Title
Crimes of treason, insurrection, sedition
Law
Act No. 292
Decision Date
Nov 4, 1901
A comprehensive Philippine law defines and punishes various crimes against the government, including treason, insurrection, sedition, and related offenses, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment and death.

Law Summary

Misprision of Treason

  • Concealment of knowledge of treason without prompt disclosure to authorities.
  • Punishable by imprisonment up to seven years and a fine up to one thousand dollars.

Rebellion or Insurrection

  • Inciting, assisting, or engaging in rebellion or insurrection against lawful authority.
  • Providing aid or comfort to participants of rebellion or insurrection.
  • Punishable by imprisonment for up to ten years and a fine up to ten thousand dollars.

Conspiracy to Overthrow Government or Obstruct Law Enforcement

  • Conspiracy to forcibly overthrow or destroy the government, obstruct laws, or seize government property.
  • Punishable by a fine up to five thousand dollars and imprisonment up to six years, with or without hard labor.

Sedition Defined

  • Acts of public tumult to forcibly prevent law promulgation, free elections, official duties, or judicial/administrative orders.
  • Infliction of political or social hate or revenge on officials, agents, individuals, classes, or government property.

Punishment for Sedition

  • Fine up to five thousand dollars or imprisonment up to ten years, or both.

Punishment for Conspiracy to Commit Sedition

  • Fine up to one thousand dollars or imprisonment up to five years, or both.

Seditious Utterances and Publications

  • Uttering or publishing words or libels that disturb lawful officers or incite rebellion, riots, or disturbance of peace.
  • Concealing such acts is also punishable.
  • Punishable by fine up to two thousand dollars or imprisonment up to two years, or both.

Secret Political Societies

  • Formation or continuation of societies promoting treason, rebellion, sedition, or certain political objectives.
  • Punishable by fine up to one thousand dollars or imprisonment up to one year, or both.

Prohibition of Advocating Independence or Separation

  • Advocating Philippine independence or separation by any means before official proclamation that state of war or insurrection has ended is unlawful.
  • Violators face fine up to two thousand dollars and imprisonment up to one year.

Oath-Binding to Commit Crimes

  • Administering or taking oaths to commit crimes punishable by death or imprisonment over five years.
  • Attempting to induce such oath-taking.
  • Punishable by fine up to two thousand dollars or imprisonment up to ten years.

Oaths Related to Seditious Purposes or Concealment

  • Oaths to engage in sedition, disturb peace, refuse to testify, or conceal illegal acts.
  • Punishable by fine up to one thousand dollars or imprisonment up to five years, or both.

Compulsion Defense and Reporting Requirements

  • Offenders under compulsion must report within specified periods to avoid penalty.
  • Reporting must be done under oath to designated authorities.

Violation of Oaths of Allegiance

  • Breach of oath recognizing United States' supreme authority or allegiance to the government.
  • Punishable by fine up to two thousand dollars or imprisonment up to ten years, or both.

Exception for Certain Provinces and Military Authorization

  • Act does not apply to Batangas, Cebu, Bohol, or provinces without established civil government during ongoing insurrection unless the Military Commanding General orders otherwise.

Repeal of Conflicting Laws

  • Repeals conflicting laws but does not affect pending actions or existing causes of action.

Application to Foreigners

  • Foreign residents committing crimes under this Act (except treason) face same penalties as Filipinos.

Effective Date

  • The Act takes effect immediately upon passage on November 4, 1901.

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