MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 177

: No bail shall be recommended for qualified theft when the aggregate value of the property stolen is five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) and above.
: Article 310, in relation to Article 309 of the Revised Penal Code, prescribes the penalty of reclusion perpetua for qualified theft committed under certain circumstances.
: The Constitution provides that all persons, except those charged with offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua when the evidence of guilt is strong, shall be bailable before conviction.
: Prosecutors, as officers of the court, are duty bound to assist the courts by recommending the amount of bail to be granted.
: The Department of Justice is directed to constitute a committee for the modification of the 2000 Bail Bond Guide to revise the recommended bail amounts related to qualified theft.
: The semiconductor and electronic industries, which provide seventy percent (70%) of the country's exports, are mentioned as being affected.
: It amends Department of Justice Circular No. 74 dated November 6, 2001, specifically regarding the bail bond guide for crimes involving qualified theft.
: If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect.