6. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRAVE SCANDAL AND ALARMS AND SCANDAL (not sure)
Grave scandal: consists of acts which are offensive to decency and good customs. They are
committed publicly and thus, give rise to public scandal to persons who have accidentally witnessed
the acts
Decency: means properly observing the requirements of modesty, good taste etc
Customs: refers to established usage, social conventions carried on by tradition and enforced by
social disapproval in case of violation
If the acts complained of are punishable under another provision of the RPC, Art 200 is not
applicable
The essence of grave scandal is publicity and that the acts committed are not only contrary to
morals and good customs but must likewise be of such character as to cause public scandal to
those witnessing it.
Article 155. Alarms and scandals. — The penalty of arresto menor or a fine not exceeding P200 pesos
shall be imposed upon:
1. Any person who within any town or public place, shall discharge any firearm, rocket, firecracker, or
other explosives calculated to cause alarm or danger;
2. Any person who shall instigate or take an active part in any charivari or other disorderly meeting
offensive to another or prejudicial to public tranquility;
3. Any person who, while wandering about at night or while engaged in any other nocturnal
amusements, shall disturb the public peace; or
4. Any person who, while intoxicated or otherwise, shall cause any disturbance or scandal in public
places, provided that the circumstances of the case shall not make the provisions of article 153
applicable.
Briefly put, these are crimes of disturbance, disturbance of the public peace, by means of cause
a scandal or an alarming situation, as described by the law above.
Article 202 of the RPC states that the term “prostitutes” refers to women who habitually indulge in
sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct, for money or profit.
Section 3 (a) of PD 1563 states that "Mendicant" refers to any person who has no visible and legal
means of support, or lawful employment and who is physically able to work but neglects to apply
himself to some lawful calling and instead uses begging as a means of living.
8. RULE ON GIVING ALMS TO MENDICANTS
Section 5 of PD 1563 states that any person who abets mendicancy by giving alms directly to
mendicants, exploited infants and minors on public roads, sidewalks, parks and bridges shall be
punished by a fine nor exceeding P20.00.