She claimed that her son did not commit the offense, because he is insane. Is insanity really a defense to avoid criminal liability? MerrylDear Merryl,An imbecile or insane person, unless the latter acted during lucid interval, is exempt from criminal liability (Paragraph 1, Article 12, Revised Penal Code (RPC) of the Philippines). Also, it is important to note that not all insane persons or imbeciles are absolutely exempted from criminal liability. There are times that these persons can commit a crime during lucid interval; hence, they can be made criminally liable.

Source: Manila Times September 01, 2016 13:41 UTC