Scope of Immunity
- Immunity from prosecution applies to persons who voluntarily provide information and testify regarding violations related to bribery, graft, and corruption.
- Covered offenses include violations of Articles 210, 211, 212 of the Revised Penal Code; Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act); Section 345 of the Internal Revenue Code; Section 3604 of the Tariff and Customs Code; and other relevant laws.
- Immunity extends even if the testimony implicates non-public officials who are principals, accomplices, or accessories in the offenses.
- The immunity covers those who gave or offered bribes or gifts and their accomplices.
Conditions for Granting Immunity
- The information must pertain to consummated violations of the specified laws.
- The information and testimony must be essential for the conviction of the accused public officer.
- Such information and testimony must not already be in the possession of the State.
- The information and testimony must be corroborated on material points.
- The informant or witness must not have been previously convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
Limitations and Revocation of Immunity
- Immunity does not apply if it is later discovered that the information or testimony was false, malicious, or intended solely to harass or prejudice the accused public official.
- In such cases, the public officer may pursue civil or criminal actions against the informant or witness.
Confidentiality of Investigations
- Preliminary investigations conducted by prosecutors, judges, or committees must be kept confidential to protect the reputation of the public official if the case proves unfounded or lacks a prima facie basis.
Repeal and Modification of Conflicting Laws
- Any laws, decrees, rules, or regulations inconsistent with this decree are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The decree takes effect immediately upon promulgation.