Previous Legislative Measures and Penalties
- Presidential Decrees Nos. 210 and 229 were enacted to impose penalties for failure to register and/or to vote.
- This marked the first instance in Philippine political history where such penalties were enforced.
Purpose of the Amnesty
- The government leadership seeks national unity and constructive citizen activity.
- The amnesty aims to remove distractions caused by penalties, fostering a more harmonious political environment.
Scope and Applicability of the Amnesty
- The amnesty applies to all persons who, as first offenders, failed to register and/or vote in the National Referendum held on July 27-28, 1973.
- It covers failures related specifically to registration and voting obligations as required by law.
Authority and Legal Basis for the Amnesty
- The declaration is issued by the President of the Philippines, exercising constitutional powers as Commander-in-Chief.
- It is issued pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081 (Martial Law declaration) and General Order No. 1.
Formal Decree and Date of Amnesty
- The general amnesty was officially declared on January 3, 1974, in Manila.
- It is signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos and Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor.
Legal Effect and Implications
- The amnesty forgives the offenses of failure to register and/or vote for first-time offenders.
- It effectively nullifies penalties that may have been imposed under previous decrees for these offenses.
- Encourages re-engagement of citizens in lawful political processes without fear of retaliation or legal consequence.