The brothers Roberto and Ricardo Ratute, both Filipino citizens, led a group of armed men in seizing a southern island in the Philippines, and declaring war against the duly constituted government of the country. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), led by its Chief of Staff, General Riturban, responded and a full scale war ensued between the AFP and the armed men led by the brothers. The armed conflict raged for months.
When the brothers-led armed men were running out of supplies, Ricalde, also a Filipino, and a good friend and supporter of the Ratute brothers, was tasked to leave for abroad in order to solicit arms and funding for the cash-strapped brothers. He was able to travel to Rwanda, and there he met with Riboli, a citizen and resident of Rwanda, who agreed to help the brothers by raising funds internationally, and to send them to the Ratute brothers in order to aid them in their armed struggle against the Philippine government. Before Ricalde and Riboli could complete their fund-raising activities for the brothers, the AFP was able to reclaim- the island and defeat the Ratute-led uprising.
Ricalde and Riboli were charged with conspiracy to commit treason. During the hearing of the two cases, the government only presented as witness, General Riturban, who testified on the activities of the Ratute brothers, Ricalde, and Riboli.
(a) Can Ricalde and Riboli be convicted of the crime of conspiracy to commit treason? (2.5%)
(b) Will the testimony of General Riturban, assuming he can testify on acts within his personal knowledge, be sufficient to convict the Ratute brothers, Ricalde, and Riboli? (2.5%)
Suggested answer only. Not an official answer and not legal advice.
(a) No, Ricalde and Riboli cannot be convicted of conspiracy to commit treason; and (b) yes, General Riturban's testimony is sufficient. Under Articles 114 and 115 of the RPC, treason requires an international war, not
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Quick check
What crime is committed by citizens who engage in an armed public uprising to withhold an island from government control?
Seizing territory through an armed public uprising against the government constitutes rebellion under Article 134 of the RPC.
Why can a non-resident alien living abroad not be convicted of treason against the Republic of the Philippines?
Treason requires allegiance to the Philippines, which a non-resident alien residing abroad does not owe.
When does an armed levying of war against the Philippine government constitute treason under Article 114 of the RPC?
Treason requires levying war in adherence to or aid of a foreign enemy during an international war.
Does the two-witness rule under Article 114 of the RPC apply to prosecutions for rebellion under Article 134?
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Is the testimony of a single witness sufficient to convict an accused charged with rebellion under Philippine law?
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Learn more about these topics
1. Treason Versus Rebellion
Under Article 114 of the Revised Penal Code, treason is committed by a person owing allegiance to the Philippines who levies war against it or adheres to its enemies, giving them aid or comfort during an international war. An internal armed uprising conducted by citizens against the Philippine government to strip it of authority over part of the national territory constitutes rebellion under Article 134, not treason. Because no foreign enemy or international state of war was involved, raising funds for domestic rebels constitutes conspiracy to commit rebellion rather than treason.
2. Allegiance Requirement
Treason under Article 114 of the Revised Penal Code can only be committed by Filipino citizens owing permanent allegiance, or alien residents owing temporary allegiance to the Philippines while residing within its territorial jurisdiction. A foreign citizen who resides abroad owes no allegiance, whether permanent or temporary, to the Republic of the Philippines. Consequently, an alien residing in a foreign country who aids a domestic armed uprising cannot be charged with or convicted of treason or conspiracy to commit treason against the Philippine state.
3. Two-Witness Rule Scope
Under Article 114 of the Revised Penal Code, a conviction for treason requires the testimony of at least two witnesses to the same overt act, or an open confession in open court. However, this strict two-witness evidentiary requirement is an exceptional rule that applies exclusively to the prosecution of treason. In prosecutions for rebellion, sedition, or conspiracy to commit rebellion, the ordinary rules of evidence apply. The credible testimony of a single qualified witness is legally sufficient to sustain a conviction for rebellion.