When a single act constitutes two or more crimes, or when an offense is a necessary means for committing the other, the penalty for the most serious crime shall be imposed, the same to be applied in its maximum period.
Revised Penal Code · Application of Penalties
Penalty for complex crimes
Current text, as of October 15, 2026
When a single act constitutes two or more crimes, or when an offense is a necessary means for committing the other, the penalty for the most serious crime shall be imposed, the same to be applied in its maximum period.
Consolidated by Alleba from the 1930 text of Act No. 3815 (Lawphil) and the amending Republic Acts in our library. Amendments made by Presidential Decrees, Batas Pambansa or executive orders are not yet included. For information and research only, and not legal advice. This text may not reflect later amendments. For certified copies, refer to the Official Gazette or the issuing agency.