Article 344 Revised Penal Code

Article 344 of the Revised Penal Code is about Prosecution of the crimes of adultery, concubinage, seduction, abduction, rape and acts of lasciviousness. It is under Chapter Five (Provisions Relative To The Preceding Chapters Of Title Eleven) of Title Eleven (Crimes Against Chastity) of the Code.

Prosecution of the crimes of adultery, concubinage, seduction, abduction, rape and acts of lasciviousness

The crimes of adultery and concubinage shall not be prosecuted except upon a complaint filed by the offended spouse.

The offended party cannot institute criminal prosecution without including both the guilty parties, if they are both alive, nor, in any case, if he shall have consented or pardoned the offenders.

The offenses of seduction, abduction, rape or acts of lasciviousness, shall not be prosecuted except upon a complaint filed by the offended party or her parents, grandparents, or guardian, nor, in any case, if the offender has been expressly pardoned by the above named persons, as the case may be.

In cases of seduction, abduction, acts of lasciviousness and rape, the marriage of the offender with the offended party shall extinguish the criminal action or remit the penalty already imposed upon him. The provisions of this paragraph shall also be applicable to the co-principals, accomplices and accessories after the fact of the above-mentioned crimes.

See also: Article 343 Revised Penal Code