1. Concept
| Art. 174. False medical certificates, false certificates of merits or service, etc. – The penalties of arresto mayor in its maximum period to prisión correccional in its minimum period and a fine not to exceed Two hundred thousand pesos (₱200,000) shall be imposed upon: |
| 1. Any physician or surgeon who, in connection with the practice of his profession, shall issue a false certificate; and |
| 2. Any public officer who shall issue a false certificate of merit of service, good conduct or similar circumstances.” |
| The penalty of arresto mayor shall be imposed upon any private person who shall falsify a certificate falling within the classes mentioned in the two (2) preceding subdivisions. (Act No. 3815, Revised Penal Code) |
2. Mode of commission
Elements of the offense:
1st Mode
1) The offender is a physician or surgeon; and,
2) In connection with the practice of his profession, he issues a false certificate.
2nd Mode
1) The offender is a public officer; and,
2) He issues a false certificate of merit of service, good conduct or similar circumstances.
References
⦁ Title 4 – Crimes Against Public Interest, Book 2, Revised Penal Code
