Decriminalizing Vagrancy in Revised Penal Code

Ask AI

Republic Act No. 10158: Decriminalizing Vagrancy in Revised Penal Code

What do you want to know about the law?
Ask AI quickly gives answers based only on the current context to avoid mistakes. Always verify with the original text.

New Chat Started

Ask AI

Title Source: Supreme Court: Decriminalizing Vagrancy in Revised Penal Code

Law: Republic Act No. 10158

Decision Date: Mar 27, 2012

Republic Act No. 10158 decriminalizes vagrancy in the Philippines, introduces new definitions and penalties for offenses, and dismisses pending cases and releases individuals currently serving sentences for violating the previous law.

Law Summary

Penalties for Offenses Covered by Article 202

Punishments include:
- Arresto menor (a light penalty involving detention)
- A fine not exceeding 200 pesos.
In cases of recidivism (repeat offenses), penalties escalate to:
- Arresto mayor in its medium period (a more severe detention)
- Prision correctional in its minimum period (imprisonment)
- A fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 pesos.
The court has discretion to impose either or both penalties.

Effect on Pending Cases

All pending cases related to vagrancy charges under Article 202 before the amendment are to be dismissed once the Act takes effect.

Immediate Release of Persons Convicted Prior to Amendment

Individuals serving sentences for offenses under the previous Article 202 are to be immediately released upon the Act's effectivity.
Release conditional on not being detained for other offenses.

Repealing Clause

Any laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules, regulations, or issuances contradicting the provisions of this Act are repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

Effectivity Clause

The Act will become effective fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of general circulation.

END