The penalties of arresto mayor in its maximum period to prisión correccional in its minimum period and a fine not to exceed Two hundred thousand pesos (₱200,000) shall be imposed upon:
1. Any physician or surgeon who, in connection with the practice of his profession, shall issue a false certificate; and "2. Any public officer who shall issue a false certificate of merit of service, good conduct or similar circumstances." "The penalty of arresto mayor shall be imposed upon any private person who shall falsify a certificate falling within the classes mentioned in the two (2) preceding subdivisions.