Law Summary
Prohibited Acts
- The law declares unlawful the offer, publication, distribution, circulation, or spreading of rumors, false news, information, and gossip.
- These acts are criminalized when they cause or tend to cause:
- Panic among the public
- Divisive effects among the people
- Discredit or distrust of the duly constituted authorities
- Undermining of government stability and objectives of the New Society
- Endangerment of public order
- Damage to the interest or credit of the State
Scope of Application
- The law applies to any person who engages directly or indirectly in the above prohibited acts.
- Specifically includes those who cause the publication, distribution, or circulation by others.
Penalties
- Upon conviction, offenders shall be sentenced to prision correccional (penitentiary correctional penalty).
- Government officials or employees found guilty shall suffer an additional penalty of absolute perpetual disqualification from holding any public office.
Legal Basis and Authority
- The decree is issued under the authority of President Ferdinand E. Marcos as Commander-in-Chief and pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081 dated September 21, 1972.
- This emphasizes a strong executive mandate to enforce the law in support of national security and public order objectives.