Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 1773)
The crimes covered are adulterio, estupro, rapto, violacion, calumnia, and injuria as defined by the Penal Code of the Philippine Islands.
They are deemed public crimes and shall be prosecuted in the same manner as all other crimes defined by the Penal Code or Acts of the Philippine Commission.
No, prosecution for adulterio, estupro, or injuria committed against persons other than public officials or employees can only be instituted upon the complaint of the aggrieved person or their parents, grandparents, or guardian.
No, condonation, pardon, or remission of penalty by the aggrieved person or their legal representatives does not extinguish the criminal liability of the guilty person, nor does it dismiss or suspend the prosecution once it has commenced.
Yes, in cases of estupro, rapto, or violacion, the legal marriage of the accused or convicted person to the aggrieved person shall extinguish such criminal liability.
The aggrieved person or their legal representatives may bring a civil action for additional civil damages from the guilty person, as an additional remedy apart from any other remedies existing under the law.
Yes, it repeals so much of the Penal Code of the Philippine Islands as is inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.
Nothing in this Act is to be construed as modifying or repealing any provisions of Act No. 277 concerning the law on libel and related offenses.
This Act took effect upon its passage on October 11, 1907.
The passage was expedited in accordance with section two of "An Act prescribing the order of procedure by the Commission in the enactment of laws," passed on September 26, 1900, due to the public good requiring speedy enactment.