17/04/2025
The legal maxim Nullum Crimen, Nulla Poena Sine Legeโโno crime, no punishment without lawโโis fundamentally enshrined in Article III, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitutionโs Bill of Rights, which states:
"No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws."
This principle emphasizes that no person may be held criminally liable for an act that is not expressly defined and penalized by law. In essence, one cannot be punished for an offense that was not previously established by a statute or written law.
In the landmark case People of the Philippines vs. Johnny K. Sullano (G.R. No. 228373, March 12, 2018), the Supreme Court reaffirmed this doctrine, stating:
"Criminal law is rooted in the concept that there is no crime unless a law specifically calls for its punishmentโnullum crimen, nulla poena sine lege. Another basic criminal law precept important to remember here is in dubiis reus est absolvendusโall doubts should be resolved in favor of the accused. Any criminal law showing ambiguity will always be construed strictly against the State and in favor of the accused."
This constitutional guarantee of due process and adherence to the rule of law safeguards individuals from arbitrary or retroactive prosecution. It reinforces the essential legal requirement that crimes and their corresponding penalties must be clearly defined by law.
