Additional Penalties Imposed
- Forfeiture of Philippine citizenship rights for accused persons who are Philippine citizens.
- Confiscation of real or personal property belonging to the accused, to be forfeited in favor of the State.
- These penalties are additional to those already prescribed by existing laws for these offenses.
Trial Procedures in Case of Absence of the Accused
- Trial may continue after arraignment even if the accused is absent, provided the accused was properly notified.
- The absence of the accused must be without justification.
- The court may promulgate judgment in absentia.
- Confiscation of the accused’s properties in the Philippines may be executed immediately following judgment.
Legal Authority and Implementation
- The decree was enacted under the constitutional powers vested in the President of the Philippines.
- Reflects the public interest priority to impose stringent penalties on threats against state security.
Key Legal Concepts
- Adds a layer of state security by attaching citizenship forfeiture and property confiscation to serious offenses against the government.
- Strengthens the legal consequences for political crimes to deter commission within and beyond national borders.