Law Summary
Definition of Destructive Arson and Imposed Penalties
- Destructive arson involves burning buildings or other structures as specified in the amended Article 320.
- Penalty ranges from reclusion temporal in its maximum period to death.
Types of Buildings and Properties Covered
- One or more buildings or edifices set on fire in a single or multiple acts.
- Buildings devoted to public use or where people gather for various purposes (government functions, commerce, worship, meetings, hotels, etc.).
- Transportation means (trains, ships, airplanes) used for public use, entertainment, or leisure.
- Buildings, factories, warehouses, installations devoted to public utilities.
- Buildings burned to conceal evidence, bankruptcy, defraud creditors, or collect insurance.
Circumstances Elevating the Penalty to Death
- Arson committed by two or more persons or as part of another violation of law.
- Resulting in death or injury.
- Destruction of valuable documents, equipment, machinery, apparatus, or other valuable properties.
Additional Offenses Subject to Severe Penalties
- Burning of arsenal, shipyard, military factories, government archives, or museums.
- Burning of inflammable or explosive materials in inhabited places.
Repeal of Inconsistent Provisions
- Articles 320, 321, and 322 provisions inconsistent with these amendments are repealed.
Effectivity Clause
- The decree took effect immediately upon issuance on November 11, 1980.