Philippine Bar review · Question

Practice question: Malum In Se and Malum Prohibitum

Multiple Choice Medium Jurisprudence

Practice question

An accused knowingly issues an insufficiently funded check, and every BP22 requirement is proved. The only defense is a benevolent motive in helping a relative, not a statutory excuse. Does that motive alone negate the prohibited act?
  1. Yes, motive alone decides every regulatory case
  2. Yes, every benevolent motive repeals the offense
  3. Yes, family help eliminates all statutory elements
  4. Yes, no special law can apply to relatives
  5. No

Legal references

  • BP 22, Sections 1-2, express knowledge and issuance elements: https://lawphil.net/statutes/bataspam/bp1979/bp_22_1979.html
  • People v. Bayona, GR 42288, February 16, 1935, general intent distinction only: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1935/feb1935/gr_42288_1935.html
  • Ladonga v. People, GR 141066, February 17, 2005, main decision: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/feb2005/gr_141066_2005.html
  • Carlos v. People, GR 277047, April 15, 2026, en banc main decision, BP22 classification and statutory elements: https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/18/70562

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