Art. 89. How Criminal Liability is Totally Extinguished. — Criminal liability is totally extinguished:
x x x
7. By the marriage of the offended woman, as provided in article 344 of this Code. (Revised Penal Code)

What is the effect of marriage of the offender with the offended party?

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. (Art. 89, in relation to Art. 344 and Art. 266-C of the RPC as amended by R.A. 8353)


 In what crimes may the marriage of the offender and the offended party extinguishes the criminal liability of the offender? 

1. Seduction
2. Abduction
3. Acts of Lasciviousness
4. Rape


Does the benefit of marriage also apply to the co-principals, accomplices and accessories?

Yes. The benefit of marriage shall also be applicable to the co-principals, accomplices and accessories after the fact of the abovementioned crimes. (Art. 344, RPC)


People vs. De Guzman

Based on the documents, including copies of pictures taken after the ceremony and attached to the motion, we find the marriage between appellant and private complainant to have been contracted validly, legally, and in good faith, as an expression of their mutual love for each other and their desire to establish a family of their own. Given public policy considerations of respect for the sanctity of marriage and the highest regard for the solidarity of the family, we must accord appellant the full benefits of Article 89, in relation to Article 344 and Article 266-C of the RPC. WHEREFORE, the motion is GRANTED. Appellant Ronie de Guzman is ABSOLVED of the two (2) counts of rape against private complainant Juvilyn Velasco, on account of their subsequent marriage, and is ordered RELEASED from imprisonment. (People vs. Ronie de Guzman, G.R. No. 185843, March 3, 2010)