Law Summary
Adoption and Modification of U.S. Penal Provisions
- Sections 268 to 271 of the U.S. Penal Law Act of March 4, 1909, are adopted with modifications for application in the Philippines.
- Penalties include fines of up to 10,000 pesos, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
- Specific offenses include kidnapping or carrying away persons for involuntary servitude, enticing persons with intent of slavery, and knowingly aiding such acts.
- Holding, arresting, or returning persons to involuntary servitude offenses are penalized likewise.
- Obstruction of the enforcement of these provisions carries similar penalties.
- Bringing inveigled or forcibly kidnapped persons into the Philippines or selling them into involuntary servitude is penalized.
Duties of Provincial Governors
- Provincial governors must proactively seek information to prevent violations of the Act.
- They are empowered to order prosecutions and initiate habeas corpus proceedings.
- Governors may request the appointment of lawyers to protect rights in habeas corpus cases without fees; costs are to be borne ex officio.
Jurisdiction of Courts
- Courts of First Instance have original jurisdiction over all violations of this Act.
- Ensures judicial oversight and enforcement authority at the trial court level.