The Supreme Court (SC) has altered the penalty for an individual found guilty of slight physical injuries and unjust vexation, changing it from 30 days of imprisonment to community service.
This decision applied Republic Act 11362, or the Community Service Act, which aims to enhance participation in public work and encourage public service, aligning with the State’s commitment to restorative justice and reducing jail overcrowding, the SC Office of the Spokesperson said in a press release March 14.
The Community Service Act took effect on Aug. 8, 2019, allowing courts to replace short-term jail sentences – ranging from one day to six months – with community service under terms determined by the court, taking into consideration the seriousness of the crime and circumstances of the case.
“The imposition of the penalty of community service is still within the discretion of the court and should not be taken as an unbridled license to commit minor offenses,” the SC ruled.
“In requiring community service, the court shall consider the welfare of the society and the reasonable probability that the person sentenced shall not violate the law while rendering the service,” it added. ||
