Dear Attorney,
I recently encountered a situation involving a disturbance where someone of legal age did not try to stop the commotion. I would like to know if there are any laws in the Philippines regarding the legal age of a person and their responsibility in such a situation. What does the law say about their obligation or responsibility in this kind of scenario?
Sincerely,
Concerned Citizen
Insights
In the Philippines, the legal concept regarding the age of responsibility touches upon several important laws, including the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and the Civil Code. Generally, the law recognizes that individuals who have reached the age of 18 are considered of legal age, making them fully accountable for their actions. However, when it comes to the obligation or duty to intervene in situations like disturbances or altercations, the law typically does not impose a direct obligation on bystanders, regardless of their age, unless specific circumstances apply.
One key legal doctrine that may be relevant in such scenarios is compulsory intervention, which refers to situations where a person is legally required to intervene to prevent harm or a crime. However, in most cases, the law does not oblige ordinary citizens to intervene in altercations unless they hold a special duty, such as law enforcement officers or certain public officials.
For example, under Article 275 of the Revised Penal Code, failure to render assistance to a person in danger can be punishable if the bystander is in a position to help without any danger to themselves. This provision, however, applies to more specific situations, such as when a person is in imminent danger of death or serious harm, rather than general disturbances.
The concept of "legal age" primarily concerns the legal capacity of individuals to make decisions, enter contracts, and be held responsible for crimes under the Revised Penal Code. Once a person reaches 18, they are presumed to have the mental and emotional capacity to understand and bear the consequences of their actions. While the law may recognize a moral responsibility to de-escalate or prevent conflicts, there is no direct legal obligation for citizens to stop disturbances unless specific laws or regulations apply.
In summary, the responsibility of an individual to intervene in a commotion does not automatically arise from their legal age. The law focuses on direct responsibilities, such as preventing harm to someone in danger, rather than requiring intervention in general conflicts or public disturbances. Nonetheless, individuals of legal age are held accountable for their actions if they actively contribute to or escalate a situation.