Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 347)
The purpose is to grant amnesty to all rebels, insurgents, and others who have committed crimes against public order or in furtherance of political ends, and to create a National Amnesty Commission for processing such applications.
All persons who have or may have committed crimes on or before thirty days following the publication of the Proclamation in pursuit of political beliefs, including crimes under the Revised Penal Code or special laws, related to rebellion, insurrection, sedition, illegal assembly, and violations of the Articles of War, except for crimes against chastity or those committed for personal ends.
Crimes such as rebellion or insurrection; coup d'etat; conspiracy to commit rebellion, insurrection or coup d'etat; disloyalty of public officers; inciting rebellion or sedition; illegal assembly; direct and indirect assault; resistance to authority; unlawful use of means of publication; illegal possession of firearms in connection with such crimes; and certain Articles of War violations.
No, crimes against chastity and other crimes committed for personal ends are specifically excluded from the amnesty.
It extinguishes criminal liability for the acts committed in pursuit of political beliefs but does not affect civil liability for injuries or damages caused. It also restores civil or political rights lost or suspended due to criminal conviction.
No, amnesty does not ipso facto reinstate or reintegrate AFP and PNP personnel into service. Their reinstatement shall be governed by existing laws and regulations, although amnesty may reinstate their rights to retirement and separation benefits if qualified.
No, surrender of firearms, ammunition, and explosives is not a condition for amnesty. However, applicants may surrender firearms within 60 days from the effectivity of the Proclamation without incurring liability for illegal possession.
The Commission is tasked to receive and process applications for amnesty, determine eligibility, administer oaths, summon witnesses, promulgate rules, coordinate with government agencies, establish local amnesty boards, and perform necessary functions for implementation.
The Commission consists of seven members: a Chairperson and three regular members appointed by the President; the Secretary of Justice; the Secretary of National Defense; and the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government as ex-officio members.
Applications for amnesty must be filed within six months from the effectivity of this Proclamation, under oath, with the National Amnesty Commission.