Criminal Law
Updated 1st June 2025
Crimes punishable under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012

Section 4: Cybercrime Offenses

Section 4(a): Offenses against the confidentiality, integrity and availability of computer data and systems
  1. Illegal Access - Access to the whole or any part of a computer system without right
  2. Illegal Interception - Interception made by technical means without right of any non-public transmission of computer data
  3. Data Interference - Intentional or reckless alteration, damaging, deletion or deterioration of computer data, electronic document, or electronic data message, without right, including introduction or transmission of viruses
  4. System Interference - Intentional alteration or reckless hindering or interference with computer or computer network functioning without right or authority
  5. Misuse of Devices - Use, production, sale, procurement, importation, distribution of devices designed for committing cybercrimes, or possession of such devices with intent to commit offenses
  6. Cyber-squatting - Acquisition of domain names in bad faith to profit, mislead, destroy reputation, and deprive others from registering the same
Section 4(b): Computer-related Offenses
  1. Computer-related Forgery - Input, alteration, or deletion of computer data without right resulting in inauthentic data intended for legal purposes, or knowingly using such forged data
  2. Computer-related Fraud - Unauthorized input, alteration, or deletion of computer data or program causing damage with fraudulent intent
  3. Computer-related Identity Theft - Intentional acquisition, use, misuse, transfer, possession, alteration or deletion of identifying information belonging to another without right
Section 4(c): Content-related Offenses
  1. Cybersex - Willful engagement, maintenance, control, or operation of lascivious exhibition of sexual organs or sexual activity with aid of computer system for favor or consideration
  2. Child Pornography - Acts defined and punishable by RA 9775 (Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009) committed through a computer system
  3. Unsolicited Commercial Communications - Transmission of commercial electronic communication without proper consent or compliance with opt-out requirements
  4. Libel - Acts of libel as defined in Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code committed through a computer system or similar means

Section 5: Other Offenses

  1. Aiding or Abetting in the Commission of Cybercrime - Willfully abetting or aiding in the commission of any cybercrime offense
  2. Attempt in the Commission of Cybercrime - Willfully attempting to commit any cybercrime offense

Section 6: Enhanced Penalties for Existing Crimes

All crimes defined and penalized by the Revised Penal Code and special laws, when committed by, through and with the use of information and communications technologies, with penalties one degree higher than originally provided.

Section 20: Noncompliance

Failure to comply with orders from law enforcement authorities as specified in Chapter IV of the Act.

Each of these offenses carries specific penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, with enhanced penalties for offenses committed against critical infrastructure or involving child pornography.