SUICIDE

By: Atty. Karissa Faye Tolentino

What is the liability of the person attempting to commit suicide should he survive?

A person attempting to commit suicide has no liability because committing

suicide is not penalized by the RPC. But he may be held liable for the crime of
disturbance of public order if indeed serious disturbance of public peace occurred
due to his attempt to commit suicide.

Is assisting another to commit suicide punishable?

Assisting another to commit suicide, whether the suicide is consummated or not,

and lending assistance to another to commit suicide to the extent of doing the
killing himself are punishable acts under Article 253 of the Revised Penal Code
(Giving Assistance to Suicide).

What is the meaning of giving assistance to suicide?

Giving assistance to suicide means giving arms, poison, etc. or whatever manner
of positive and direct cooperation, intellectual aid and suggestion regarding the
mode of committing the suicide.

What if suicide is not materialized?

Even if the suicide did not materialize, the person giving assistance to suicide is
also liable but the penalty shall be one or two degrees lower depending on
whether it is attempted or frustrated suicide.

What is the penalty of assisting suicide?

Any person who shall assist another to commit suicide shall suffer the penalty of
prision mayor (6years and 1 day to 12 years); if such person leads his assistance
to another to the extent of doing the killing himself, he shall suffer the penalty of
reclusion temporal (12 years and 1day to 20 years).

What is the difference between giving assistance to suicide and mercy killing or
euthanasia?

In giving assistance to suicide, the principal actor is the person committing the
suicide. On the other hand, in mercy killing or euthanasia, the victim is not in a
position to commit suicide. Whoever would heed his advice is not really giving
assistance to suicide but doing the killing himself.