Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 44)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 44 is to amend Article 114 of the Revised Penal Code to include resident aliens in the Philippines within the scope of the crime of treason, thereby enabling the Commonwealth Government to prosecute treason committed by both Filipinos and resident aliens during times of national emergency.
It amends Article 114 by explicitly including aliens residing in the Philippine Islands as punishable under treason if they commit the same acts defined for Filipinos, imposing penalties ranging from prision mayor to death and fines not exceeding 20,000 pesos.
Any person owing allegiance to the United States or the Government of the Philippine Islands (not being a foreigner) who levies war or adheres to enemies, and any alien residing in the Philippines who commits such acts are liable for treason.
Levying war against the United States or the Government of the Philippine Islands or adhering to enemies by giving them aid or comfort within or outside the Philippine Islands.
Reclusion temporal to death and a fine not exceeding 20,000 pesos for Filipinos; prision mayor to death and a fine not exceeding 20,000 pesos for resident aliens.
No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of at least two witnesses to the same overt act or on confession of the accused made in open court.
Yes, Filipinos are punishable by reclusion temporal to death, while resident aliens are punishable by prision mayor to death, both with fines not exceeding 20,000 pesos.
To safeguard the integrity and internal security of the Philippines by enabling the prosecution of resident aliens who commit acts of treason, thus closing a gap where previously resident aliens were excluded under Article 114.
It was signed in the City of Manila, Philippines, on May 31, 1945.