What is the penalty if a public officer abandons office to evade the duty of preventing, prosecuting, or punishing any other crime?
If the purpose of the public officer’s abandonment of office is to evade the duty of preventing, prosecuting, or punishing any crime other than those specifically enumerated in the higher category, a lighter penalty is applied. In this scenario, the law imposes the punishment of arresto mayor (Article 1, Revised Penal Code). This demonstrates a graduated penalty system based on the severity of the crime the officer intended to overlook. The abandonment must be deliberate and aimed at avoiding official responsibility.
30 October 2025
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Nicolas and De Vega Law Offices is a full-service law firm in the Philippines. You may visit us at the 16th Flr., Suite 1607 AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, 1605 Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. You may also call us at +632 84706126, +632 84706130, +632 84016392 or e-mail us at [email protected]. Visit our website https://ndvlaw.com/.
