What could happen if you show up to class drunk?

A video of a college student showing up to a class drunk and arguing with a senior high school teacher is currently making the rounds online.

The college student insisted on sitting in the class, but the teacher did not allow him. Despite that, he continued to argue with the teacher, and it turned very tense. School security came and the student even threatened to get physical.

On “Unang Hirit” on Friday, Atty. Gaby Concepcion discussed the legal implications of the events that transcribed.

If it is proven that the student is indeed drunk, he could get filed with the crime Alarm and Scandals under Article 155 of the Revised Penal Code. Usually called Disturbing the Peace, it is a crime against public order.

Being drunk is also under the Revised Penal Code as an Alternative Circumstance.

A penalty under this crime may include imprisonment of up to one month and a fine of P40,000. Since the student is already in college and above 15 years old, a case may be filed. Those 15 years old and below are exempted.

However, the school may have its own rules. Most schools in the Philippines consider attending class drunk as grounds for expulsion or suspension depending on the degree of intoxication.

To lower one’s sentence, Atty. Gaby said, “Kailan ito magpapababa ng sentensya? Not that I agree with it, [pero] kung nagawa ang krimen dahil sa sobrang kalasingan, na nawala nga sa tamang wisyo.”

She added, “Pero ito ay mitigating lamang. May condition naman. Mitigating lamang kung hindi naman habitual na manginginom ang akusado.”

Atty. Gaby added that habitual drinkers may have a bigger sentence.

Atty. Gaby also reminded everyone that this sentence does not apply to drunk driving, as it falls under RA 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.

Nagpilit umanong pumasok ang isang lasing na college student sa klase ng senior high school at nakipagtalo pa sa guro ng klase. | June 8, 2023 pic.twitter.com/sCOFecYSMq

— GMA Integrated News (@gmanews) June 8, 2023

— Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News