Discovering secrets through seizure of correspondence, A290 Revised Penal Code

1. Concept Discovering secrets through seizure of correspondence – refers to the crime of seizing communications to discover another secrets and thereafter revealing the contents. a. Legal basis Art. 290. Discovering secrets through seizure of correspondence. - The penalty of prisión correccional in its minimum and medium periods and a fine not exceeding One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000) shall be imposed upon any private individual who in order to discover the secrets of another, shall seize his papers or letters and reveal the contents thereof. If the offender shall not reveal such secrets, the penalty shall be arresto mayor and a fine not exceeding One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000). This provision shall not be applicable to parents, guardians, or person entrusted with the custody of minors with respect to the papers or letters of the children or minors placed under their care or custody, nor to spouses with respect to the papers or letters of either of them. (As amended by R.A. 10951) (Revised Penal Code) 2. Modes of commission The following are the modes of committing the offense: 1) Seizure of communications to discovering secrets a. Mode 1: Seizure of communications Elements of the crime of discovering secrets through seizure of communication: 1) That the offender is a private individual; 2) That the offender seizes another’s papers or letters; 3) That the offender committed such act in order to discover another’s secrets; 3) That the offender reveals the content...