How to state the name of the offended party in the complaint or information

1. Natural Person - The complaint or information must state the name and surname of the person against whom or against whose property the offense was committed, or any appellation or nickname by which such person has been or is known. If there is no better way of identifying him, he must be described under a fictitious name.  If later on, the true name of the offended party is disclosed or ascertained, the court must cause such true name to be inserted. (Sec. 12, Rule 110, Rules of Court). 

2. Juridical Person - If the offended party is a juridical person, it is sufficient to state its name, or any name or designation by which it is known or by which it may be identified, without need of averring that it is a juridical person or that it is organized in accordance with law. (Sec. 12 [c], Rule 110). 


What is the rule  if the name of the offended party is unknown in offenses against property? 

● In offenses against property, if the name of the offended party is unknown, the property must be described with such particularity as to properly identify the offense charged. (Sec. 12 [a], Rule 110).


Is the designation of the name of the offended party in such cases indispensable?

● In case of offenses against property, the designation of the name of the offended party is not absolutely indispensable for as long as the criminal act charged in the complaint or information can be properly identified. (Ricarze vs. CA, G.R. No. 160451, February 9, 2007)