Crime of light coercion

shall suffer the penalty of arresto mayor in its minimum period and the thing, but in no case less than 75 pesos. xxx” (Article 287, RPC, Emphasis supplied).

This cited provision is clearly applicable to your situation since your debtor used violence when she pushed you down to seize your garments for the purpose of applying them as payment to your debt.

Her right to demand payment from you for your debt does not give her the right to violently take your belongings as payment collection case against you in order to collect the money you owe her. But because she forcibly took your belongings as payment without resorting to proper legal action, she can be held liable for the crime of light coercion. If proven guilty, the crime of light coercion carries a penalty of one month and one day to two months of imprisonment with a thing taken.

It is important to remember that resorting to violent and aggressive extra-judicial means in collecting payment for debt and other obligations can have legal repercussions including a criminal charge. Thus, it is strongly advised to resort instead to legal remedies collect debts.

that this opinion is solely based on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. The opinion may vary when the facts are changed or elaborated.

We hope that we were able to enlighten you on the matter. Editor’snote:DearPAOisadailycol