Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10158)
The purpose of Republic Act No. 10158 is to decriminalize vagrancy by amending Article 202 of Act No. 3815, the Revised Penal Code, specifically regarding offenses related to vagrancy.
Under the amended Article 202, a prostitute is defined as a woman who, for money or profit, habitually indulges in sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct.
Any person found guilty of offenses under Article 202 shall be punished by arresto menor or a fine not exceeding 200 pesos. In case of recidivism, the penalty is arresto mayor in its medium period to prision correctional in its minimum period, or a fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 pesos, or both, at the court's discretion.
All pending cases under Article 202 on vagrancy prior to the amendment are dismissed upon the effectivity of RA 10158.
Persons serving sentences for violation of Article 202 on vagrancy prior to its amendment shall be immediately released upon the effectivity of RA 10158, provided they are not detained for any other offense or felony.
Yes, RA 10158 repeals, modifies, or amends all laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules, regulations, or issuances inconsistent with this Act.
RA 10158 took effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of general circulation.
Arresto menor is a form of penalty involving imprisonment for a duration of one day and one night to thirty days, as prescribed under Philippine law.
Recidivism refers to the repeated commission of an offense by a person who has been previously convicted of the same or similar offense.
The key officials included Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., President of the Senate Juan Ponce Enrile, House Secretary General Marilyn B. Barua-Yap, Senate Secretary Emma Lirio-Reyes, and President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III.