Presidential Decree No.
1866 June 29, 1983 The penalty of reclusion temporal in its maximum period to reclusion perpetua shall
Amended by RA 9516 "Section 3 and 4"
CODIFYING THE LAWS ON ILLEGAL/UNLAWFUL POSSESSION,
MANUFACTURE, DEALING IN, ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION, OF FIREARMS,
AMMUNITION OR EXPLOSIVES OR INSTRUMENTS USED IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF FIREARMS, AMMUNITION OR EXPLOSIVES, AND
IMPOSING STIFFER PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS THEREOF AND
FOR RELEVANT PURPOSES"
WHEREAS, there has been an upsurge of crimes vitally affecting public order and
safety due to the proliferation of illegally possessed and manufactured firearms,
ammunition and explosives;
WHEREAS, these criminal acts have resulted in loss of human lives, damage to
property and destruction of valuable resources of the country;
WHEREAS, there are various laws and presidential decrees which penalized illegal
possession and manufacture of firearms, ammunition and explosives;
WHEREAS, there is a need to consolidate, codify and integrate said laws and
presidential decrees to harmonize their provisions;
WHEREAS, there are some provisions in said laws and presidential decrees which
must be updated and revised in order to more effectively deter violators of the law on
firearms, ammunition and explosives.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by
virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution, do hereby decree: 1awphi 1©
Section 1. Unlawful Manufacture, Sale, Acquisition, Disposition or Possession of
Firearms or Ammunition or Instruments Used or Intended to be Used in the
Manufacture of Firearms of Ammunition. - The penalty of reclusion temporal in its
maximum period to reclusion perpetua shall be imposed upon any person who shall
unlawfully manufacture, deal in, acquire, dispose, or possess any firearm, part of
firearm, ammunition or machinery, tool or instrument used or intended to be used in
the manufacture of any firearm or ammunition.
If homicide or murder is committed with the use of an unlicensed firearm, the penalty
of death shall be imposed.
If the violation of this Section is in furtherance of, or incident to, or in connection with
the crimes of rebellion, insurrection or subversion, the penalty of death shall be
imposed.
1
be imposed upon the owner, president, manager, director or other responsible
officer of any public or private firm, company, corporation or entity, who shall willfully
or knowingly allow any of the firearms owned by such firm, company, corporation or
entity to be used by any person or persons found guilty of violating the provisions of
the preceding paragraphs.
The penalty of prision mayor shall be imposed upon any person who shall carry any
licensed firearm outside his residence without legal authority therefor.
Section 2. Presumption of Illegal Manufacture of Firearms or Ammunition. - The
possession of any machinery, tool or instrument used directly in the manufacture of
firearms or ammunition, by any person whose business or employment does not
lawfully deal with the manufacture of firearms or ammunition, shall be prima facie
evidence that such article is intended to be used in the unlawful/illegal manufacture
of firearms or ammunition.
Section 3. Unlawful Manufacture, Sales, Acquisition, Disposition or Possession of
Explosives. - The penalty of reclusion temporal in its maximum period to reclusion
perpetua shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully manufacture,
assemble, deal in, acquire, dispose or possess handgrenade(s), rifle grenade(s) and
other explosives, including but not limited to "philbox bombs", "molotov cocktail
bomb", "fire-bombs", or other incendiary devices capable of producing destructive
effect on contiguous objects or causing injury or death to any person. 1awphi1© ITC
Any person who commits any of the crimes defined in the Revised Penal Code or
special laws with the use of the aforementioned explosives, detonation agents or
incendiary devices, which results in the death of any person or persons shall be
punished with the penalty of death.
If the violation of this Section is in furtherance of, or incident to, or in connection with
the crimes of rebellion, insurrection or subversion, the penalty of death shall be
imposed.
The penalty of reclusion temporal in its maximum period to reclusion perpetua shall
be imposed upon the owner, president, manager, director or other responsible
officer of any public or private firm, company, corporation or entity, who shall willfully
or knowingly allow any of the explosives owned by such firm, company, corporation
or entity to be used by any person or persons found guilty of violating the provisions
of the preceding paragraphs.
Section 4. Presumption of Unlawful Manufacture. - The possession of any
machinery, tool or instrument directly used in the manufacture of explosives, by any
person whose business or employment does not lawfully deal with the manufacture
of explosives shall be prima facie evidence that such article is intended to be used in
the unlawful/illegal manufacture of explosives.
Section 5. Tampering of Firearm's Serial Number. - The penalty of prision mayor
shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully tamper, change, deface or
erase the serial number of any firearm.
Section 6. Repacking or Altering the Composition of Lawfully Manufactured
Explosives. - The penalty of prision mayor shall be imposed upon any person who
shall unlawfully repack, alter or modify the composition of any lawfully manufactured
explosives.
Section 7. Unauthorized Issuance of Authority to Carry Firearm and/or Ammunition
Outside of Residence. - The penalty of prision correccional shall be imposed upon
any person, civilian or military, who shall issue authority to carry firearm and/or
ammunition outside of residence, without authority therefor.
Section 8. Rules and Regulations. - The Chief of the Philippine Constabulary shall
promulgate the rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Decree.
Section 9. Repealing Clause. - The provisions of Republic Act No. 4, Presidential
Decree No. 9, Presidential Decree No. 1728 and all laws, decrees, orders,
instructions, rules and regulations which are inconsistent with this Decree are hereby
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
Section 10. Effectivity. - This Decree shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
following the completion of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Done in the City of Manila, this 29th day of June, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen
hundred and eighty-three.
2
Republic Act No. 8294 June 6, 1997
AN ACT AMENDING THE PROVISIONS OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1866,
AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "CODIFYING THE LAWS ON ILLEGAL/UNLAWFUL
POSSESSION, MANUFACTURE, DEALING IN, ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION
OF FIREARMS, AMMUNITION OR EXPLOSIVES OR INSTRUMENTS USED IN
THE MANUFACTURE OF FIREARMS, AMMUNITION OR EXPLOSIVES, AND
IMPOSING STIFFER PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS THEREOF, AND
FOR RELEVANT PURPOSES."
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:
Section 1. Sec. 1 Presidential Decree No. 1866, as amended, is hereby further
amended to read as follows:
"Sec. 1. Unlawful manufacture, sale, acquisition, disposition or possession
of firearms or ammunition or instruments used or intended to be used in the
manufacture of firearms or ammunition. – The penalty of prision correccional
in its maximum period and a fine of not less than Fifteen thousand pesos
(P15,000) shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully
manufacture, deal in, acquire, dispose, or possess any low powered firearm,
such as rimfire handgun, .380 or .32 and other firearm of similar firepower,
part of firearm, ammunition, or machinery, tool or instrument used or
intended to be used in the manufacture of any firearm or ammunition:
Provided, That no other crime was committed.
"The penalty of prision mayor in its minimum period and a fine of Thirty
thousand pesos (P30,000) shall be imposed if the firearm is classified as
high powered firearm which includes those with bores bigger in diameter
than .38 caliber and 9 millimeter such as caliber .40, .41, .44, .45 and also
lesser calibered firearms but considered powerful such as caliber .357 and
caliber .22 center-fire magnum and other firearms with firing capability of full
automatic and by burst of two or three: Provided, however, That no other
crime was committed by the person arrested.
"If homicide or murder is committed with the use of an unlicensed firearm,
such use of an unlicensed firearm shall be considered as an aggravating
circumstance.
"If the violation of this Sec. is in furtherance of or incident to, or in connection
with the crime of rebellion or insurrection, sedition, or attempted coup d'etat,
such violation shall be absorbed as an element of the crime of rebellion, or
insurrection, sedition, or attempted coup d'etat.
 "The same penalty shall be imposed upon the owner, president, manager,
director or other responsible officer of any public or private firm, company,
corporation or entity, who shall willfully or knowingly allow any of the
firearms owned by such firm, company, corporation or entity to be used by
any person or persons found guilty of violating the provisions of the
preceding paragraphs or willfully or knowingly allow any of them to use
unlicensed firearms or firearms without any legal authority to be carried
outside of their residence in the course of their employment.
"The penalty of arresto mayor shall be imposed upon any person who shall
carry any licensed firearm outside his residence without legal authority
therefor."
Section 2. Sec. 3 of Presidential Decree No. 1866, as amended, is hereby further
amended to read as follows:
"Sec. 3. Unlawful manufacture, sale, acquisition, disposition or possession
of explosives. – The penalty of prision mayor in its maximum period to
reclusion temporal and a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos
(P50,000) shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully
manufacture, assemble, deal in, acquire, dispose or possess hand
grenade(s), rifle grenade(s), and other explosives, including but not limited
to 'pillbox,' 'molotov cocktail bombs,' 'fire bombs,' or other incendiary devices
capable of producing destructive effect on contiguous objects or causing
injury or death to any person.
"When a person commits any of the crimes defined in the Revised Penal
Code or special laws with the use of the aforementioned explosives,
detonation agents or incendiary devices, which results in the death of any
person or persons, the use of such explosives, detonation agents or
incendiary devices shall be considered as an aggravating circumstance.
"If the violation of this Sec. is in furtherance of, or incident to, or in
connection with the crime of rebellion, insurrection, sedition or attempted
coup d'etat, such violation shall be absorbed as an element of the crimes of
rebellion, insurrection, sedition or attempted coup d'etat.
"The same penalty shall be imposed upon the owner, president, manager,
director or other responsible officer of any public or private firm, company,
corporation or entity, who shall willfully or knowingly allow any of the
explosives owned by such firm, company, corporation or entity, to be used
by any person or persons found guilty of violating the provisions of the
preceding paragraphs."
3
Section 3. Sec. 5 of Presidential Decree No. 1866, as amended, is hereby further
amended to read as follows:
"Sec. 5. Tampering of firearm's serial number. – The penalty of prision
correccional shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully tamper,
change, deface or erase the serial number of any firearm."
Section 4. Sec. 6 of Presidential Decree No. 1866, as amended, is hereby further
amended to read as follows:
"Sec. 6. Repacking or altering the composition of lawfully manufactured
explosives. – The penalty of prision correccional shall be imposed upon any
person who shall unlawfully repack, alter or modify the composition of any
lawfully manufactured explosives."
Section 5. Coverage of the Term Unlicensed Firearm. – The term unlicensed
firearm shall include:
1) firearms with expired license; or
2) unauthorized use of licensed firearm in the commission of the crime.
Section 6. Rules and regulations. – The Department of Justice and the
Department of the Interior and Local Government shall jointly issue, within ninety
(90) days after the approval of this Act, the necessary rules and regulations
pertaining to the administrative aspect of the provisions hereof, furnishing the
Committee on Public Order and Security and the Committee on Justice and Human
Rights of both Houses of Congress copies of such rules and regulations within thirty
(30) days from the promulgation hereof.
Section 7. Separability clause. – If, for any reason, any Sec. or provision of this
Act is declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, the other Sec.s or provisions thereof
which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
Section 8. Repealing clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or
parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed,
amended, or modified accordingly.
Section 9. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved: June 6, 1997.
REPUBLIC ACT No. 9516 December 22
Amending Section 3 and 4 of PD 1866
AN ACT FURTHER AMENDING THE PROVISIONS OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE
NO. 1866, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED CODIFYING THE LAWS ON
ILLEGAL/UNLAWFUL POSSESSION, MANUFACTURE, DEALING IN,
ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF FIREARMS, AMMUNITION OR
EXPLOSIVES OR INSTRUMENTS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
FIREARMS, AMMUNITION OR EXPLOSIVES, AND IMPOSING STIFFER
PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER
RELEVANT PURPOSES"
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:
Section 1. Section 3 of Presidential Decree No. 1866, as amended, is hereby further
amended to read as follows:
"Section 3. Unlawful Manufacture, Sales, Acquisition, Disposition,
Importation or Possession of an Explosive or Incendiary Device. - The
penalty of reclusion perpetua shall be imposed upon any person who shall
willfully and unlawfully manufacture, assemble, deal in, acquire, dispose,
import or possess any explosive or incendiary device, with knowledge of its
existence and its explosive or incendiary character, where the explosive or
incendiary device is capable of producing destructive effect on contiguous
objects or causing injury or death to any person, including but not limited to,
hand grenade(s), rifle grenade(s), 'pillbox bomb', 'molotov cocktail bomb',
'fire bomb', and other similar explosive and incendiary devices.
"Provided, That mere possession of any explosive or incendiary device shall
be prima facie evidence that the person had knowledge of the existence and
the explosive or incendiary character of the device.
"Provided, however, That a temporary, incidental, casual, harmless, or
transient possession or control of any explosive or incendiary device,
without the knowledge of its existence or its explosive or incendiary
character, shall not be a violation of this Section.
"Provided, Further, That the temporary, incidental, casual, harmless, or
transient possession or control of any explosive or incendiary device for the
sole purpose of surrendering it to the proper authorities shall not be a
violation of this Section.
"Provided, finally, That in addition to the instances provided in the two (2)
immediately preceeding paragraphs, the court may determine the absence
4
of the intent to possess, otherwise referred to as 'animus possidendi", in
accordance with the facts and circumstances of each case and the
application of other pertinent laws, among other things, Articles 11 and 12 of
the Revised Penal Code, as amended."
Section 2. Section 4 of Presidential Decree No. 1866, as amended, is hereby further
amended to read as follows:
"SEC 3-A. Unlawful Manufacture, Sales, Acquisition, Disposition,
Importation or Possession of a Part, Ingredient, Machinery, Tool or
Instrument Used or Intended to be Used for the Manufacture, Construction,
Assembly, Delivery or Detonation. - The penalty of reclusion perpetua shall
be imposed upon any person who shall willfully and unlawfully manufacture,
assemble, deal in, acquire, dispose, import or possess any part, ingredient,
machinery, tool or instrument of any explosive or incendiary device, whether
chemical, mechanical, electronic, electrical or otherwise, used or intended to
be used by that person for its manufacture, construction, assembly, delivery
or detonation, where the explosive or incendiary device is capable or is
intended to be made capable of producing destructive effect on contiguous
objects or causing injury or death to any person.
"Provided, That the mere possession of any part, ingredient, machinery, tool
or instrument directly used in the manufacture, construction, assembly,
delivery or detonation of any explosive or incendiary device, by any person
whose business activity, or employment does not lawfully deal with the
possession of such article shall be prima facie evidence that such article is
intended to be used by that person in the unlawful/illegal manufacture,
construction, assembly, delivery or detonation of an explosive or incendiary
device.
"Provided, however, That a temporary incidental, casual, harmless or
transient possession or control of any part, machinery, tool or instrument
directly used in the manufacture, construction, assembly, delivery or
detonation of any explosive or incendiary device, without the knowledge of
its existence or character as part, ingredient, machinery, tool or instrument
directly used in the manufacture, construction, assembly, delivery or
detonation of any explosive or incendiary device, shall not be a violation of
this Section.
"Provided, Further, That the temporary, incidental, casual, harmless, or
transient possession or control of any part, ingredient, machinery, tool or
instrument directly used in the manufacture, construction, assembly, delivery
or detonation of any explosive or incendiary device for the sole purpose of
surrendering it to the proper authorities shall not be a violation of this
Section.
 "Provided, finally, That in addition to the instances provided in the two (2)
immediately preceeding paragraphs, the court may determine the absence
of the intent to possess, otherwise referred to as 'animus possidendi', in
accordance with the facts and circumstances of each case and the
application of other pertinent laws, among other things, Articles 11 and 12 of
the Revised Penal Code, as amended."
Section 3. Insert a new Section 3-B, 3-C, 3-D, 4, 4-A, 4-B, 4-C, 4-D, 4-E, 4-E and 4-
F in Presidential Decree No. 1866 to read as follows:
"SEC. 3-B. Penalty for the Owner, President, Manager, Director or Other
Responsible Officer of Any Public or Private Firm, Company, Corporation or
Entity. - The penalty of reclusion perpetua shall be imposed upon the owner,
president, manager, director or other responsible officer of any public or
private firm, company, corporation or entity, who shall willfully or knowingly
allow any explosive or incendiary device or parts thereof owned or controlled
by such firm, company, corporation or entity to be used by any person or
persons found guilty of violating the provisions of the preceding paragraphs.
"SEC. 3-C. Relationship of Other Crimes with a Violation of this Decree and
the Penalty Therefor. - When a violation of Section 3, 3-A or 3-B of this
Decree is a necessary means for committing any of the crimes defined in
the Revised Penal Code or special laws, or is in furtherance of, incident to,
in connection with, by reason of, or on occassion of any of the crimes
defined in the Revised Penal Code or special laws, the penalty of reclusion
perpetua and a fine ranging from One hundred Thousand pesos
(P100,000.00) to One million pesos (P1,000,000.00) shall be imposed.
"SEC. 3-D. Former Conviction or Acquittal; Double Jeopardy. - Subject to
the provisions of the Rules of Court on double jeopardy, if the application
thereof is more favorable to the accused, the conviction or acquittal of the
accused or the dismissal of the case for violation of this Decree shall be a
bar to another prosecution of the same accused for any offense where the
violation of this Decree was a necessary means for committing the offense
or in furtherance of which, incident to which, in connection with which, by
reason of which, or on occasion of which, the violation of this Decree was
committed, and vice versa.
"SEC. 4. Responsibility and liability of Law Enforcement Agencies and Other
Government Officials and Employees in Testifying as Prosecution
Witnesses. - Any member of law enforcement agencies or any other
government official and employee who, after due notice, fails or refuses,
intentionally or negligently, to appear as a witness for the prosecution of the
defense in any proceeding, involving violations of this Decree, without any
valid reason, shall be punished with reclusion temporal and a fine of Five
5
hundred Thousand pesos (P500,000.00) in addition to the administrative
liability he/she may be meted out by his/her immediate superior and/or
appropriate body.
"The immediate superior of the member of the law enforcement agency or
any other government employee mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall
be penalized with prision correccional and a fine of not less than Ten
Thousand pesos (P10,000.00) but not more than Fifty thousand pesos
(P50,000.00) and in addition, perpetual absolute disqualification from public
office if despite due notice to them and to the witness concerned, the former
does not exert reasonable effort to present the latter to the court.
"The member of the law enforcement agency or any other government
employee mentioned in the preceding paragraphs shall not be transferred or
reassigned to any other government office located in another territorial
jurisdiction during the pendency of the case in court. However, the
concerned member of the law enforcement agency or government employee
may be transferred or reassigned for compelling reasons: Provided, That
his/her immediate superior shall notify the court where the case is pending
of the order to transfer or reassign, within twenty-four (24) hours from its
approval: Provided, further, That his/her immediate superior shall be
penalized with prision correccional and a fine of not less than Ten thousand
pesos (P10,000.00) but not more than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00)
and in addition, perpetual absolute disqualification from public office, should
he/she fail to notify the court of such order to transfer or reassign.
"Prosecution and punishment under this Section shall be without prejudice
to any liability for violation of any existing law.
"SEC 4-A. Criminal Liability for Planting of Evidence. - Any person who is
found guilty of 'planting' any explosive or incendiary device or any part,
ingredient, machinery, tool or instrument of any explosive or incendiary
device, whether chemical, mechanical, electronic, electrical or otherwise,
shall suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua.
"Planting of evidence shall mean the willful act by any person of maliciously
and surreptitiously inserting, placing, adding or attaching, directly or
indirectly, through any overt or covert act, whatever quantity of any
explosive or incendiary device or any part, ingredient, machinery, tool or
instrument of any explosive or incendiary device, whether chemical,
mechanical, electronic, electrical or otherwise in the person, house, effects
or in the immediate vicinity of an innocent individual for the purpose of
implicating incriminating or imputing the commission of any violation of this
Decree.
 "SEC. 4-B. Continuous Trial. - In cases involving violations of this Decree,
the judge shall set the case for continuous trial on a daily basis from Monday
to Friday or other short-term trial calendar so as to ensure speedy trial. Such
case shall be terminated within ninety (90) days from arraignment of the
accused.
"SEC. 4-C. Authority to Import, Sell or Possess Chemicals or Accessories
for Explosives. - Only persons or entities issued a manufacturer's license,
dealer's license or purchaser's license by the Philippine National Police
(PNP)-Firearms and Explosives Division may import any of the chemical or
accessories that can be used in the manufacture of explosives or explosive
ingredients from foreign suppliers, or possess or sell them to licensed
dealers or end users, as the case may be.
"SEC. 4-D. Types of Chemicals/Accessories Covered. - The chemicals and
accessories mentioned in the preceding Section shall exclusively refer to
chlorates, nitrates, nitric acid and such other chemicals and accessories that
can be used for the manufacture of explosives and explosive ingredients.
"SEC. 4-E. Record of Transactions. - Any person or entity who intends to
import, sell or possess the aforecited chemicals or accessories shall file an
application with the chief of the PNP, stating therein the purpose for which
the license and/or permit is sought and such other information as may be
required by the said official. The concerned person or entity shall maintain a
permanent record of all transactions entered into in relation with the
aforecited chemicals or accessories, which documents shall be open to
inspection by the appropriate authorities.
"SEC. 4-F. Cancellation of License. - Failure to comply with the provision of
Section 4-C, 4-D and 4-E shall be sufficient cause for the cancellation of the
license and the confiscation of all such chemicals or accessories, whether or
not lawfully imported, purchased or possessed by the subject person or
entity."
Sec. 4. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any provision of this Act is
declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, the other Sections or provisions thereof
which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
Sec. 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or
modified accordingly.
Sec. 6. Effecfivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
6
Republic Act No. 9208 May 26, 2003
AN ACT TO INSTITUTE POLICIES TO ELIMINATE TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
ESPECIALLY WOMEN AND CHILDREN, ESTABLISHING THE NECESSARY
INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS FOR THE PROTECTION AND SUPPORT OF
TRAFFICKED PERSONS, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR ITS VIOLATIONS, AND
FOR OTHER
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:
Section 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the "Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act
of 2003".
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared that the State values the
dignity of every human person and guarantees the respect of individual rights. In
pursuit of this policy, the State shall give highest priority to the enactment of
measures and development of programs that will promote human dignity, protect the
people from any threat of violence and exploitation, eliminate trafficking in persons,
and mitigate pressures for involuntary migration and servitude of persons, not only to
support trafficked persons but more importantly, to ensure their recovery,
rehabilitation and reintegration into the mainstream of society.
It shall be a State policy to recognize the equal rights and inherent human dignity of
women and men as enshrined in the United Nations Universal Declaration on
Human Rights, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, United Nations
Convention on the Protection of Migrant Workers and their Families. United Nations
Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime Including its Protocol to Prevent,
Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children and all
other relevant and universally accepted human rights instruments and other
international conventions to which the Philippines is a signatory.
Section 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
(a) Trafficking in Persons - refers to the recruitment, transportation, transfer
or harboring, or receipt of persons with or without the victim's consent or
knowledge, within or across national borders by means of threat or use of
force, or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of
power or of position, taking advantage of the vulnerability of the person, or,
the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a
person having control over another person for the purpose of exploitation
which includes at a minimum, the exploitation or the prostitution of others or
other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery,
servitude or the removal or sale of organs.
 The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of a child for
the purpose of exploitation shall also be considered as "trafficking in
persons" even if it does not involve any of the means set forth in the
preceding paragraph.
(b) Child - refers to a person below eighteen (18) years of age or one who is
over eighteen (18) but is unable to fully take care of or protect
himself/herself from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, or discrimination
because of a physical or mental disability or condition.
(c) Prostitution - refers to any act, transaction, scheme or design involving
the use of a person by another, for sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct
in exchange for money, profit or any other consideration.
(d) Forced Labor and Slavery - refer to the extraction of work or services
from any person by means of enticement, violence, intimidation or threat,
use of force or coercion, including deprivation of freedom, abuse of authority
or moral ascendancy, debt-bondage or deception.
(e) Sex Tourism - refers to a program organized by travel and tourism-
related establishments and individuals which consists of tourism packages
or activities, utilizing and offering escort and sexual services as enticement
for tourists. This includes sexual services and practices offered during rest
and recreation periods for members of the military.
(f) Sexual Exploitation - refers to participation by a person in prostitution or
the production of pornographic materials as a result of being subjected to a
threat, deception, coercion, abduction, force, abuse of authority, debt
bondage, fraud or through abuse of a victim's vulnerability.
(g) Debt Bondage - refers to the pledging by the debtor of his/her personal
services or labor or those of a person under his/her control as security or
payment for a debt, when the length and nature of services is not clearly
defined or when the value of the services as reasonably assessed is not
applied toward the liquidation of the debt.
(h) Pornography - refers to any representation, through publication,
exhibition, cinematography, indecent shows, information technology, or by
whatever means, of a person engaged in real or simulated explicit sexual
activities or any representation of the sexual parts of a person for primarily
sexual purposes.
(i) Council - shall mean the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking created
under Section 20 of this Act.
7
Section 4. Acts of Trafficking in Persons. - It shall be unlawful for any person,
natural or juridical, to commit any of the following acts:
(a) To recruit, transport, transfer; harbor, provide, or receive a person by any
means, including those done under the pretext of domestic or overseas
employment or training or apprenticeship, for the purpose of prostitution,
pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labor, slavery, involuntary servitude
or debt bondage;
(b) To introduce or match for money, profit, or material, economic or other
consideration, any person or, as provided for under Republic Act No. 6955,
any Filipino woman to a foreign national, for marriage for the purpose of
acquiring, buying, offering, selling or trading him/her to engage in
prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labor, slavery,
involuntary servitude or debt bondage;
(c) To offer or contract marriage, real or simulated, for the purpose of
acquiring, buying, offering, selling, or trading them to engage in prostitution,
pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labor or slavery, involuntary
servitude or debt bondage;
(d) To undertake or organize tours and travel plans consisting of tourism
packages or activities for the purpose of utilizing and offering persons for
prostitution, pornography or sexual exploitation;
(e) To maintain or hire a person to engage in prostitution or pornography;
(f) To adopt or facilitate the adoption of persons for the purpose of
prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labor, slavery,
involuntary servitude or debt bondage;
(g) To recruit, hire, adopt, transport or abduct a person, by means of threat
or use of force, fraud, deceit, violence, coercion, or intimidation for the
purpose of removal or sale of organs of said person; and
(h) To recruit, transport or adopt a child to engage in armed activities in the
Philippines or abroad.
Section 5. Acts that Promote Trafficking in Persons. - The following acts which
promote or facilitate trafficking in persons, shall be unlawful:
(a) To knowingly lease or sublease, use or allow to be used any house,
building or establishment for the purpose of promoting trafficking in persons;
 (b) To produce, print and issue or distribute unissued, tampered or fake
counseling certificates, registration stickers and certificates of any
government agency which issues these certificates and stickers as proof of
compliance with government regulatory and pre-departure requirements for
the purpose of promoting trafficking in persons;
(c) To advertise, publish, print, broadcast or distribute, or cause the
advertisement, publication, printing, broadcasting or distribution by any
means, including the use of information technology and the internet, of any
brochure, flyer, or any propaganda material that promotes trafficking in
persons;
(d) To assist in the conduct of misrepresentation or fraud for purposes of
facilitating the acquisition of clearances and necessary exit documents from
government agencies that are mandated to provide pre-departure
registration and services for departing persons for the purpose of promoting
trafficking in persons;
(e) To facilitate, assist or help in the exit and entry of persons from/to the
country at international and local airports, territorial boundaries and seaports
who are in possession of unissued, tampered or fraudulent travel documents
for the purpose of promoting trafficking in persons;
(f) To confiscate, conceal, or destroy the passport, travel documents, or
personal documents or belongings of trafficked persons in furtherance of
trafficking or to prevent them from leaving the country or seeking redress
from the government or appropriate agencies; and
(g) To knowingly benefit from, financial or otherwise, or make use of, the
labor or services of a person held to a condition of involuntary servitude,
forced labor, or slavery.
Section 6. Qualified Trafficking in Persons. - The following are considered as
qualified trafficking:
(a) When the trafficked person is a child;
(b) When the adoption is effected through Republic Act No. 8043, otherwise
known as the "Inter-Country Adoption Act of 1995" and said adoption is for
the purpose of prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labor,
slavery, involuntary servitude or debt bondage;
(c) When the crime is committed by a syndicate, or in large scale. Trafficking
is deemed committed by a syndicate if carried out by a group of three (3) or
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more persons conspiring or confederating with one another. It is deemed
committed in large scale if committed against three (3) or more persons,
individually or as a group;
(d) When the offender is an ascendant, parent, sibling, guardian or a person
who exercises authority over the trafficked person or when the offense is
committed by a public officer or employee;
(e) When the trafficked person is recruited to engage in prostitution with any
member of the military or law enforcement agencies;
(f) When the offender is a member of the military or law enforcement
agencies; and
(g) When by reason or on occasion of the act of trafficking in persons, the
offended party dies, becomes insane, suffers mutilation or is afflicted with
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or the Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome (AIDS).
Section 6. Confidentiality. - At any stage of the investigation, prosecution and trial of
an offense under this Act, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, court
personnel and medical practitioners, as well as parties to the case, shall recognize
the right to privacy of the trafficked person and the accused. Towards this end, law
enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges to whom the complaint has been
referred may, whenever necessary to ensure a fair and impartial proceeding, and
after considering all circumstances for the best interest of the parties, order a closed-
door investigation, prosecution or trial. The name and personal circumstances of the
trafficked person or of the accused, or any other information tending to establish
their identities and such circumstances or information shall not be disclosed to the
public.
In cases when prosecution or trial is conducted behind closed-doors, it shall be
unlawful for any editor, publisher, and reporter or columnist in case of printed
materials, announcer or producer in case of television and radio, producer and
director of a film in case of the movie industry, or any person utilizing tri-media
facilities or information technology to cause publicity of any case of trafficking in
persons.
Section 8. Prosecution of Cases. - Any person who has personal knowledge of the
commission of any offense under this Act, the trafficked person, the parents, spouse,
siblings, children or legal guardian may file a complaint for trafficking.
Section 9. Venue. - A criminal action arising from violation of this Act shall be filed
where the offense was committed, or where any of its elements occurred, or where
the trafficked person actually resides at the time of the commission of the
offense: Provided, That the court where the criminal action is first filed shall acquire
jurisdiction to the exclusion of other courts.
Section 10. Penalties and Sanctions. - The following penalties and sanctions are
hereby established for the offenses enumerated in this Act:
(a) Any person found guilty of committing any of the acts enumerated in
Section 4 shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment of twenty (20) years and a
fine of not less than One million pesos (P1,000,000.00) but not more than
Two million pesos (P2,000,000.00);
(b) Any person found guilty of committing any of the acts enumerated in
Section 5 shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years and a
fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) but not
more than One million pesos (P1,000,000.00);
(c) Any person found guilty of qualified trafficking under Section 6 shall
suffer the penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of not less than Two million
pesos (P2,000,000.00) but not more than Five million pesos
(P5,000,000.00);
(d) Any person who violates Section 7 hereof shall suffer the penalty of
imprisonment of six (6) years and a fine of not less than Five hundred
thousand pesos (P500,000.00) but not more than One million pesos
(P1,000,000.00);
(e) If the offender is a corporation, partnership, association, club,
establishment or any juridical person, the penalty shall be imposed upon the
owner, president, partner, manager, and/or any responsible officer who
participated in the commission of the crime or who shall have knowingly
permitted or failed to prevent its commission;
(f) The registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
and license to operate of the erring agency, corporation, association,
religious group, tour or travel agent, club or establishment, or any place of
entertainment shall be cancelled and revoked permanently. The owner,
president, partner or manager thereof shall not be allowed to operate similar
establishments in a different name;
(g) If the offender is a foreigner, he shall be immediately deported after
serving his sentence and be barred permanently from entering the country;
(h) Any employee or official of government agencies who shall issue or
approve the issuance of travel exit clearances, passports, registration
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certificates, counseling certificates, marriage license, and other similar
documents to persons, whether juridical or natural, recruitment agencies,
establishments or other individuals or groups, who fail to observe the
prescribed procedures and the requirement as provided for by laws, rules
and regulations, shall be held administratively liable, without prejudice to
criminal liability under this Act. The concerned government official or
employee shall, upon conviction, be dismissed from the service and be
barred permanently to hold public office. His/her retirement and other
benefits shall likewise be forfeited; and
(i) Conviction by final judgment of the adopter for any offense under this Act
shall result in the immediate rescission of the decree of adoption.
Section 11. Use of Trafficked Persons. - Any person who buys or engages the
services of trafficked persons for prostitution shall be penalized as follows:
(a) First offense - six (6) months of community service as may be
determined by the court and a fine of Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00);
and
(b) Second and subsequent offenses - imprisonment of one (1) year and a
fine of One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00).
Section 12. Prescriptive Period. - Trafficking cases under this Act shall prescribe in
ten (10) years: Provided, however, That trafficking cases committed by a syndicate
or in a large scale as defined under Section 6 shall prescribe in twenty (20) years.
The prescriptive period shall commence to run from the day on which the trafficked
person is delivered or released from the conditions of bondage and shall be
interrupted by the filing of the complaint or information and shall commence to run
again when such proceedings terminate without the accused being convicted or
acquitted or are unjustifiably stopped for any reason not imputable to the accused.
Section 13. Exemption from Filing Fees. - When the trafficked person institutes a
separate civil action for the recovery of civil damages, he/she shall be exempt from
the payment of filing fees.
Section 14. Confiscation and Forfeiture of the Proceeds and Instruments Derived
from Trafficking in Persons. - In addition to the penalty imposed for the violation of
this Act, the court shall order the confiscation and forfeiture, in favor of the
government, of all the proceeds and properties derived from the commission of the
crime, unless they are the property of a third person not liable for the unlawful
act; Provided, however, That all awards for damages shall be taken from the
personal and separate properties of the offender; Provided, further, That if such
properties are insufficient, the balance shall be taken from the confiscated and
forfeited properties.
When the proceeds, properties and instruments of the offense have been destroyed,
diminished in value or otherwise rendered worthless by any act or omission, directly
or indirectly, of the offender, or it has been concealed, removed, converted or
transferred to prevent the same from being found or to avoid forfeiture or
confiscation, the offender shall be ordered to pay the amount equal to the value of
the proceeds, property or instruments of the offense.
Section 15. Trust Fund. - All fines imposed under this Act and the proceeds and
properties forfeited and confiscated pursuant to Section 14 hereof shall accrue to a
Trust Fund to be administered and managed by the Council to be used exclusively
for programs that will prevent acts of trafficking and protect, rehabilitate, reintegrate
trafficked persons into the mainstream of society. Such programs shall include, but
not limited to, the following:
(a) Provision for mandatory services set forth in Section 23 of this Act;
(b) Sponsorship of a national research program on trafficking and
establishment of a data collection system for monitoring and evaluation
purposes;
(c) Provision of necessary technical and material support services to
appropriate government agencies and non-government organizations
(NGOs);
(d) Sponsorship of conferences and seminars to provide venue for
consensus building amongst the public, the academe, government, NGOs
and international organizations; and
(e) Promotion of information and education campaign on trafficking.
Section 16. Programs that Address Trafficking in Persons. - The government shall
establish and implement preventive, protective and rehabilitative programs for
trafficked persons. For this purpose, the following agencies are hereby mandated to
implement the following programs;
(a) Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) - shall make available its resources
and facilities overseas for trafficked persons regardless of their manner of
entry to the receiving country, and explore means to further enhance its
assistance in eliminating trafficking activities through closer networking with
government agencies in the country and overseas, particularly in the
formulation of policies and implementation of relevant programs.
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The DFA shall take necessary measures for the efficient implementation of
the Machine Readable Passports to protect the integrity of Philippine
passports, visas and other travel documents to reduce the incidence of
trafficking through the use of fraudulent identification documents.
It shall establish and implement a pre-marriage, on-site and pre-departure
counseling program on intermarriages.
(b) Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - shall
implement rehabilitative and protective programs for trafficked persons. It
shall provide counseling and temporary shelter to trafficked persons and
develop a system for accreditation among NGOs for purposes of
establishing centers and programs for intervention in various levels of the
community.
(c) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - shall ensure the strict
implementation and compliance with the rules and guidelines relative to the
employment of persons locally and overseas. It shall likewise monitor,
document and report cases of trafficking in persons involving employers and
labor recruiters.
(d) Department of Justice (DOJ) - shall ensure the prosecution of persons
accused of trafficking and designate and train special prosecutors who shall
handle and prosecute cases of trafficking. It shall also establish a
mechanism for free legal assistance for trafficked persons, in coordination
with the DSWD, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and other NGOs and
volunteer groups.
(e) National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) - shall
actively participate and coordinate in the formulation and monitoring of
policies addressing the issue of trafficking in persons in coordination with
relevant government agencies. It shall likewise advocate for the inclusion of
the issue of trafficking in persons in both its local and international advocacy
for women's issues.
(f) Bureau of Immigration (BI) - shall strictly administer and enforce
immigration and alien administration laws. It shall adopt measures for the
apprehension of suspected traffickers both at the place of arrival and
departure and shall ensure compliance by the Filipino fiancés/fiancées and
spouses of foreign nationals with the guidance and counseling requirement
as provided for in this Act.
(g) Philippine National Police (PNP) - shall be the primary law enforcement
agency to undertake surveillance, investigation and arrest of individuals or
persons suspected to be engaged in trafficking. It shall closely coordinate
 with various law enforcement agencies to secure concerted efforts for
effective investigation and apprehension of suspected traffickers. It shall
also establish a system to receive complaints and calls to assist trafficked
persons and conduct rescue operations.
(h) Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) - shall
implement an effective pre-employment orientation seminars and pre-
departure counseling programs to applicants for overseas employment. It
shall likewise formulate a system of providing free legal assistance to
trafficked persons.
(i) Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - shall institute a
systematic information and prevention campaign and likewise maintain a
databank for the effective monitoring, documentation and prosecution of
cases on trafficking in persons.
(j) Local government units (LGUs) - shall monitor and document cases of
trafficking in persons in their areas of jurisdiction, effect the cancellation of
licenses of establishments which violate the provisions of this Act and
ensure effective prosecution of such cases. They shall also undertake an
information campaign against trafficking in persons through the
establishment of the Migrants Advisory and Information Network (MAIN)
desks in municipalities or provinces in coordination with DILG, Philippine
Information Agency (PIA), Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), NGOs
and other concerned agencies. They shall encourage and support
community based initiatives which address the trafficking in persons.
In implementing this Act, the agencies concerned may seek and enlist the
assistance of NGOs, people's organizations (Pos), civic organizations and
other volunteer groups.
Section 17. Legal Protection to Trafficked Persons. - Trafficked persons shall be
recognized as victims of the act or acts of trafficking and as such shall not be
penalized for crimes directly related to the acts of trafficking enumerated in this Act
or in obedience to the order made by the trafficker in relation thereto. In this regard,
the consent of a trafficked person to the intended exploitation set forth in this Act
shall be irrelevant.
Section 18. Preferential Entitlement Under the Witness Protection Program. - Any
provision of Republic Act No. 6981 to the contrary notwithstanding, any trafficked
person shall be entitled to the witness protection program provided therein.
Section 19. Trafficked Persons Who are Foreign Nationals. - Subject to the
guidelines issued by the Council, trafficked persons in the Philippines who are
nationals of a foreign country shall also be entitled to appropriate protection,
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assistance and services available to trafficked persons under this Act: Provided,
That they shall be permitted continued presence in the Philippines for a length of
time prescribed by the Council as necessary to effect the prosecution of offenders.
Section 20. Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking. - There is hereby established
an Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, to be composed of the Secretary of the
Department of Justice as Chairperson and the Secretary of the Department of Social
Welfare and Development as Co-Chairperson and shall have the following as
members:
(a) Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs;
(b) Secretary, Department of Labor and Employment;
(c) Administrator, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration;
(d) Commissioner, Bureau of Immigration;
(e) Director-General, Philippine National Police;
(f) Chairperson, National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women; and
(g) Three (3) representatives from NGOs, who shall be composed of one (1)
representative each from among the sectors representing women, overseas
Filipino workers (OFWs) and children, with a proven record of involvement in
the prevention and suppression of trafficking in persons. These
representatives shall be nominated by the government agency
representatives of the Council, for appointment by the President for a term
of three (3) years.
The members of the Council may designate their permanent representatives
who shall have a rank not lower than an assistant secretary or its equivalent
to meetings, and shall receive emoluments as may be determined by the
Council in accordance with existing budget and accounting, rules and
regulations.
Section 21. Functions of the Council. - The Council shall have the following powers
and functions:
(a) Formulate a comprehensive and integrated program to prevent and
suppress the trafficking in persons;
(b) Promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary for the effective
implementation of this Act;
 (c) Monitor and oversee the strict implementation of this Act;
(d) Coordinate the programs and projects of the various member agencies
to effectively address the issues and problems attendant to trafficking in
persons;
(e) Coordinate the conduct of massive information dissemination and
campaign on the existence of the law and the various issues and problems
attendant to trafficking through the LGUs, concerned agencies, and NGOs;
(f) Direct other agencies to immediately respond to the problems brought to
their attention and report to the Council on action taken;
(g) Assist in filing of cases against individuals, agencies, institutions or
establishments that violate the provisions of this Act;
(h) Formulate a program for the reintegration of trafficked persons in
cooperation with DOLE, DSWD, Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED),
LGUs and NGOs;
(i) Secure from any department, bureau, office, agency, or instrumentality of
the government or from NGOs and other civic organizations such assistance
as may be needed to effectively implement this Act;
(j) Complement the shared government information system for migration
established under Republic Act No. 8042, otherwise known as the "Migrant
Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995" with data on cases of
trafficking in persons, and ensure that the proper agencies conduct a
continuing research and study on the patterns and scheme of trafficking in
persons which shall form the basis for policy formulation and program
direction;
(k) Develop the mechanism to ensure the timely, coordinated, and effective
response to cases of trafficking in persons;
(l) Recommend measures to enhance cooperative efforts and mutual
assistance among foreign countries through bilateral and/or multilateral
arrangements to prevent and suppress international trafficking in persons;
(m) Coordinate with the Department of Transportation and Communications
(DOTC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and other NGOs in
monitoring the promotion of advertisement of trafficking in the internet;
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(n) Adopt measures and policies to protect the rights and needs of trafficked
persons who are foreign nationals in the Philippines;
(o) Initiate training programs in identifying and providing the necessary
intervention or assistance to trafficked persons; and
(p) Exercise all the powers and perform such other functions necessary to
attain the purposes and objectives of this Act.
Section 22. Secretariat to the Council. - The Department of Justice shall establish
the necessary Secretariat for the Council.
Section 23. Mandatory Services to Trafficked Persons. - To ensure recovery,
rehabilitation and reintegration into the mainstream of society, concerned
government agencies shall make available the following services to trafficked
persons:
(a) Emergency shelter or appropriate housing;
(b) Counseling;
(c) Free legal services which shall include information about the victims'
rights and the procedure for filing complaints, claiming compensation and
such other legal remedies available to them, in a language understood by
the trafficked person;
(d) Medical or psychological services;
(e) Livelihood and skills training; and
(f) Educational assistance to a trafficked child.
Sustained supervision and follow through mechanism that will track the progress of
recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of the trafficked persons shall be adopted
and carried out.
Section 24. Other Services for Trafficked Persons. -
(a) Legal Assistance. - Trafficked persons shall be considered under the
category "Overseas Filipino in Distress" and may avail of the legal
assistance created by Republic Act No. 8042, subject to the guidelines as
provided by law.
 (b) Overseas Filipino Resource Centers. - The services available to
overseas Filipinos as provided for by Republic Act No. 8042 shall also be
extended to trafficked persons regardless of their immigration status in the
host country.
(c) The Country Team Approach. - The country team approach under
Executive Order No. 74 of 1993, shall be the operational scheme under
which Philippine embassies abroad shall provide protection to trafficked
persons insofar as the promotion of their welfare, dignity and fundamental
rights are concerned.
Section 31. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any section or provision of this
Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions hereof shall
not be affected thereby.
Section 32. Repealing clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders and
rules and regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly: Provided, That this Act shall not in any way
amend or repeal the provision of Republic Act No. 7610, otherwise known as the
"Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination
Act".

Section 25. Repatriation of Trafficked Persons. - The DFA, in coordination with Section 33. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date of
DOLE and other appropriate agencies, shall have the primary responsibility for the its complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
repatriation of trafficked persons, regardless of whether they are documented or
undocumented.

If, however, the repatriation of the trafficked persons shall expose the victims to
greater risks, the DFA shall make representation with the host government for the
extension of appropriate residency permits and protection, as may be legally
permissible in the host country.

Section 26. Extradition. - The DOJ, in consultation with DFA, shall endeavor to
include offenses of trafficking in persons among extraditable offenses.

Section 27. Reporting Requirements. - The Council shall submit to the President of
the Philippines and to Congress an annual report of the policies, programs and
activities relative to the implementation of this Act.

Section 28. Funding. - The heads of the departments and agencies concerned shall
immediately include in their programs and issue such rules and regulations to
implement the provisions of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the
annual General Appropriations Act.

Section 29. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Council shall promulgate
the necessary implementing rules and regulations within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act.

Section 30. Non-restriction of Freedom of Speech and of Association, Religion and

the Right to Travel. - Nothing in this Act shall be interpreted as a restriction of the
freedom of speech and of association, religion and the right to travel for purposes
not contrary to law as guaranteed by the Constitution.

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