Title
Supreme Court
Physician Reporting of Injuries to Police
Law
Presidential Decree No. 169
Decision Date
Apr 4, 1973
During martial law in the Philippines, Presidential Decree No. 169 requires medical establishments to report any treatment for physical injuries resulting from violence, aiding law enforcement agencies in tracking and investigating violent crimes.

Law Summary

Contents and Details of the Report

  • The report should include, when practicable:
    • Name, age, address, and next of kin of the patient.
    • Nature and probable cause of the injury.
    • Approximate time, date, and place where the injury was sustained.
    • Time, date, and nature of the medical treatment given.
    • Physical diagnosis and/or disposition of the patient.

Purpose and Context of the Decree

  • The law was promulgated under Proclamations No. 1081 and 1104, which declared martial law throughout the Philippines.
  • Its objective is to aid law enforcement in tracking violent crimes, conducting timely investigations, and effecting the immediate arrest of perpetrators.
  • The decree addresses the problem of victims or perpetrators of violent crimes who undergo medical treatment but do not report injuries to authorities.

Penalties for Violation

  • Medical practitioners who fail to comply, especially with malicious intent or gross negligence, face:
    • Imprisonment of not less than one year and not more than three years.
    • A fine ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 pesos.
  • Penalties are to be imposed by a military tribunal.

Revocation of Medical License

  • Following the final and executory decision of the military tribunal:
    • The Civil Service Commission shall cancel the government license or permit of the offending physician to practice medicine.

Regulatory Authority and Implementation

  • The Secretaries of Health and National Defense are tasked to promulgate necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the decree.

Miscellaneous Provisions

  • The decree is issued under the authority of the President as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during martial law.
  • This measure is a part of broader efforts to restore and maintain peace and order nationwide.

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