Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1727)
Presidential Decree No. 1727 is titled "Declaring as Unlawful the Malicious Dissemination of False Information or the Willful Making of Any Threat Concerning Bombs, Explosives or Any Similar Device or Means of Destruction and Imposing Penalties Therefor." Its main purpose is to prohibit the malicious dissemination of false information and threats about bombs or similar destructive devices to protect public safety and security.
The decree grants exclusive jurisdiction to military tribunals or military courts to try cases involving violations of its provisions.
The decree penalizes any person who willfully makes threats or maliciously disseminates false information about bombs, explosives, incendiary devices, or similar means of destruction, knowing the information to be false.
It can be committed by word of mouth or through the use of the mail, telephone, telegraph, printed materials, or other instruments or means of communication.
Violators can be punished with imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of not more than forty thousand pesos (P40,000.00), or both, at the court's discretion.
The offender shall be arrested by means of an Arrest, Search and Seizure Order (ASSO).
No, persons charged under this decree are not entitled to bail pending trial by the military tribunals or courts.
The decree took effect immediately upon its signing on October 8, 1980.
The decree addresses threats or false information concerning attempts to kill, injure, intimidate any individual, or damage or destroy any building, vehicle, or other real or personal property using bombs, explosives, incendiary devices, or other similar destructive forces.
It was enacted in response to recent bombings, arsons, and terroristic acts by radicals and lawless elements who spread false information or make threats regarding bombs to create public confusion, disorder, and to threaten public safety and security.