Legal Basis and Context
- Consistent with Executive Order No. 125 (1993) on comprehensive peace efforts
- Follows the General Agreement on Peace signed on October 13, 1995, between Government and RAM-SFP-YOU
- The amnesty is part of the negotiated peace settlement under constitutional authority
Effects of Amnesty
- Extinguishes all criminal liabilities for covered acts committed in pursuit of political belief
- Does not affect civil liability; victims’ rights to indemnification are preserved
- Restores civil and political rights lost or suspended due to prior criminal convictions related to the offenses covered
Acceptance Procedure
- No conditions are imposed for amnesty grant
- Amnesty is effective upon submission of an individual manifestation of acceptance within sixty (60) days from notice
- The acceptance form is prescribed and attached as Annex "A"
Individual Applicants Not on List
- Persons not included in the mutually agreed list may apply for amnesty under existing Proclamation No. 347 dated March 25, 1994, as amended
Effectivity and Validity
- Proclamation takes effect upon majority concurrence of all members of the Congress
Formal Acceptance Requirements (Annex "A")
- Confirmation of bona fide membership in RAM-SFP-YOU
- Affirmation of inclusion in the amnesty list and acceptance without reservation
- Signed declaration sworn before an administering officer
- Attested by Chairman of RAM-SFP-YOU Panel
Summary of Key Legal Concepts
- Amnesty as a tool for peace and reconciliation in political conflicts
- Distinction between criminal liability extinguishment and continuing civil liability
- Ensuring legal procedures and formal acceptance for validity
- Balancing government’s peace efforts with justice for grave crimes
- Constitutional authority under Section 19, Article VII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution for granting amnesty