Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1182)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 1182 is to grant amnesty to persons who violated Republic Act No. 1700 and committed crimes against public order, with certain exceptions, to promote national unity and hasten the restoration of peace and order.
Persons disqualified are: (a) Those who promoted, maintained, or headed a rebellion or insurrection or engaged in war against the government forces, committed serious violence, or diverted public funds; (b) those who committed serious crimes such as murder, homicide, arson, hijacking, and others unless they were mere participants affiliating with subversion or public order crimes.
The applicant must file their application before December 31, 1977, take an oath of allegiance to the Philippines and support the Constitution, and surrender any unlicensed firearms, explosives, or ammunition.
Crimes included are those penalized by Republic Act No. 1700 (as amended by PD No. 885) and crimes against public order under the Revised Penal Code, including offenses committed in furtherance of these crimes, except those specifically excluded in Section 2 of the decree.
The Amnesty Commissions examine each amnesty case, conduct hearings, require records, and recommend actions to the President through the First Amnesty Commission.
Yes, investigation and trial of criminal cases continue unless the President or Secretary of National Defense directs otherwise.
It took effect after two successive weekly publications in at least two newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines following its promulgation on August 21, 1977.
Exemptions are specified in Section 2 which excludes those who led rebellion or committed serious crimes such as murder, homicide, serious physical injuries, and robbery unless as mere participants in furtherance of subversion or public order crimes.
Taking the oath signifies the applicant's commitment to support and defend the Philippine Constitution, indicating loyalty and readiness to desist from unlawful acts.
It further amends and extends provisions of earlier presidential decrees on amnesty, addresses expired application deadlines, and aims to bring more persons back into the law-abiding fold for national unity and peace.