Law Summary
Penalties for Violations
- Illegal acts under Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 include imprisonment from 6 years and 1 month up to 15 years, perpetual disqualification from public office, and forfeiture of prohibited interests and unexplained wealth.
- Complainants initiating prosecution are entitled to recover money or property they gave to the accused, with priority over government forfeiture.
- Violation of Section 7 incurs fines between ₱1,000 and ₱5,000, imprisonment up to 1 year and 6 months, or both, plus grounds for administrative dismissal even without criminal prosecution.
Jurisdiction of Prosecutions
- Until otherwise provided, the Sandiganbayan holds original jurisdiction over all prosecutions under this Act.
Prescription of Offenses
- All offenses under the Act prescribe in 15 years from the time of commission.
Suspension and Loss of Benefits
- Incumbent public officers facing criminal prosecutions under this Act or related laws are suspended pending final judgment.
- Conviction results in loss of all retirement or gratuity benefits.
- Acquitted officers are reinstated with back salaries unless administrative cases intervene.
- Officials who already received benefits upon conviction must restitute these to the government.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect upon its approval.