Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1429)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 1429 is to proclaim an amnesty in favor of persons charged with or liable for certain crimes related to rebellion, subversion, sedition, and other offenses against public order, to hasten the restoration of national tranquility and promote reconciliation.
Persons who have been arrested and/or charged or those who may have committed acts making them liable for violations of Republic Act No. 1700 (as amended) and crimes against public order under the Revised Penal Code, including crimes committed in furtherance thereof, are covered by the amnesty.
Persons who have promoted, maintained, or headed a rebellion or insurrection; engaged in war against government forces; destroyed property; committed serious violence; exacted contributions or diverted public funds; committed serious crimes such as murder, homicide, serious physical injuries, crimes against chastity, robbery, piracy, arson, hijacking, violations of Firearms and Explosives Law, and assault upon persons in authority, except if these crimes were committed in furtherance of subversion or public order crimes as mere participants.
Applicants must submit their application by specified deadlines, renew their oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines, swear to support and defend the Constitution, and surrender any unlicensed firearms, explosives, and ammunition possessed.
Persons under arrest or charged as of June 10, 1978, must submit their application not later than September 30, 1978.
The President of the Philippines may extend the amnesty on his own or upon recommendation of a designated government agency, subject to conditions he may impose.
The Amnesty Commissions constituted pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 124, as amended, or any offices or bodies created or designated by the President are responsible for examining cases and submitting recommendations to the President through the First Amnesty Commission.
No, investigation and trial of criminal cases against applicants will continue unless the President directs otherwise.
All laws, decrees, instructions, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Decree are rescinded and/or modified accordingly.