Prohibiting Defacement of Philippine Currency

The decree rests on the President’s powers vested by the Constitution as Commander-in-Chief of all the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Republic Act No. 265, also known as the Central Bank Act, is expressly invoked through Section 54.
Presidential Decree No. 72 (November 29, 1972) is expressly cited as amending Section 54 of Republic Act No. 265.
The decree also cites Proclamation No. 1081 (September 21, 1972), Proclamation No. 1104 (January 17, 1973), and General Order No. 1 (September 22, 1972).

The decree declares that the Central Bank has the sole right and authority to issue currency in the Philippines under its issue power.
Central Bank notes and coins are declared to be fully guaranteed by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and legal tender in the Philippines for all debts, both public and private.
The decree establishes that defacing, mutilating, tearing, partially burning, or destroying currency makes it unfit for circulation and unduly shortens its lifetime.
The decree ties currency-wrecking acts to lack of due respect and dignity for Philippine currency and to an unfavorable image for the country.

The decree makes it unlawful for any person to wilfully deface, mutilate, tear, burn, or destroy currency notes and coins.
The prohibition applies to currency issued by the Central Bank of the Philippines.
The prohibition covers the acts “in any manner whatsoever.”
The decree expressly targets acts that render currency unfit for circulation.

The decree imposes criminal liability upon conviction for violating its prohibition.
A violator is punished by a fine of not more than twenty thousand pesos.
A violator is also subject to imprisonment of not more than five years.
The decree allows punishment by fine and/or imprisonment (i.e., either or both), subject to the stated maximums.

The decree provides that all laws, orders and regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent herewith are hereby modified or repealed accordingly.
The decree requires implementation through immediate effect after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.