Understanding Large-Scale/Syndicated Estafa in Philippine Law

Estafa, commonly referred to as fraud, is a serious offense in the Philippines governed by the Revised Penal Code, particularly under Article 315. In its basic form, estafa requires that there be false pretenses or fraudulent acts that induce a victim to part with their money or property, ultimately leading to damage or loss for that victim. But what happens when fraud is carried out on a larger scale or by a group? This is where the notion of large-scale or syndicated estafa comes into play.

To establish a case for large-scale or syndicated estafa, the prosecution has to prove a few key elements beyond just the standard requirements of estafa. First, it needs to show that the amount involved is at least P100,000 or that the act has caused widespread prejudice to the public interest. This concept originates from General Order No. 54 issued in 1975. Alternatively, if the fraud was carried out by a syndicate of five or more individuals—as indicated in Presidential Decree No. 1689 from 1980—the act can also be classified as syndicated estafa. Additionally, if the scheme involves collecting funds from the public, such as investments or deposits, this can further elevate the charge under the law.