Summary
Highlights
Criminal law is binding on all persons residing or sojourning within Philippine territory, including foreigners. Exceptions are granted to heads of state and certain diplomatic representatives, provided their actions are performed in the line of duty and the principle of reciprocity applies.
Philippine criminal law only applies to crimes committed within the Philippine territory. Crimes committed outside the country are subject to the jurisdiction of the host nation. An exception is the Philippine embassy, which is considered an extension of the state's territory.
Penal laws cannot be applied retroactively; an act is only punishable if a law existed at the time of its commission. However, a law can be applied retroactively if it is favorable to the accused, provided the new law does not expressly exclude pending cases and the offender is not a habitual criminal.