QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 299)
PD No. 299 amends Act No. 3815 (the Revised Penal Code), specifically Article 152.
Any person directly vested with jurisdiction as an individual or as a member of a court or governmental body is deemed a person in authority; additionally, a barrio captain and a barangay chairman are expressly deemed persons in authority.
Yes. The amendment expressly provides that a barrio captain and a barangay chairman shall also be deemed persons in authority.
Any person charged with maintenance of public order and protection/security of life and property (e.g., a barrio councilman, barrio policeman, barangay leader), and any person who comes to the aid of persons in authority, are deemed agents of persons in authority.
It affects how the provisions of Articles 148 and 151 (and other related provisions applying to these classes) are applied, typically impacting criminal liability and penalties for offenses committed against them or by them in their official capacities.
The decree’s stated purpose is to safeguard their persons against harm or injury so as not to hamper their movement while performing the objectives of barangays.
It states that barangay chairman and barangay leaders have been vested with the same authority/responsibility as the barrio captain and council members, respectively.
Those charged with maintenance of public order and protection/security of life and property, specifically mentioned include barrio councilmen, barrio policemen, and barangay leaders.
Yes. Any person who comes to the aid of persons in authority is deemed an agent of a person in authority.
Yes. Teachers, professors, and persons charged with the supervision of public or duly recognized private schools/colleges/universities are deemed persons in authority when applying Articles 148 and 151.
No. While it includes those directly vested with jurisdiction through courts or governmental bodies, it also includes persons deemed persons in authority by direct provision of law or by election/appointment by competent authority.
It shall take effect immediately.
Barangays were created to broaden citizen participation in the democratic process and provide opportunities for citizens to express views on vital national issues.
Articles 148 and 151 are specifically referenced in relation to teachers and school supervisors (and generally in applying the provisions involving persons in authority).