Law Summary
Key Obligations Under Article 4 of the Convention
- State Parties must criminalize the dissemination of ideas based on racial superiority or hatred and incitement to racial discrimination.
- Acts of violence or incitement to violence against any race or group of different color or ethnic origin must be declared criminal offenses.
- Provision of assistance, including financing, to racist activities must also be criminalized.
- Organizations and propaganda activities that promote or incite racial discrimination must be declared illegal and prohibited.
- Participation in such organizations or activities is punishable by law.
- Public authorities and institutions are forbidden from promoting or inciting racial discrimination.
Declaration and Prohibition of Racial Discrimination-Promoting Entities
- All organizations and propaganda activities promoting and inciting racial discrimination are officially declared illegal and are prohibited within the Philippines.
Penalties for Violations
- Imprisonment ranging from ten days to six months applies to offenders who disseminate or advocate racial superiority or hatred, incite racial discrimination, participate in prohibited organizations or propaganda activities, or provide assistance to racist activities.
- Imprisonment ranging from one month to one year applies to offenders who incite acts of violence against any race or group of different color or ethnic origin.
- Officers or organizers of organizations engaged in such propaganda activities are subject to the higher imprisonment range.
Enhanced Penalties for Government Officials
- Maximum penalties under the law are imposed if the offender is a government officer or employee.
- These penalties are enforced without prejudice to other applicable penal laws, meaning additional liabilities may be incurred.
Effectivity
- The law took effect immediately upon its promulgation on July 20, 1976.