Title
Use of Military Titles and Insignia Regulation
Law
Republic Act No. 493
Decision Date
Jun 12, 1950
Republic Act No. 493 prohibits the use or granting of military or naval titles to individuals not in the armed forces or constabulary, while also regulating the use of specified items, with exceptions for veterans, commissioned officers, personnel of specific government agencies, reservists, and trainees, and violators may face fines and imprisonment.

Law Summary

Regulation on Wearing and Use of Military Insignias and Emblems

  • Unauthorized use or wearing of AFP or Philippine Constabulary insignias, badges, emblems, or their imitations is prohibited, except for the exempted groups listed in Section 1.
  • Exception allowed for theatrical or film representation of military or naval characters, provided it does not bring discredit to the AFP, Constabulary, or Coast and Geodetic Survey.
  • Such use in performances must be regulated and supervised by the Secretary of National Defense.
  • "Duly prescribed insignia, badge or emblem of rank" refers to those prescribed by Congress, Secretary of National Defense, or Chief of Constabulary.

Control over Medals, Decorations, and Identification Cards

  • Prohibition on unauthorized use, manufacturing, and sale of medals, decorations, badges, insignias, patches, or identification cards associated with the AFP.
  • This also includes any colorable imitations.
  • Authorization for use is subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense.

Penalties for Violations

  • Persons who unlawfully confer military or naval grades may be fined between ₱2,000 and ₱5,000 or imprisoned for 2 to 5 years, or both.
  • Violations of other provisions result in fines ranging from ₱100 to ₱2,000 or imprisonment from 1 month to 2 years, or both.
  • Corporate violations hold corporate managers and board members personally liable.

Repeal of Inconsistent Laws

  • Any existing laws or portions thereof inconsistent with this Act are repealed to the extent of the conflict.

Effectivity

  • The law takes effect immediately upon approval.

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