QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 960)
It amends Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code to protect public morality—especially the youth—against immoral doctrines, obscene publications/exhibitions, and indecent shows.
PD 960 amended Article 201 of Act No. 3815 (the Revised Penal Code).
The penalty of prision mayor or a fine ranging from ₱6,000 to ₱12,000, or both, is imposed.
Those who publicly expound or proclaim doctrines openly contrary to public morals.
Authors of obscene literature published with their knowledge, editors publishing such literature, and owners/operators of book stores or other establishments selling the same.
The obscene literature must be published with the author’s knowledge.
It penalizes those who exhibit indecent or immoral plays, scenes, acts, or shows in theaters, fairs, cinematographs, or any other place.
Examples include films that incite subversion/insurrection/rebellion; undermine faith in government/duly constituted authorities; glorify criminals or condone crimes; satisfy the market for violence/lust/pornography; offend any race or religion; abet traffic in or use of prohibited drugs; and films contrary to law, public order/morals/good customs, established policies, lawful orders/decrees/edicts, or judged objectionable by the Board of Censors or other government agency on other legal or moral grounds.
They are punishable under Section 1(4) for selling, giving away, or exhibiting prints, engravings, sculptures, or literature offensive to morals.
The literature, films, prints, engravings, sculptures, paintings, or other materials and articles involved shall be confiscated and forfeited to the Government to be destroyed.
Violations are subject to trial by military tribunals, and offenders may be arrested and detained pursuant to existing laws/decrees/orders and instructions based on Proclamations No. 1081 and No. 1104.
The penalty is imposed in the maximum period and, in addition, the accessory penalties provided in the Revised Penal Code (as amended) are likewise imposed.
Its license/permit shall be cancelled temporarily or permanently depending on the gravity of the violation as determined by the proper military tribunal.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication by the Department of Public Information in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Literature, films, prints, engravings, sculpture, paintings, or other materials and articles involved in the violation.
Section 1(1) punishes those who publicly expound or proclaim immoral doctrines contrary to public morals; Section 1(2) punishes authors/editors/publishers/sellers involved in obscene literature published with knowledge.