Law Summary
Scope of Application
- The amendments apply specifically to the prescription periods for crimes under Article 90 of the Revised Penal Code.
Definition and Classification of Penalties
- Death, reclusion perpetua, and reclusion temporal are classified as the gravest penalties with the longest prescriptive periods.
- Afflictive penalties cover other severe penalties with a shorter prescription period.
- Correctional penalties include less severe punishments, with arresto mayor being an exception with a shorter prescriptive period.
- Light offenses represent the least severe crimes with the shortest prescription period.
Specific Provisions on Libel and Related Offenses
- Libel and similar offenses have a prescriptive period of one year, reflecting the special treatment of these crimes.
- Oral defamation and slander by deed, being less severe forms of defamation, prescribe in six months.
Application to Cases Already Filed
- The shortened prescription periods do not apply retroactively to libel cases already filed before the enactment of this law.
Effectivity
- The law took effect immediately upon approval.