptions, such as more serious crimes which do not require barangay conciliation).
Preparation and Filing of Complaint
- The victim or their counsel will draft a Complaint-Affidavit detailing the allegations, nature of the injuries, and request for criminal prosecution. This should be submitted, together with any supporting evidence such as medical certificates, photographs, or witness affidavits.
- The complaint is usually filed before the Office of the City/Provincial Prosecutor.
Prosecutorial Investigation
- The prosecutor’s office will conduct a preliminary investigation (in serious cases) or a summary procedure investigation (in less serious or slight physical injuries cases).
- The accused will be required to submit a Counter-Affidavit if the prosecutor finds cause to proceed.
- If the prosecutor determines there is probable cause, an Information (the formal charging document) will be filed in the appropriate trial court.
Arraignment and Trial
- Once a case is docketed in court, the accused will be arraigned (formally informed of the charges) and asked to enter a plea.
- The trial proceeds with presentation of evidence from both prosecution and defense, witness testimony, cross-examination, and submission of documentary and object evidence.
Judgment
- The court renders a decision based on the evidence presented. If found guilty, the accused may face imprisonment, fines, or both, depending on the nature and classification of the offense.

Evidence and Proof

To establish a case for physical injuries, the prosecution must prove:

Identity of the Offender: That the accused is the person responsible for inflicting the injuries.
Physical Harm: Proof that the victim sustained injuries. This is typically evidenced through:
- Medical Certificates/Reports
- Photographs of injuries
- Witness Testimonies
Intent: The act was done voluntarily by the accused. (Although in physical injuries cases, the mere fact that the accused caused injury can be enough to attribute criminal liability, provided no valid defense—like self-defense—exists.)

Defenses

Common defenses in physical injuries cases include:

Self-Defense or Defense of Relative/Stranger
- The accused must prove they did not provoke the incident and used only reasonable force to defend themselves or another person.
Accident
- The accused may argue that injuries occurred unintentionally, without any fault or negligence on their part.
Alibi or Mistaken Identity
- Claiming the accused was in another place at the time or is not the same person who inflicted harm.
Lack of Intent
- In certain circumstances, lack of intent to cause the specific injury may mitigate the penalty, although it generally does not absolve liability entirely if negligence is proven.

Civil Liability and Damages

Under Philippine law, criminal liability carries with it civil liability. Thus, if the accused is found guilty in a physical injuries case, they may also be ordered to pay:

Actual or Compensatory Damages: For medical expenses, lost wages, etc.
Moral Damages: To compensate for mental anguish and emotional suffering.
Exemplary Damages: To set an example or deter future wrongdoing, especially if there are aggravating circumstances.

The victim may also opt to file a separate civil action if they wish to pursue damages independently, although it is more common to let the criminal case address both the criminal and civil aspects together (known as the “implied institution” of the civil action in criminal proceedings).

Time Limits (Prescription)

Criminal actions in the Philippines must be filed within prescriptive periods established by law. Under the Revised Penal Code, the prescriptive periods for physical injuries vary depending on the penalty, but in general:

Light offenses (like slight physical injuries) prescribe within 2 months (60 days) from the date of the commission.
Other physical injuries cases that are punishable by imprisonment of up to 6 years prescribe in 5 years.
More serious offenses may have longer prescriptive periods.

It is crucial to act promptly to avoid prescription of the offense, as once the period lapses, the State can no longer prosecute the alleged offender.

Practical Tips

Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, immediate medical documentation is invaluable for evidence.
Preserve Evidence
- Keep records such as medical certificates, photographs of injuries, prescription receipts, and any text messages or social media posts relevant to the incident.
Document the Incident Thoroughly
- Obtain a police blotter entry, gather witnesses, and secure affidavits if possible.
Consult a Lawyer
- Especially for serious physical injuries, having legal counsel helps ensure proper documentation, timely filing, and a thorough understanding of rights and remedies.

Conclusion

Filing a case for physical injuries in the Philippines involves a structured legal process guided by the Revised Penal Code and the country’s procedural rules. Classifications of physical injuries—serious, less serious, or slight—determine the potential penalty and where the case is filed. Key steps include securing medical proof, reporting promptly to authorities, and going through the required preliminary and trial procedures. As with any legal matter, seeking professional legal advice is strongly recommended to navigate the intricacies of filing a case and enforcing one’s rights effectively.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. If you are directly involved in a physical injuries case or believe you may be, it is wise to consult a qualified attorney to address the specifics of your circumstances.