Below is a comprehensive discussion of the criminal offenses and penalties relating to physical injuries and damage to property under Philippine law, primarily under the Revised Penal Code (Act No. 3815, as amended). While this overview covers the main points, note that specific cases can vary, and updates to statutes and jurisprudence can affect how these offenses are charged or penalized. Always consult a qualified lawyer for advice about particular situations.

1. Legal Framework

Revised Penal Code (RPC). The primary source of criminal law in the Philippines. It classifies crimes, defines elements, and provides penalties.
Special Penal Laws. These may modify or supplement provisions of the Revised Penal Code. For example, the law on arson has been modified by Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1613.
Civil Code. Provides for civil liability arising from crimes (also known as “ex delicto” liability), which often accompanies criminal liability.

2. Physical Injuries under the Revised Penal Code

The RPC classifies physical injuries based on severity and consequences:

Mutilation (Article 262). Involves the intentional lopping or mutilation of any part of a person’s body. This is distinct from “physical injuries” due to its more grievous nature and has higher penalties.
Serious Physical Injuries (Article 263). Considered serious when they create grave harm or risk to a person. Examples include:
- Loss of a sense (e.g., sight, hearing) or use of a body organ.
- Incapacity for work for more than 90 days.
- Permanent deformity or incapacity.
Penalties: Depending on the specific circumstances, the penalties range from prisión correccional (6 months and 1 day to 6 years) to prisión mayor (6 years and 1 day to 12 years). The precise penalty depends on factors like the extent of the injury, whether there was evident premeditation or treachery, and other modifying circumstances.
Administering Injurious Substances or Beverages (Article 264). Involves causing physical harm by administering certain substances. Penalties vary depending on the resulting harm (serious or less serious physical injuries, or death).
Less Serious Physical Injuries (Article 265). These injuries cause incapacity for labor or require medical attendance for 10 days to 30 days, but are not classified as “serious” (i.e., do not involve permanent disability or deformity, nor incapacity beyond 30 days).

Penalties: Typically arresto mayor (1 month and 1 day to 6 months). The exact duration depends on aggravating or mitigating circumstances.
Slight Physical Injuries and Maltreatment (Article 266). These are injuries that require less than 10 days of medical attendance or do not prevent the offended party from engaging in his or her usual work. This also includes instances of ill-treatment that do not cause physical harm significant enough to be considered as less serious or serious injuries.

Penalties: Typically arresto menor (1 day to 30 days) or a fine, depending on the duration and extent of injuries.

2.1 Qualifying and Modifying Circumstances

Aggravating Circumstances (e.g., treachery, abuse of superior strength, cruelty, nighttime, etc.) can increase the penalty within the range provided by law.
Mitigating Circumstances (e.g., voluntary surrender, minor offender status, etc.) can reduce the penalty within the range.
Privileged Mitigating Circumstances (e.g., incomplete justifying circumstance of self-defense, incomplete exemption due to mental incapacity) can reduce the penalty by one or two degrees.

2.2 Civil Liability

Alongside criminal liability, an accused found guilty of physical injuries must also indemnify the victim for:

Actual or compensatory damages (e.g., hospital bills, rehabilitation costs).
Moral damages (for mental or emotional suffering, if proven).
Exemplary damages (if aggravating circumstances are present).

Even if the case is dismissed on criminal grounds or the accused is acquitted (e.g., by a justifying circumstance like self-defense), civil liability may still arise under quasi-delict or other civil law principles.

3. Property Damage under the Revised Penal Code

Damage to property in the RPC is typically addressed under the general heading of “Crimes Against Property.” The most pertinent offense is Malicious Mischief, but other crimes also apply (e.g., Arson, Estafa, Robbery or Theft with property damage). For purposes of this overview, we’ll focus on the common offenses relating to property damage per se.

Malicious Mischief (Article 327). Committed by deliberately causing damage to the property of another without lawful justification.
- The key element is malice—the intent to cause damage.
- Often covers situations like vandalism, destroying a fence, damaging a vehicle, or intentionally harming livestock.
Penalty for Malicious Mischief (Articles 328–329). Penalties are based on the value of the damage caused:
- Malicious Mischief with Damage Valued at More Than PHP 1,000. Generally penalized with prisión correccional in its minimum to medium periods (6 months and 1 day up to 4 years and 2 months), depending on the actual value of damage and aggravating or mitigating circumstances.
- Malicious Mischief with Damage Not Exceeding PHP 1,000. Generally penalized with arresto mayor or arresto menor (depending on the exact value).
Qualified Malicious Mischief (Article 329). If the property damaged is a public property, a place of worship, or a national treasure, or if the mischief results in the interruption of public services (e.g., damaging phone lines, water pipes), the offense is “qualified” and carries higher penalties.

3.1 Other Offenses Involving Property Damage

Arson (PD No. 1613 and Articles 320–326 of the RPC). Willful or intentional burning of property is penalized more severely than mere malicious mischief. The penalty ranges from reclusión temporal (12 years and 1 day to 20 years) to reclusión perpetua (20 years and 1 day to 40 years), depending on whether it is simple or qualified arson and the extent of damage or injury caused.
Damage in the Course of Other Crimes. Crimes like Robbery or Theft may involve property damage (e.g., breaking windows, damaging doors). In such cases, the damage typically merges into the primary offense (theft or robbery), though it may serve as an aggravating factor if the damage is extensive or done with malice.

3.2 Civil Liability for Property Damage

As with physical injuries, the offender may be held civilly liable for:

Restitution (if the property can be returned in its original condition or replaced).
Reparation for Damages (payment for the loss or reduction in the property’s value).
Indemnification for consequential damages (e.g., lost profits for time the property could not be used).

4. Procedure: Filing a Criminal Case and Penalties

Filing a Complaint/Information. The offended party (or the police/prosecutor) files a complaint before the Office of the Prosecutor. If probable cause is found, an Information is filed in court.
Arrest and Bail. Depending on the offense, the accused may be required to post bail or be detained.
Trial and Judgment. Courts determine guilt based on evidence presented. If convicted, the accused is sentenced within the range of penalties provided by law, subject to aggravating or mitigating circumstances.
Civil Damages. Once guilt is established, the court also orders the payment of civil damages unless a separate civil action is pursued or waived.

5. Special Considerations and Common Pitfalls

Baranggay Conciliation. For minor offenses (e.g., slight physical injuries or property damage that is relatively small in monetary value), the case might first need to go through the barangay conciliation process under the Katarungang Pambarangay Law (Presidential Decree No. 1508, later incorporated into the Local Government Code). Failure to undergo conciliation may result in the dismissal of the case.
Prescription of Offenses. Crimes prescribe (i.e., can no longer be prosecuted after a certain period). Serious offenses have longer prescription periods than minor offenses.
Self-Defense, Defense of Property, and Other Justifying or Exempting Circumstances. If the accused acted in self-defense or defense of property (subject to the required elements like unlawful aggression, reasonable necessity, etc.), criminal liability may be negated.
Overlap with Civil Actions. In many instances, the victim files a criminal complaint and can simultaneously claim civil indemnity. It is also possible to file a separate civil action based on quasi-delict (if the act was not malicious but negligent) or if the criminal action is withdrawn or dismissed on technical grounds.
Recidivism or Habitual Delinquency. Repeat offenders may face heavier penalties, as they may be deemed recidivists or habitual delinquents.

6. Practical Tips

Document Evidence Promptly. For physical injuries, obtain a medico-legal certificate; for property damage, photograph or record the extent of the damage and get an estimate of repair costs.
Seek Immediate Legal Counsel. Ensure all requirements (e.g., barangay conciliation, correct information in the complaint) are met to avoid delays or dismissals.
Explore Amicable Settlement (If Permitted). In property damage or minor physical injury cases, many prefer settling amicably. However, serious offenses like serious physical injuries or arson typically require prosecution in the interest of public justice.

7. Conclusion

In the Philippines, penalties for physical injuries and property damage can range from fines and short-term detention (arresto menor or arresto mayor) to lengthy imprisonment (prisión mayor, reclusión temporal, or even reclusión perpetua) depending on the gravity and circumstances. While the Revised Penal Code provides the basic framework for these crimes, modifying factors—such as aggravating circumstances, mitigating circumstances, or special laws—often influence the final penalty.

Civil liability almost always accompanies criminal liability, ensuring that the victim can recover damages (actual, moral, or otherwise). For more nuanced guidance or information on a specific case, it is essential to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney, as the interplay of legal provisions, jurisprudence, and evidentiary requirements can significantly impact both the criminal and civil aspects of the case.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For any particular issue or case, consult a licensed attorney who is knowledgeable about Philippine laws and jurisprudence.