Question & AnswerQ&A (Commonwealth Act No. 578)
The main purpose of Commonwealth Act No. 578 is to amend Article 152 of the Revised Penal Code to include teachers, professors, and persons charged with the supervision of public or duly recognized private schools, colleges, and universities within the term "persons in authority."
Article 152 of the Revised Penal Code is amended by Commonwealth Act No. 578.
Under the amended Article 152, persons directly vested with jurisdiction, whether individually or as a member of a court or governmental body, are persons in authority. Additionally, teachers, professors, and persons charged with the supervision of public or duly recognized private schools, colleges, and universities are also deemed persons in authority for the application of Articles 148 and 151 of the Revised Penal Code.
The inclusion means teachers, professors, and school supervisors are legally recognized as persons in authority for certain provisions of the Revised Penal Code, particularly Articles 148 and 151, which deal with grave threats or coercion against authorities.
Articles 148 and 151 of the Revised Penal Code are specifically mentioned in relation to teachers and professors.
Article 152 defines who shall be deemed as persons in authority for the purposes of applying certain penal provisions, expanding the scope to include various officials and educational supervisors.
No, Commonwealth Act No. 578 was enacted without executive approval and took effect upon its approval by the National Assembly.
It took effect on June 8, 1940, the date of its enactment.
Understanding this term is crucial because it determines who is protected under certain penal provisions, such as those penalizing acts of violence, threats, or coercion against authorities, which directly affects prosecution and defense in criminal cases.
It means that crimes committed against teachers in their official capacity, such as threats or violence, are treated with the aggravating circumstances designed to protect persons in authority, potentially leading to harsher penalties.