Practice question
What distinguishes a special complex or composite crime from an ordinary Article 48 complex crime?
- The law defines the combination as a distinct offense with its own prescribed penalty.
- The prosecutor invents a new offense whenever several acts are alleged.
- Every component must arise from one physical movement.
- The accused chooses whether the law recognizes it.
- It always carries the sum of every component penalty.
Legal references
- People v Jugueta, G.R. No. 202124, April 5, 2016, en banc main decision, Article 48 and composite crimes: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2016/apr2016/gr_202124_2016.html
- People v Esugon, G.R. No. 195244, June 22, 2015, main decision, robbery with homicide as composite crime: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2015/jun2015/gr_195244_2015.html
- Revised Penal Code, Article 48 as amended, text and current two-branch rule reproduced in People v Reyes, G.R. No. 260030, May 19, 2025: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2025/may2025/gr_260030_2025.html
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