Inclusion of Resident Aliens
- Resident aliens who commit acts of treason as defined are expressly covered under the law.
- Resident aliens are subject to punishment even though they owe no allegiance to the Philippines or the U.S.
Punishments for Treason
- For citizens (owing allegiance), the penalty ranges from reclusion temporal up to death.
- A fine not exceeding 20,000 pesos is also imposed.
- For resident aliens, the penalty ranges from prision mayor to death.
- The same fine ceiling of 20,000 pesos applies to resident aliens.
Evidentiary Requirements for Conviction
- Conviction requires either the testimony of at least two witnesses to the same overt act or the confession of the accused in open court.
Purpose and Authority for Amendment
- The amendment aims to safeguard the Philippines' integrity and internal security during a national emergency.
- It enables prosecution of resident aliens for treason, which was not possible under the original Article 114 of the Revised Penal Code.
- The amendment was enacted by Executive Order No. 44 dated May 31, 1945, issued by President Sergio Osmeña.
- The legal basis includes the powers vested by the Constitution and specific Commonwealth Acts (No. 600, 620, and 671).