Prescription of Crime ???

Under Article 90 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, the crime of libel prescribes in one (1) year, to wit:

“ART. 90. Prescription of crime.- Crimes punishable by death, reclusion perpetua or reclusion temporal shall prescribe in twenty years.

Crimes punishable by other afflictive penalties shall prescribe in fifteen years.

Those punishable by a correctional penalty shall prescribe in 10 years; with the exception of those punishable by arresto mayor, which shall prescribe in five years.

The crime of libel or other similar offenses shall prescribe in one year.” (underscoring supplied)

The said prescriptive period is computed under Article 91 of the Revised Penal Code, as follows:

“Art. 91. Computation of prescription of offenses. - The period of prescription shall commence to run from the day on which the crime is discovered by the offended party, the authorities, or their agents, and shall be interrupted by the filing of the complaint or information, and shall proceed to run again when such proceedings terminate without the accused being convicted or acquitted, or are unjustifiably stopped for any reason not imputable to him.

The term of prescription shall not run when the offender is absent from the Philippine Archipelago.” In addition, considering that this agreement is not contrary to law, public order, morals, and public policy, the same is binding upon the parties.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have mutually and voluntarily agreed to the above stipulations, and sign this Agreement at Pasay City, on 11 June 2010, for the consideration and approval of the Honorable Court.