PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1676

: The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 1676 is to amend the 1978 Election Code to ensure that the investigation, prosecution, and disposition of cases involving violations of election laws are given preference and priority.
: The sanctity of the ballot is emphasized as one of the fundamental principles of popular government.
: Election laws aim to secure the rights of electors to express their choices freely and untrammeled by threats, violence, intimidation, or corruption.
: Section 184-A titled 'Preferential Disposition of Election Offenses' is added to the 1978 Election Code.
: They must give preference and priority to the investigation and prosecution of election law violation cases, commencing investigations without delay and resolving them within five (5) days from submission for resolution.
: Courts must decide election offenses within thirty (30) days from the date of submission for decision.
: Petitions for writ of habeas corpus are exceptions and are given precedence over election offenses.
: Trials must commence without delay, be conducted continuously until terminated, and the case decided within thirty (30) days from submission for decision.
: It took effect immediately upon signing on February 19, 1980.