Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 1978)
Republic Act No. 1978, approved on June 22, 1957, amended Article 152 of the Revised Penal Code.
Any person directly vested with jurisdiction, either as an individual or as a member of a court, governmental corporation, board, or commission, including a barrio lieutenant, is deemed a person in authority.
Yes, barrio lieutenants are explicitly considered persons in authority.
Persons charged by law, election, or appointment with the maintenance of public order and protection of life and property — such as barrio vice-lieutenants, barrio councilmen, barrio policemen, and anyone aiding persons in authority — are deemed agents of persons in authority.
Teachers, professors, and persons charged with supervision of public or duly recognized private schools, colleges, and universities shall be deemed persons in authority under Articles 148 and 151 of the Revised Penal Code.
Including teachers and professors as persons in authority means they are protected and empowered under specific provisions related to maintaining order and disciplinary authority under Articles 148 and 151 of the Revised Penal Code.
The amendment took effect upon its approval on June 22, 1957.
Members of courts, governmental corporations, boards, commissions, barrio vice-lieutenants, barrio councilmen, barrio policemen, and those who aid persons in authority are recognized as such under the law.
They are charged with the maintenance of public order and the protection and security of life and property.
Yes, it clarifies that in applying the provisions of the preceding and other related articles, such persons shall be deemed persons in authority or their agents, ensuring consistent interpretation.