Title
Amendments to Penal Code on Rebellion,Sedition
Law
Presidential Decree No. 1974
Decision Date
May 2, 1985
Presidential Decree No. 1974 amends the Revised Penal Code in the Philippines, reducing penalties for certain crimes related to rebellion, insurrection, and sedition in the spirit of national reconciliation.
A

Penalty for Inciting to Rebellion or Insurrection

  • Article 138 amended.
  • Inciting others to commit acts of rebellion or insurrection without taking arms: Imposes reclusion temporal (minimum period) and fine up to ₱15,000.
  • Modes include speeches, writings, emblems, banners, or similar representations.

Penalty for Plot or Conspiracy to Commit Sedition

  • Article 141 amended.
  • Persons conspiring to commit sedition: Punished by prision mayor (medium period) and fine up to ₱10,000.

Inciting to Sedition and Related Offenses

  • Article 142 amended.
  • Inciting others to commit sedition without direct participation: Punished by prision mayor (maximum period) and fine up to ₱12,000.
  • Applies to speeches, publications, writings, cartoons, emblems, banners used to destabilize government or incite rebellion.
  • Covers seditious words or libels aimed at disrupting lawful authorities or inciting riots, conspiracies, or rebellion.
  • Concealment of such practices is also punishable.

Aid, Comfort, and Use of Mass Media in Rebellion or Sedition

  • Addition of Article 142-B.
  • Persons giving aid or comfort to rebellion/sedition perpetrators punished by prision mayor (minimum period) and fine up to ₱8,000.
  • Punishment also applies to mass media controllers who use facilities for sustained propaganda aiming to destabilize government or incite rebellion.
  • Conviction entails forfeiture/sequestration of media facilities, firearms, explosives, and other instruments related to the offense.

Acts Preventing Meetings of Legislative Bodies

  • Article 143 amended.
  • Preventing meetings of Batasang Pambansa, committees, or local legislatures by force or fraud: prision correccional (maximum period) and fine up to ₱4,000.
  • Increased fine of up to ₱6,000 and same penalty for second conviction.

Disturbance of Legislative Proceedings

  • Article 144 amended.
  • Disturbing meetings or interrupting proceedings of legislative bodies: Arresto mayor (maximum period) and fine up to ₱1,000.
  • On second conviction: prision correccional (maximum period) and fine up to ₱5,000.

Illegal Assemblies: Meetings Promoting Crimes Against the State

  • Article 146 amended.
  • Organizers/leaders of meetings with armed persons or inciting treason, rebellion, sedition, or assault on authorities: prision mayor (medium period).
  • Participants merely present without arms: arresto mayor (maximum period).
  • Armed participants presumed organizers/leaders and face prision correccional (maximum period).
  • Presence of unlicensed firearms presumes intent to commit punishable acts.
  • Definition of "meeting" includes rallies and similar gatherings, fixed or moving.

Illegal Associations Organized for Crimes or Against Public Morals

  • Article 147 amended.
  • Founders, directors, presidents, officers of such associations: prision correctional (maximum period).
  • Mere members: arresto mayor (maximum period).

Effectivity

  • The decree takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette.

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