Practice question
An act committed in 2024 carried a maximum fine of PHP 1,000. A 2025 statute raises the maximum to PHP 5,000 and expressly applies the increase to that already completed act. The prosecution begins in 2026. Which is correct?
- The 2026 prosecution date makes the increased fine lawful for the 2024 act
- The retroactive increase presents the prohibited greater-punishment category
- Every accused must receive the newest and highest fine
- The fine increase is irrelevant because no imprisonment changed
- Only the date of arrest determines the applicable punishment
Legal references
- https://lawphil.net/consti/cons1987.html — Constitution, Article III section 22: prohibition of ex post facto laws.
- https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1999/jan1999/gr_128096_1999.html — Lacson v. Executive Secretary, G.R. 128096, January 20, 1999, main decision: ex post facto categories and procedural jurisdiction distinguished from prohibited penal retroactivity.
- https://lawphil.net/statutes/acts/act1930/act_3815_1930.html — Revised Penal Code Articles21–22: prior penalty law and favorable retroactivity, subject to the habitual-criminal limitation.
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