,'

/
S. No. 14
II No. 5513

~e1.rub1ir: offqe lal1Hippi11es

<tlnn£trss nf ±4r J4ilippinrs

c!)l[dro c!)l[anifo

~eueufoenf1T <llongress

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-fifth

.day of July , two thousand sixteen .

•
( R EPUBLIC A CT No. 1Q9 51 ]

AN ACT ADJ USTING THE Al\IIOUNT OR THE VALUE OF

PROPERTY AND DAMAGE ON WHICH A P ENALTY IS
BASED . AND THE F I NES IMPOS ED UNDER TH E
R EVl S ED P ENAL CO DE , AME N DI NG FOR THE
PURPOSE ACT NO. 3815, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
·'THE REVISED PENAL CODE", AS AMENDED

Be it ena.cted by the Senate and House of Representat1:ues of the

Philippines in Cong ress assembled:

SECTION 1. Article 9 of Act No. 3815, otherwise known

as "The Revised Pen al Code", is her eby am ended to read as
follows:

··ART. 9. Graue felonies, less g ra,ue felonies a.nd

light felonies. - Grave felonies ar e those to which
the law at taches the capital punishment or penalties
which in a n y of t heir periods are afflict ive , in
accor dance with Ar ticle 25 of this Code.

"Less grave felonies are t hose which the law
punishes with penalties wh ich in their maximum
period a r e correctional, in accordance with th e
abovementioned article.
··Light felonies are those infractions of law for
the commission of which the penalty of 01Testo
1nenor or a fine not exceeding Forty t housand pesos
(P40.000) or both is provided."
SEC. 2. Article 26 of the same Act is hereby a mended
to read as follows:
"ART. 26. Fi.ne. -· When afflictive, correctional,
or light penalty. - A fi ne. whether imposed as a
single or as an alternative penalty , sh a ll be
considered an afflictive penalty, if it exceeds One
million two hundred thousand pesos (Pl.200,000); a
correction al penalty, if it does not exceed On e million
two hundred thousand pesos (Pl ,200,000) but is not
less than Forty t housand pesos (P40,000); and a light
penalty, if it be less than Forty thousand pesos
(P40,000)."
SEC. 3. Article 114 of th e same Act , as amended by
Republic Act No. 7659, is hereby further amended to read as
follows:
''ART. 114. Treason. - Any Filipino citizen wh o
levies war against the Philippines or adheres to her
en emies, giving th em aid or comfo rt within t he
Philippines 0 1· elsewh ere. shall be punish ed by
reclusion perpetna to death and shall pay a fine not
to exceed Four million pesos (P4.000.000).
"No pe1·son shall be convicted of treason unless
on the testimony of two (2) witnesses at least to the
same overt act or on confession of the accused in
open court.
"Likewise. an alien. residing in the Philippines,
who commits acts of treason as defined in paragraph
1 of this article shall be punished by reclnsio11
temporal to death and shall pay a fine not to exceed
Four million pesos (P 4,000.000)...
3
SEC. 4. AJ.'ticle 115 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"'ART. 115. Conspiracy and proposal to cornmi.t
treason; Penalty . - The conspiracy or propo~al to
commit t he c1·ime of t reason shall be pumshed
respectively, by prisi6n mayor and a fine . ~?t
exceeding Two million pesos (P2,000,000), and p1:iswn
correcciona.l and a fine not exceedmg One million
pesos (Pl.000,000)."
SEC. 5. Article 129 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
·'ART. 129. Search warrants mali ciously
obtained and a buse in the service of those legally
obtained. - In addition to the liability attaching to
the offender for th e commission of any other offense,
the penalty of arn~sto may~r in ~ts. maximu~ period
to p1·isi6n correccwna.l m its m1mmum period and
a fine not exceeding Two hu n dred thousand pesos
(P200,000) shall be imposed upon any public officer
or employee who sh all procure a search warrant
without just cause, or , having legally procured the
same, shall exceed his authority or use unnecessary
severity in executing the same."
SEC. 6. Article 136 of the same Act, as a mended by
Republic Act No. 6968. is hereby further amended to read as
follows:
"ART. 136. Conspiracy and proposal to commit
coup . d 'etat, re bellion or ins 1~1-rectior~ . - The
conspll'acy an d proposal to commit coilp d etat s~all
be punished by prisi6n m.a:yor in its minin:_iupi penod
and a fine which shall not exceed One nulhon pesos
(Pl,000,000).
"The conspiracy and proposal to co_mmit
rebellion or insurrection shall be punish ed
respectively, by prisi6n correccional in its maxi1:11tm1
period and a fine which shall not exceed One million
pesos (Pl.000,000) and by prisi6n correccio_na./ in its
medium period and a fme not exceeding Four
hun dred thousand pesos (P400,000)."

SEC. 7. Article 140 of Lhe same AcL i~ hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 140. Penalty for sedition. - The leader
of a sedition shall suffer the penalty of prisi6n 1nayor
in its minimum period and a fine not exceeding Two
million pesos (P2,000,000).
''Other persons participating therein shall suffer
the penalty of prisi6n correccional in its maximum
period and a fine not exceeding One million pesos
(Pl.000.000).''
SEC. 8. Article 141 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 141. Conspiracy to commit sed1:tion. -
Persons conspiring to commit the crime of sedition
shall be punished by prisi6n correccional in its
medium period and a fine not exceeding Four
hundred thousand pesos (P400,000)...
SEC. 9. Article 142 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 142. Indting to sedition. - The penalty
of prisi6n correccional in its maximum period and
a fine not exceeding Four hundred thousand pesos
(P400,000) shall be imposed upon any person who.
without taking any direct part in the crime of
sedition, should incite others to the accomplishment
of any of the acts which constitute sedition, by means
of speeches, pr oclamations. writings, emblems,
cartoons, banners, or other representations te nding
to the same end, or upon any person or persons who
shall utter seditiou s words or speech es. write.
publish, or circulate scurrilous libels against the
Government. or any of the duly constituted
authorities thereof, or which tend to disturb or
obstruct any lawful officer in executing the functions
of his office. or which tend to instigate others to
cabal and meet together for unlawful purposes. 01·
which suggest or incite rebellious conspiracies or
riots, or which lead or tend to stir up the people
against the lawful authorities or to disturb the peace
of the community. the safety and order of the
5
Gove1·nment. or who shall knowingly conceal such
evil practices."
SEC. 10. Article 143 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
, 'ART. 143. Ac~s tending t.o prevent the meeting
of. c.~ngress an.cl siniila.r bodies. - The penalty of
pnswn correcci.onal or a fine ranging from Forty
thousand pesos (P40,000) to Four hundred thousand
pesos (P400.000), or both, shall be imposed upon any
person who. by force or fraud, prevents the meeting
of Cong1·e ss or of any of i ts committees 01·
subcommittees, Constitutional Commissions or
committees. or divisions thereof. or of any pl'Ovincial
board or city or municipal council or board."
SEC. 11. Article 144 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
·ART. 144. Distw·bance of proceedings. - The
penalty of arresto rnetyor or a fine from Forty
thousand pesos (P40,000) to Two hundred thousand
pesos (P200,000) shall be imposed upon any person
who distu~·bs the meetings of Congress or of any of
its comnuttees or subcommittees, Constitutional
Commissions or committees or divisions thereof or
of any provincial board or city or municipal cou~cil
or board, or in the presence of any such bodies
should behave in such manner as to interrupt its
proceedings or to impair the respect due it."
SEC. 12. Article 147 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
·'ART. 147. Illegal associations. - The penalty
of prisi6n correccional in its minimum and medium
periods and a fine not exceeding Two hundred
thousand pe~os (P200,000) shall be imposed upon the
founders, directors. and presidents of associations
totally or partially organized for the purpose of
committing any of the crimes punishable under this
Code or for some purpose contrary to public morals.
Mere members of said associations shall suffer the
penalty of CllTesto nia.yor."

6 7
SEC. 13. Article l.48 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 148. Direct assaults. - Any person or
persons who, without a public uprising, shall employ
force or intimidation for the attainment of any of the
purposes en umerated in defining the crimes of
rebellion and sedition, or shall attack, employ force,
or seriously intimidate or resist any person in
authority or any of his agents, while engaged in the
performance of official duties, or on occasion of such
performance, shall suffer the penalty of pris1:6n
correcciona.l in its medium and maximum periods
and a fine not exceeding Two hundred thousand pesos
(P200,000), when the assault is committed with a
weapon or when the offender is a public officer or
employee. or when th e offender lays hands upon a
person in a uthority. If none of these circumstances
be present, the penalty of prisi6n con-ecciono.l in its
minimu m period and a fine not exceeding One
hundred thousand pesos (Pl00,000) shall be imposed."
SEC. 14. Article 149 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 149. Ind1:rect a.ssanlts. - The penalty of
prisi6n correccional in its minimum and medium
periods and a fine not exceeding One hundred
thousand pesos (Pl00,000) shall be imposed upon any
person who shall make use of force or intimidation
upon any person coming to the aid of the authorities
or their age nts on occasion of the commission of any
of the crimes defined in the next preceding a rticle."
SEC. 15. Article 150 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 150. Disobedience to snmm.ons issned by
Congress, its comm1:ttees or snbconuni:ttees, by th'e
Constitutional Commissions. its committees,
subcommittees or diui.sions. - The penalty of arresto
mayor or a fine ranging from Forty thousand pesos
(P40.000) to Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000),
or both such fine and imprisonment, shall be
imposed upon any person who. having been duly
summoned to attend as a witness before Congress.
.-
its special _or standing committees and subcommittees,
the Constitutional Commissions and its committees.
s ubcommittees, or divisions, or before any
commission or committee chairman or member
authorized to summon witnesses, refuses, without
legal excuse, to obey such summons, or being present
before any such legislative or constitutional body or
official, refuses to be sworn or placed under
affirmation or to answer any legal inquiry or to
produce any books, papers, documents, or records in
his possession. when required by them to do so in
the exercise of their functions. The same penalty
shall be unposed upon any person who shall restrain
a nother from attending as a witness. or wh o shall
induce disobedience to summons or refusal to be
sworn by any such body or official."
SEC. 16. Article 151 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART . 151. Resistance and disobedience to a
person in a.itthority or the agents of such person.
- T he penalty of o.rresto mayor and a fine not
exceeding. One h undred thousan d pesos (Pl 00,000)
~hall be ~mposed upon any person wh o not being
mcluded m the provision s of th e precedin g articles
shall resist or seriously disobey any person in
authorit)'. , or the agents of such person, while
engaged m the performance of official duties.
"When the disobedience to an agent of a person
in authority is not of a serious nature, th e penalty
of arresto menor or a fine ranging from Two
thousand pesos (P2,000) to Twenty thousand pesos
(P20,000) shall be imposed upon the offender."
SEC. 17. Article 153 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 153. Tiwwlts a.nd other disturbances
of pnbli c order; Tnm1iltnous distnrba.nce or
interrnpt1:on ha.ble to canse disturbance. - The
penalty of a.rresto mayor in its medium period to
prisi6n co1ncciona.l in its minimum period and a
fine not exceedin g Two hundred thousand pesoi::l
8 9
(P200,000) shall be imposed upon any person who
shall cause any serious distmbance in a public place,
office. or establishment, or shall interrupt or disturb
public performances, functions or gatherings , 01·
peaceful meetings, if t he act is not inclu ded in the
provisions of Articles 131 and 132.
"The penalty next higher in degree shall be
imposed upon persons causing any disturbance or
interruption of a t umultuous character.
'·Th e disturbance or interruption sh all be
deemed to be tumultuous if caused by more than
three (3) persons who are armed or provided with
mean s of violence.
"The penalty of arresw mayor shall be imposed
upon any person wh o in any meeting. association,
or public place , shall make a ny outcry tending to
incite rebellion or sedition or in such place sh all
dis play placards 01· e mblems which provok e a
disturbance of th e public order.
"The penalty of arresto menor and a fine not
to exceed Forty thousand pesos (P40,000) shall be
imposed upon these persons who in violation of t h e
provisions contained in the last clause of Article 85,
sh all bury with pomp the body of a person who has
been legally executed ...
SEC. 18. Article 154 of the same Act is h ereby amended
to read as follows :
"ART. 154 . Un lowlnl nse of m eans of
publication and. unla.wful iittera.nces. - The penalty
of a.rresto ma.yor and a fine ranging from Forty
thousand pesos (P40,000) to Two hundred thousand
pesos (P200.000) sh all be imposed upon:
" l. Any person who by means of printing.
lithography, or a ny other means of publication shall
publish or cause to be published as n ews a ny false
news which may endanger the public order, or cause
damage to the interest or credit of the State;
"2. Any person who by t h e same means. or by
words . utteran ces or speech es shall encourage
disobedience to the law or t o the constituted
a uthorities or praise . justify. or extol any act
punished by law: ·
"3. Any person who shall maliciously publish
or cause to be published a ny official resolution or
documen t with out proper authority. or before they
have been published officially: 01·
"4. An y person who sh all print. publish, or
distribute or cause to be printed, publish ed, or
distributed books. pamphlets. periodicals. or leaflets
which do not bear the real printer's name. or which
are classified as anonym ou s."
SEC. 19. Article 155 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 155. Alarms and scandals. - Th e pen alty
of a.rresto menor or a fine not exceeding Forty
thousand pesos (P40,000) shall be imposed upon:
'·L Any person who within any town or public
place , s h all discharge any firearm , rocket ,
firecracker, or oth er explosives calculated to cause
alarm or danger:
"2. Any person who shall instigate or take an
active part in any charivari or other disorderly
meeting offensive to anothe1· or prejudicial to public
tranquility:
"3. Any person wh o. while wandering about at
nigh t or while engaged in any other n octu rnal
a musements. shall disturb the public peace; or
"4 . An y r erson who, w hile intoxicated or
otherwise, shal cause any disturbance or scandal in
public places: PmVl:decl, That th e circumstances of
th e case shall not mak e the provisions of Article 153
applicable.''
SEC. 20 . Article 163 of the same Act. as am ended by
Republic Act No. 4202, is hereby further amended to read as
follows:
. 'A~T. 163. Mahing and importing and nttering
false corns. - Any person who makes . imports. or
IO
utters false coins, in connivance with counterfeitel's,
or importers. shall suffer:
" l. Prisi6n correccional in its m1mmum and
medium periods and a fine not to exceed Fom
hundred thousand pesos (P400,000), if the
counterfeited coin s be any of the coinage of the
Philippines.
'·2. Prisi6n correcciona.l in its minimum period
and a fine not to exceed Two hundxed thousand pesos
(P200,000), if the counterfeited coin be currency of
a foreign country.''
SEC. 21. Article 164 of the same Act is hereby amended
t o read as follow s:
" ART. 164. Miitilation ol coins; Importation
and utterance of mutilated coins. - The penalty of
p risi6n correccional in its minimum period and a
fine not to exceed Four hundred t housand pesos
(P400,000) sh all be imposed upon any person wh o
shall mutilate coins of the legal currency of the
Philippines or import or utter mutilated cur rent
coins, or in connivance with mutilators or importers."
SEC. 22. Article 166 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
·'ART. 166. Forging treasu.ry or banil notes or
other docu.rnents payable to bearer; Importing. and
nttering such fals e or forged notes a.nd documents.
- The forging or falsification of treasury or bank
note s or certificates or other obligation s a nd
securities payable to bearer and the importation and
uttering in connivance with forgers or importers of
such false or forged obligations or notes, shall be
punished as follow s:
'·l. By reclusion temporal in its minimum
period and a fine not to exceed Two million pesos
(P2 .000,000). if the document which has be en
falsified. counterfeited, or altered is an obligation or
security of the Philippines.
"The word s ·obligation or se curity of t he
Philippines· sh all mean all bonds. certificates of
II
indebtedne ss , national bank notes , coupons .
Philippine notes, treasury notes, fractional notes,
certificates of deposit , bills, checks, or d1·afts for
money, drawn by or upon authorized officers of the
Philippines, and other representatives of value. of
whatever denomination. which have been or may be
issued under any act of Congress.
"2. By pn:s1:6n ma.yor in its maximum period
a n d a fin e not to excee d One million pesos
(Pl,000,000). if the falsified or altered document is
a circulating note issued by any banking association
duly authorized by law t o issu e the same.
"3. By prisi6n mayor in its medium period and
a fine not to exceed One million pesos (Pl ,000,000),
if the falsified or counterfeited document was issued
by a foreign government.
"4. By prisi6n mayor in its minimum period
and a fine not to exceed Four hundred thousand
pesos (P 400 ,000). wh en t h e forge d or alter ed
document is a circulating note or bill issued by a
foreign bank duly authorized therefor."
SEC. 23. Article 167 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follow s:
'·ART. 167. Counterfeiting, importing and
uttering instruments not payable to bearer. - Any
person who shall forge , impo1t or utter, in connivance
with the forgers or importers, a ny instrumen t
payable to order or other document of credit not
payable to bearer, shall suffer the penalties of prisi.6n
correccional in its medium and maximum periods
and a fine not exceeding One million two hundred
thou sand pesos (Pl,200,000)."
SEC. 24. Article 170 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
.. ART. 170 . Fa.ls ilica.t ion ol legislat i tie
dowments. - The penalty of p1·is1:6n correcc1;onal in
its maximum period and a fine not exceeding One
mi.llion two hundred thousand pesos (P l ,200,000)
shall be imposed upon any person who. with out
proper a uthority therefor alter s any bill. resolution.

or ordinance enacted 01· approved 01· pending approval
by either House of Congress or any provincial board
or municipal cou ncil...
SEC. 25. Article 171 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
'·ART. 171. Fa.lsifica.tion by public officer.
employee or notary or ecclesiastic mini.ster. - The
penalty of prisi6n mayor and a fine not to exceed
One million pesos (Pl,000,000) sh all be imposed upon
any public officer. employee, or notary who, taking
advantage of his official position. shall falsify a
document by committing any of the followin g acts:
"l. Counterfeiting or imitating any handwriting,
signature or rubric;
"2. Causing it to appear that persons have
participated in any act or proceeding when they did
not in fact so participate:
"3. Attributing to persons who have participated
in an act or proceeding statements other than those
in fact made by t hem ;
'·4. Making untruthful sta t e ments in a
narration of facts:
"5 . Altering true dates;
''6. Making any alteration or intercalation in a
gen uine document which ch anges its meaning;
" 7. Issuing in an a u thenticated form a
document purporting to be a copy of a n original
document when no such original exists. or including
in such a copy a statement contrary to, or different
from, that of t he genuine original: or
"8. Intercalating any instru ment 01· note
relative to the issuance t h ereof in a protocol,
registry, or official book.
'·'T'he same penalty shall be imposed upon any
ecclesiastical minister who shall commit any of th e
offenses enumerated in the preceding paragraphs of
13
this article, with respect to any record or document
of su ch character th at its falsification may affect the
civil status of persons ...
·'
SEC. 26. Article 172 of th e same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 172. Falsification by private individual
and use of falsified docwnents. - The penalty of
prisi6n correcc1:onal in its medium and maximum
periods and a fine of not more th an One million
pesos (Pl,000.000) shall be imposed upon:
''l. Any private individual who shall commit
any of the falsifications enumerated in the next
preceding article in any public or official document
or lett er of exch a nge or any oth er kind of
commercial document;
"2. Any person who, to the damage of a third
party, or with the intent to cause such damage, sh all
in any private document commit any of the acts of
falsification enumerated in the next preceding article;
and
"3. Any person who shall knowingly introduce
in evidence in a ny judicial proceeding or to t h e
damage of a nother or who, with t h e intent to cause
such damage. sh all use any of the false documents
embraced in the next preceding article. or in any of
the foregoing subdivisions of this article, shall be
punished by t he penalty n ext lower in degree."
SEC. 27. Article 174 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 174. False medical catifiwt es, false
certificates of merits or service. etc. - The pen alties
of orresto mayor in its maximum period to prisi611
correccional in its minimum period a nd a fine not
to exceed Two hundred thousand pesos (P200.000)
shall be imposed upon:
"l. Any physician or sm geon who, in connection
with the practice of his profession. sh all issue a false
certificate : and
14
'·2. Any public officer who shall issue a false
certificate of merit of service. good conduct or similar
circumstances."
"The penalty of arresto mayor shall be imposed
upon any private person who shall falsify a certificate
falling within the classes mentioned in the two (2)
preceding subdivisions."
SEC. 28. Axticle 176 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
·ART. 176. Manllfactnring and possession of
instruments or imple1nents for falsiffration. - The
penalty of prisi6n correcciona.l in its medium and
maximum periods and a fine not to exceed One
million pesos (Pl,000,000) shall be imposed upon any
person who shall make or introduce into the
Philippines any stamps, dies. marks, or oth er
instruments or implements intended to be used in
the commission of the offenses of counterfeiting or
falsification mentioned in the preceding sections of
this Chapter.
'Any person who, with the intention of using
them, shall have in his possession any of t h e
instruments or implements m entioned in the
preceding paragraphs, shall suffer th e penalty next
lower in degree than th at provided therein."
SEC. 29. Article 178 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"'ART. 178. Using fictitious name a.ncl
concealing trne name. - The penalty of arresto
mayor and a fine not to exceed On e hundred
thousand pesos (Pl00,000) shall be imposed upon any
person who shall publicly use a fictitious name for
th e purpose of concealing a crime. evading the
execution of a judgment or causing damage.
"'Any person who conceals his true name and
other personal circumstances shall be punished by
anesto inenor or a fine not to exceed Forty thousand
pesos (P40.000)."
15
SEC. 30. Article 180 of the :,;ame Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 180. False testimony against a defendant. - I
Any person who shall give false testimony against
the defendant in any criminal case shall suffer:
'·l. The penalty of reclusion temporal, if the
defendant in said case shall have been sentenced to
death;
·•2. The penalty of prisi6n mayor, if the
defendant shall have been sentenced to l"eclusion
tempornl or reclusion perpetua:
''3. The penalty of prisi6n co1Teccional, if the
defendant shall have been sentenced to any other
afflictive penalty: and
··4. The penalty of arresto mayor, if the
defendant shall have been sentenced to a correctional
penalty or a fine, or shall have been acquitted.
"In cases provided in subdivisions 3 and 4 of
this article the offender shall further suffer a fine
no t to exceed Two hundred thousa nd pesos
(P200,000)."
SEC. 31. Article 181 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
'"ART. 18 1. False testimony fcwomble to the
defendant. - Any person who sh all give false
testimony in favor of the defendant in a criminal
case, shall suffer the penalties of arresto mayor in
its maximum period to p1·isi6n correccional in its
minimum period and a fine not to exceed Two
hundred thousand pesos (P200 ,000). if the
prosecution is for a felony punishable by an afflictive
penalty, and the penalty of mTesto mayor in any
other case."
SEC. 32. Article 182 of the same Act is herebv amended
to read as follows: ·
""ART. 182. False testimony in ci uil cases. -
Any person found guilty of false testimony in a civil
case shall suffer the penalty of prz'.si6n correccional
16
in its minim um period and a fine not to exceed On_e
million two hundred thousand pesos (Pl,200,000), if
the amount in controversy shall exceed One million
pesos (Pl ,000,000), and the penalty of a.n~esto n_WY,Or
in its maximum period to prisi6n correccwnal m its
minimum period a nd a fine not to exceed Tw o
hundred thousand pesos (P200,000), if the amount
in contr oversy shall not exceed said amount or
cannot be estimated.''
SEC. 33. Article 187 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 187. Importation a.nd disposition of
falsely nwrhed article? or merchandise 1n~.de of gold,
silver, or other precions metals or their alloys: -
The penalty of prisi6n correccional or a fine rangmg
from Forty thousand pesos (P40,000) to Two hundred
thousand pesos (P200,000), or both, shall be imposed
upon any person who shall knowmgly import or sell
or dispose of any article or merchandise. made of gold,
silver or other precious metals, or then· alloys, with
stamps, brands, or marks which fail to indicate th e
actual fineness or quality of said metals or alloys.
"Any stamp , brand, label, or mark shall be
deemed to fail to indicate the actual fineness of t he
article on which it is engraved, printed, stamped,
labeled or attached, when t he test of tl~e article
sh ows that the quality or fineness thereof is less by
more than one-half karat, if made of gold, and less
by more than four one-thot~sandth, if made of silver,
than what is shown by said stamp , brand, label or
mark. But in case of watch cases and flatware made
of gold, the actual fineness of such gold sh all not
be less by more than three one-thousandth than the
fineness indicated by said stamp, brand. label. or
mark."
SEC. 34. Article 201 of the same Act, as amended by
Presidential Decree Nos . 960 and 969. is h ereby further
amended to read as follows:
.. A RT. 201. lmniol'a.l doctr1:nes, obscene
publica.t1:ons and exh1:biti.ons and indecent ~hows. -
The penalty of prisi611 mayor or a fine rangmg from
Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000) to Two hundred
/7
t housand pesos (P200.000), or both such
imprisonment and fine, shall be imposed upon:
"l. Those who s h all publicly expound or
proclaim doctrines openly contrary to public morals; /
··2. a. The authors of o bscene literature ,
p ublished with t heir knowledge in any form: the
editors publishing such literature: and the owners/
operators of the establishment selling the same:
"'b. Those who, in theaters, fairs, cinematographs
or any other place, exhibit indecent or immoral plays,
scenes. a cts or shows, it being understood that the
obscene literatlU'e or indecent or immoral plays, scenes,
acts or shows, whether live or in film, which ~re
prescribed by virtue hereof, shall in~lude those which:
(1) glorify criminals or condone cnmes; (2) s~rve no
other ptu-pose but to satisfy t he market for vio~ei:ice,
lust or pornography; (3) offend any race or rehg10n;
(4) tend to abet traffic in and use of prohibited drugs;
and (5) are contrary to law, public order, morals, and
good customs, established policies, lawful orders,
decrees and edicts; and
"3 . Those who shall sell, give away or exhibit
films, prints, engravings , scu,~p ture or literature
which are offensive to morals.
SEC. 35. Article 202 of the same Act. as amended. is
hereby further am ended to read as follows:
"'ART . 202 . Pro stitiites; Penalty. - For the
p tU·pose of this article, wo.men who .. for money or
profit, habitually indulge m sexual mterc?m se or
lascivious conduct. are deemed to be prostitutes.
·Any person fo und guilty of an:y of the offenses
covered by this article shall be pumshed by a.rresto
menol' or a fine not exceeding Twenty thousand pesos
(P20 ,000), and in case of recidivis?l. by cunsto
mayor in its medium period to pns1on correccwna.l
in its minimum p eriod or a fme rangm g from
Twenty thousand pesos (P20.000) to Two hundred
thousand pesos (P200,000). or both. in t he discretion
of the cotll't ...
18
SEC. 36. Article 209 of the same Act is hereby a mended
to read as follows:
"ART. 209. Betra.yal of trust by a.n a.ttomey
or solicitor. - R evelation of secrets. - In addition
to the proper administrative action, the penalty of
prisi6n correccional in its minimum period. or a fine
ranging from Forty thousand pesos (P40,000) to Two
hundred thousand pesos (P200,000), or both, shall be
imposed upon any attorney-at-law or any person duly
authorized to represent and/or assist a party to a
case who, by any malicious breach of professional
duty or of inexcusable negligence or ignorance. shall
prejudice his client, or reveal any of the secr ets of
the latter learned by him in his professional capacity.
"The same penalty shall be imposed upon an
at torney-at-law or any person d uly authorized to
represent and/or assist a party to a case who. having
undertaken the defense of a client or having received
confidential information from said client in a case.
shall undertake t he defense of the opposing party in
t he same case, without t h e consent of his first
client."
SEC. 37. Article 213 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
''ART. 213. Frauds against the public treasury
a nd simi:la.r offenses. - Th e penalty of pn:si6n
correccional in its medium period to prisi6n mayor
in its minimum period, or a fine ranging from Forty
th ousand p esos (P40,000) to Two million pesos
(P2,000,000), or both. shall be imposed upon any
public officer who:
"l. In his official capacity, in dealing with any
person with regard to furnishing supplies. the
malting of contracts. or the adjustment or settlement
of accounts relating to public pl'operty or funds. shall
enter into an agl'eement with any interested party
or speculator or make use of any other scheme. to
defraud the Government:
"2. Being entrusted with the collection of taxes.
licenses, fees and other imposts. shall be guilty of
any of the following acts or omissions:
19
"(a) Dema nding. directly or indirectly, t he
payment of sums different from or larger than those
authorized by law.
''(b) Failing voluntarily to issue a receipt, as
provided by law. for any sum of money collected by
him officially.
"(c) Collecting or rnceiving, directly or indirectly,
by way of payment or otherwise things or objects of
a nature diffel'ent from that provided by law .
"When t he culpl'it is an officer or employee of
the Bureau of Internal Revenue or the Bureau of
Customs. the provisions of the Administrative Code
shall be applied."
SEC. 38. Article 215 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follow s:
''ART. 215. Prohibited tra.nsa.ctions. - The
penalty of pris1:6n correccional in its minimum
period or a fine ranging from Forty thousand pesos
(P40,000) to Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000),
or both, shall be imposed upon any appointive public
officer who, during his incumbency, shall directly or
indirectly become interested in any transaction of
exchange or speculation within the territory subject
to his jurisdiction."
SEC. 39. Article 216 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
·ART. 216. Possession ol prohibited interest by
o public officer. - The penalty of a.ITesto mayor in
its medium period to prisi6n. correccional in its
minimum per iod, or a fine r a nging from For ty
thousand pesos (P40,000) to Two hundred thousand
pesos (P200 .000), 01· both, shall be imposed upon a
public officer who directly or indirectly, shall become
interested in any contract or business in which it
is his official duty to intervene.
"This provision is applicable t o e xp e1·t s,
arbitrators and private accountants who. in like
mannel'. shall take part in any contract or
20
transaction connected with the estate or prupe1ty in
appraisal, distribution or adjudication of which they
shall have acted, and to guardians and executors
with respect to th e property belonging to their wards
or estate.'"
SEC. 40. Article 217 of the same Act, as amended by
Republic Act No. 1060, is hereby further amended to read as
follows:
"ART . 217. Ma.l uerset.tion of pnbhc fnnds or
prop erty. - Presumption of ma.lversation. - Any
public officer who, by reason of the duties of his
office. is accountable for public funds or property.
shall app ropria te the same, or s hall take or
misappropriate or shall conse nt. through
abandonment or negligence, shall permit any other
person to take such public funds or property. wholly
or partially, or shall otherwise be guilty of the
misappropriation or malversation of such funds or
property, shall suffer:
"l. The penalty of prisi6n corr-ecciona.l in its
m edium and maximum periods, if the amount
involved in the misappropriation or malversation does
not exceed Forty thousand pesos (P40,000).
'·2. The penalty of prisi6n mayor in its
minimum and medium periods, if the a mount
involved is more than Forty thousand pesos (P40,000)
but does n ot exceed One million two hundred
thousand pesos (Pl.200,000).
"3 . The penalty of pr isi6n mayo r in its
maximum period to reclnsi.on tempora.l in its
minimum period. if the a mount involved is more
t han One million two hundred thousand pesos
(Pl,200,000) but does not exceed Two million fom
hundred thousand pesos (P2,400,000).
'·4. The penalty of reclnsion temporal, in its
medium and m aximum periods. if the amount
involved is more than Two million four hundred
thousand pesos (P2.400,000) but does not exceed Four
million four hundred thousand pesos (P-!.400,000) .
21
"5. The penalty of reclusz:on temporal in its
maximum period. if the amount involved is more
than Four million four hundred thousand pesos
(P4,400,000) but does not exceed Eight million eight I
hundred thousand pesos (P8,800,000). If the amount
exceeds the latter. th e penalty shall be reclnsion
pe1petzw..
·'In all cases. persons guilty of malversation
shall also suffe1· t h e penalty of perpetual special
disqualification and a fine equal to the amount of
the funds malvel"Sed or equal to t h e total value of
th e property embezzled.
"The failure of a public officer to have duly
forthcoming any public funds or property with which
h e is chargeable, upon demand by any duly
authorized officer, shall be pn:ma. fac1:e evidence that
he has put such missing funds or p roperty to
personal uses."
SEC. 41. Article 218 of th e same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
·'ART . 218. Failitre ol accoimtable officer to
render acconnts. - Any public officer, whether in the
service or sepaxated therefrom by resignation or any
oth er cause, who is required by law or regulation
to render account to t he Commission on Audit. or
to a provincial auditor and who fails to do so for a
period of t wo (2) months after such accounts should
be rendered, s h all be puni shed by prisi6n
correcciona.l in its minimum period, or by a fine
ranging from Forty thousand pesos (P40,000) to One
million two hundred thousand pesos (Pl,200,000), or
both."'
SEC. 42. Article 219 of the same Act is hereby amen ded
to read as follows:
""ART. 219. Fa.ilnre of a responsible public
officer to 1·ender acconnts before leaving the cozmtry.
- Any public officer who unla wfully leaves or
attemp ts to leave the Philippines without securing
a certificate from th e Commission on Audit showing
that his account5 have been finally settled, shall be
punished by arresto mayor. or a fine ranging from
 Forty thousand pesos (P40,000) to Two hundred
thousand pesos (P200,000). or both.,.
SEC. 43. Article 221 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
·'ART. 221. Failnre to mal~e delivery of p1iblic
/iinds or property. - Any public officer under
obligation to make payment from Government funds
in his possession, who shall fail to make such
payment, shall be punished by a.rresto mayor and
a fine from five (5) to twenty-five (25) percent of the
sum which he failed to pay.
"This provision shall apply to any public officer
who. being ordered by competent authority to deliver
any property in his custo dy or under his
administration, shall refuse to make such delivery.
·'The fine shall be graduated in such case by
the value of the thing: Provided, That it shall not
be less than Ten thousand pesos (Pl0.000)."
SEC. 44. Article 226 of the same Act is hereby a mended
to read as follows:
"ART. 226 . Remo ua.l , concealment or
destniction of docwnents. - Any public officer who
shall remove, destroy or conceal documents or papers
officially entrusted to him, shall suffer:
"l. The penalty of prisi6n mayor and a fine not
exceeding Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000),
whenever serious damage shall have been caused
thereby to a third party or to the public interest.
"2. The penalty of pris1:6n correcc1:onal in its
minimum and medium period and a fine not
exceeding Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000).
whenever the damage caused to a t hird party or t o
the public interest sh all not have been serious.
"In either case. the additio11al penalty of
temporary special disqualification in its maximum
period to perpetual disqualification shall be imposed ...
SEC. 45. Article 227 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 227. Officer breoliing seal. - Any public
I
officer charged with the custody of papers or
property sealed by proper authority, who shall break
the seals or permit them to be broken, shall suffer
the penalties of prisi6n con-ecciona.l in its minimum
a nd m edium periods, te mporary special
disqualification and a fine not exceeding Four
hundred thousand pesos (P400.000)."
SEC. 46 . Article 228 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 228. Opening o/ closed documents. -
Any public office1· not included in the provisions of
the next preceding article who , without proper
authority, shall open or shall permit to be opened
any closed papers, documents or objects entrusted to
his custody, shall suffer the penalties of a.rresto
mayor, temporary special disqualification and a fine
not exceeding Four hundred thousand p esos
(P400,000)."
SEC. 47. Article 229 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 229 . Revelation of secrets by an oflicer.
- Any public officer who shall reveal any secret
known to him by reason of his official capacity, or
shall wrongfully deliver papers or copies of papers
of which he may have charge and which should not
be published, shall suffer the penalties of prisi6n
correccional in its medium and maximum periods,
perpetual special disqualification and a fine not
exceeding Four hundred thousand pesos (P400,000)
if the revelation of such secrets or the delivery of
such papers shall have caused serious damage to the
public interest; otherwise, the penalties of prisi6n
correccional in its minimum period, temporary
special disqualification and a fine not exceeding One
hundred thousand pesos (Pl00.000) shall be
imposed.'.
:-1
SEC -l:8. Article 230 of the same Act is herebv amended
to i·ead as follows: · to read as follows:
"ART. 230. Pu.blic officer revealing secrets of
private indiv1:dual. - Any public officer to whom the
secrets of any private individual shall become known
by reason of his office who shall reveal such secrets.
shall suffer the penalties of arresto mayor and a fine
not exceeding Two hundred t housand pesos
(P200,000)."
SEC. 49. Article 231 of t.he sam e Act is hereby amended
t.o read aR follows:
..ART. 231. Open disobedi.ence. - Any judicial
or executive office1· who sh all openly refuse to
execute the judgment. decision or order of any
superio1· authority made within th e scope of the
jurisdiction of the latter and issued with all the legal
formalities. shall suffer the penalties of a.rresto
mayor in its medium period to pris1:611 correcc1:onal
in its minimum p eriod. temporar y special
disqualification in its maximmn period and a fine not
exceeding Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000)."
SEC. 50. Article 233 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
.. ART. 23:3. Refnsal of a.ss1:stance. - The
penalties of WTesto mayor in its medium period to
pri.si6n co,.,.ecciona.l in its minimum period. perpetual
special disqualification and a fine not exceeding Two
hundred thousand pesos (P200,000). shall be imposed
upon a public officer who. upon dema nd from
competent authority, shall fail to lend his cooperation
towards the administration of justice or other public:
service. if such faihm:· shall result i.n serious damage
to the public interest. or to a third party: otherwise,
a.rresto mayor in its medium and maximum periods
and a fine not exceeding One hundred thousand pesos
(Pl00.000) shall be imposed.'"
-~' 5
SEC. 51. Article 23-1 of t.he same Act is herebv amended
·
..ART. 234. Refnsal /.o discharge electiue office. I '
- The penalty of orresto mayor or a fine not
exceeding Two h undred thousand pesos (P200.000).
or both, shall be imposed upon any person who,
havmg been elected by popular election to a public
office. shall refuse without legal motive to be sworn
in or to discharge the duties of said office.'·
SEC'. 52. Article ~:35 of t he same Ac:t. as amended by
E:xecutive Order No. 62. is hereby furthe;,· amended to read
as follows: ·
"'ART. 235. Maltreatment of prisoners. - The
penalty of prisi611 correcci.ona.l in its medium period
to pri.sz'.611 ma~vor in its minim um period, in addition
to his liability for the physical injuries or damage
caused. shall be imposed upon any public officer or
employee who shall overdo himself in the correction
or handling of a prisoner or detention prisoner under
his charge. by the imposition of punishments not
a uthorized by the regulations, or by inflicting such
p unishments in a cruel and humiliating manner.
"'If the pmpose of the maltreatment is to extort
a confession, or to obtain some information from the
prisoner, the offender shall b<:: punished by prisi.611
mayor in its minimum period. temporary special
disqualification and a fine not exceeding One
hundred thousand pesos (PlOO,OOOJ. in addition to
his liability for the physical injuries or damage
caused ...
SEC. 5:3. Article 236 of the same Ac.:t i:; herebv <:1 mencled
io read as follows: ·
··ART. 2:36 . ..-int.icipat1:on o/ duhes of a pnbLic
office. - An y person who shall ass ume the
performance of the duties and powers of any public
officer or employment without first being sworn in
or having given the bon d requil'ecl by' law, shall be
suspended from such office or employment until he
shall have complied with the l'espective fomialities
and shall be fined from Forty thousand pesos
(Pc!0.000) t o One hundred thousand pesos
(P 100.000i.··

SEC. 54. Article 237 of t he same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
·ART. 237. Prolonging per/onnance of dnlies
and powers. - /my public officer who shall continue
to exercise t he duties and powers of his office.
employment or commission, beyond the period
provided by law . regulation or special provisions
applicable to the case. shall suffer the penalties of
pri.si6n co1Tecdonal in its minim um period. special
temporary disqualification in its minimum period and
a fine not exceeding One hundred thousand pesos
(Pl00,000) ...
SEC. 55. Article 239 of the same Act is hereby amended
t.o read as follows:
"ART. 239. Uswpa.tion of legisla.1.1:ue powers. -·
The penalties of prisilm. correcciona.l in its minimum
period. temporai·y special disqualification and a fine
not exceeding Two hundre d thousand p esos
(P200,000), shall be imposed upon any public officer
who shall encroach upon the powers of the legislative
branch of the Government, either by malting general
r ules or reg ulations beyond t h e scope of his
authority. or by attempting to repeal a law or
suspending the execution thereof.''
SEC. 56. Article 242 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
··AHT . 242. Di.sobeyi ng requ.esf /or
clisq1w1i.{l:ca.tion. - Any public officer who, before the
question of jlll'isdiction is decided. shall continue any
proceeding after having been lawfully required to
refrain from so doing, shall be punished by a1nsto
mayor and a fine not exceeding One hundred
thousand pesos (Pl00.000)...
SEC'. 5'i. Article 24:3 of t he same Act i.s hereby amended
to read as fo llows:
"'ART . 24:3. Orders (J }' requ.ests uy ewcu /.i.ve
olf'icei's tr; uny juchcia.I an/./1ority. - Any executiw
officer who shall address ;:u1y ol'cler or s uggestion ~o
any judicial authority with respect to any case or
business coming within t he exclusive jurisdiction of
the courts of justice shall suffer the penalty of
arresto mayor and a fine not exceeding One hundred
thousand pesos (Pl00,000> ...
SEC. 58. Article 244 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 24-1. Unlowlzd appoin1111enfs. - An y
public officer wh o s hall knowingly nominate or
appoint to any public office any pe1·son lacking the
legal qualifications therefor, shall suffer the penalty
of a.rresto ma.yo1· and a fine not exceeding Two
hundred thousand pesos <P200,000l."
SEC. 59. Article 259 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 259. Abortion prnct.iced by o physicZ:an
01· rnidwile a.nd di.spensing o/ a.bortiues . -- The
penalties provided in Article 256 shall be imposed in
its maximum period, respectively, upon any physician
or midwife who, talting advantage of t heir scientific
knowledge or skill. shall cause an abortion or assist
in causing the same.
·'Any pharmacist who. without the proper
prescription from a physician. shall dispense any
abortive shall s uffer a.rresto 11wyor and a fine not
exceeding One hundred thousand pesos (Pl00.000) .''
SEC. 60. Article 265 of the samE' Act i.s hereby a mended
to read as follows:
'"ART. 265. Less seriou s physical injuries. -
Any person who sh all inflict upon anot her physical
injuries not described in the preceding articles. but
which shall incapacitate the offended party for labor
for ten (10) clays or more. or shall require medical
assistance for the same period, shall be guilty of less
serious physical injlll'ies ancl shall suffel' t he penalt:v
of a.rresto ;nr1.yor.
··whenever less serious physical injuries shall
have been inflicted wi.th the manifest intent to insult
or offend the in.i urecl person. or under circumstances

~1clding ignominy to the offense. in additio.n to ~ht­
penalty of a.rresto mayor. a fine not exceeclm g Fifty
th ousand pesos CP50.000) shall be imposed.
.. An y iess sel'iou s physical inj uries infl~cte cl
upon the offender·s parents. asce ndants. guardians.
curators. teachers. or persons of rank, or persons m
authority. sh all be punished by pris1:611 co!Teccional
in its minimum a nd medium penods: Pro tncled, That
in t he case of pel'sons in authority. the deed does
not const itute t h e Cl'ime of assault upon s uch
pel'soni:;.
SEC. (:;l. Al:ticle 266 of the same Act is hereby amended
to l'ead as follows:
.. ART. 266. S ligh t physical injnries a.nd
ma.ltrea.t.ment.. ·- The crime of slight physical injul'ies
sh all be punished:
.. l . Bv arres/:o nzenor when the offender has
inflicted physical injuries which shall incapacitate the
offended pal'ty for labol' from one (1) to nine (9) days,
or shall require medical attendance dunng the same
period.
.. 2. By wTesto men.or or a fine not exceeding
Forty thousand pesos (P40,000) an d censure when
the offender has cau sed physical injuries which do
not prevent the offended. party from en~aging in his
habitual wol'k nor reqmre mechcal assistance.
··3. By arreslo menor in its minimum pel'iocl
or a fine not exceeding· Fiw thousand pesos (Pi5,000)
when the offender shall ill-treat another by deed
without causing a ny injury_..
SEC'. 62 . Article 268 of t he sam~· Act. as amended by
Repub lic Act No. 18. is hel'eby further amended to read as
follows:
.. A RT. 268. Slight il/.egal detention. - The
penalty of reclns1:011 felllporo.l shall be imposed upon
any private individual who shall co~1m1t ~he cnme;:;
described in the next precedmg article without the
attendance of a ny of t he circumstances enumerated
the1·ein.
.!9
-·
..The same penalty shall be incurl'ecl by anyone
who shall furnish the p lace for the perpetr ation of
t h e crime .
·'If the offender sh a ll voluntarily l'elease the
person so kidnapped or detained within thl'ee (3) clays
from th e commencement of the detention. without
having attained the pi..u·pose intended. a nd before the
institution of criminal procee dmgs agamst lum . th io·
penalty shall be pris1:6n 1110.yor in its minimum ancl
medium p eriods and a fine not exceeding One
hundred thousand pesos (PlOO.OOO l...
SEC. 63. Article 269 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
.. ART. 269. Unla.wfnl arrest. - 'l'he penalty of
arresto 11ia.y o1· and a fine not exceeding One hundred
thousand pesos (Pl00,000) shall be imposed upon .any
pel'son who. in any case othel' than those authorized
by law, or without reasonable ground therefo1:- s~all
arrest or detain another for the pm·pose of clehvermg
him to the pl'oper authorities."
SEC. 64. Article 271 of th e same Act. as amended by
Republic Act No. 18. is hereby fmth el' amended to re ad as
follows:
'ART. 271. inducing a llli.nor /,o o.bandon hi.s
home. - The penalty of prisi.6n conecciono.I and a
fine not exceedin g On e hundred tho usand pesos
(Pl00.000) shall be imposed t1pon a nyone .who shall
induce a minol' to abandon the home of his parents
or gual'dians or the persons entnlSted with his
custody.
··If the person committing a ny of the Cl'imes
covered by the two (2) preceding al'ticles shall be the
father or the mothel' of the minor. the penalty shall
be a.rre.slo ma:vor 01· a fine n ot exceeding Forty
thousand pesos W-10.000). or both ...
SEC . 65. Articlt- 276 of the same '\ct is hereh~· amended
to i-eacl as follows:
·ART. 27G . •-tbando111:ng o minor. - The penalty
of arre.sto mo.vor and a fine not exceeding On e
hundl'ed thousPincl p<?so::: tPlOO.OOOl shall be imposed
3()
upon a nyone wh o sh all abandon 3 child under
seve n (7) years of age. t he custody of which is
incumbent upon him .
·'When the death of the minor shall l'esult from
such abandonment. the culprit. shall be punished by
pn:si611 correcciona1 in its medium and maximum
periods: but if the life of the minor shall have been
in dange r onl y. t h e penalty shall b e pris i611
correcc1:onal in its minimum and medium periods.
··Th e provisions contained in the two (2)
preceding paragraphs shall not prevent the imposition
of the penalty provided for the act committed, when
t he same shall constitute a more serious offense:·
SEC. 66. Article 277 of the same Act i.s hereby amended
to read as follows: · under sixteen (16) years of age . who sh all clelive1·
·'ART. 277. A.ba.ndonment ol minor by person
entrusted w1:t11 his cnstocly: Indifference of parents.
- The penalty of ar resto mayor a nd a fine not
exceeding One hundred th ousand pesos (P l00,000)
shall be imposed upon anyone wh o, having charge
of the rearing or education of a minor, shall deliver
said minor to a public institution or other persons.
with out the consent of the one wh o entrusted such
child to his car e or in the absen ce of the latter.
with out t he consent of the propel' a uthoriti es.
'·Th e same pen alty shall be imposed upon t he
parents w ho sh all neglect their children by n ot
giving them the education which their station in life
requires a nd financial con dition permits.··
SEC. 67. Article 278 of the sam<:· Act. is hel'eby amended
to l'eacl as follows:
"A RT. 278. Explo1:ta.tio11 o/ minors. - The
penalty of prisi6n correccional tn its minimum a n d
m edium pel'iods and a fine not exceeding One
hundred t housand pesos (Pl00.000) sh all bt> imposed
upon:
" J. Any person who shall cause any boy or girl
under sixtee n ( 16) yeal':;: of agE- to perform any
j /
dangerous feat. of balancing. physical strength. or
contortion.
"2. Any person who, being an acrobat. gymnast,
l'ope-walker. diver. wild- a nimal tamer or circu s
manager or enga ge d in a similar calling" shall
employ in exhibitions of these kinds children under
sixteen (16) years of age who are not his children
or descendants .
--3_ Any per son engaged in any of the callings
e n umerated in the next preceding paragraph wh o
shall employ any descendant of his under twelve (J.2)
year s of age in such dangerous exhibitions.
··4_ Any ascendant, guardian, teacher or person
entrusted in any capacity with the care of a child
such child gratuitously t o any person following any
of the callings enumerated in paragl'aph 2 hereof. or
to a ny habitual vagi·a nt or beggar.
·'If t he delivery shall h ave been made in
consideration of any price. compensation, or promise,
the penalty shall in every case be imposed in its
maximum period.
"In either case. t h e gual'dian or curator
con victed s h all also be re moved from office as
guardian or cul'ator; and in the case of th e parents
of th e child. they may be deprived, temporarily or
perpet ually. in th e discretion of t he court. of their
parental authority.
"5. Any person who shall in duce any child
under si..\'.teen (16) years of age to abandon the home
of its ascendants. gu ardians. curators or teachers to
follow any person engaged in a ny of thE- callings
mentioned in pm·agraph 2 hereof. or to accompany
any habitual vagrant or beggar."
SEC. 68. Al'ticle 280 of the same Act is hel'eby amended
t.c l'C'acl as follow::::
"ART. 280. Qu.alifiecl t.resposs lo dwelling. --
Any private person w ho sh all enter t he dwelling of
another against th e lattf:!r's will. shall be punished

.. '
-'-
by WTesto 11wyo;· and R fine not e~:ceecling Two
hundred th ousand pesos (P200.000l.
"If t he offen se be committed bv means of
violence or intimidation , the penalty shall be p1·isi611
correcci.o1wl in its medium a n d maximum periods
and a fine not exceeding Two hundred thousand pesos
(P200.000).
"Th e provisions of this article sh a ll not be
applicable t o any per son who sh all entel' another's
dwelling for the pur pose of preventing some serious
h arm to himself. the occupants of th e dwelling or
a third person. nor sh all it be applicable to a ny
per son who sh all enter a dwelling for the pur pose
of renderin g some service to humanity or justice, 1101·
t o a nyone who shall enter cafes. taver ns. inns and
ot her public houses. while th e same are ope n ...
SEC. 69. Article 281 of the same Act is hereby amended
to 1·ead as follows:
"'ART. 281. Other /or ms ol trespass. - The
penalty of arresto menor or a fine n ot exceeding
F orty thousan d pesos (P40,000), or both , shall be
imposed upon any person who shall enter the closed
premises or the fenced est ate of another. while either
or both of th em are uninhabited, if th e prohibition
to enter be manifest a nd th e tr espasser has not
secured the permission of the owner or the caretaker
thereof.'"
SEC. 70. Article 282 of the same Act is hereby a mended
to read as follows:
"ART. 282. Groue threats. ·· Any pel'son who
shall threaten Rnother with the infliction upon the
person. honor or property of the latter or of h is
family of any wrong amountin g to a crime. shall
suffer:
"'1. '!'he pen alty next lower in degree t han that
prescl'ibed by law for th e crime he threatened to
commit. if the offender shall have made the t hreat
demanding money or imposin g any othe1· condition .
even though not unlawful. and :;aid offender sh all
h ave att ained his pmpose. If the offender shall not
have attained his purpose. thE· penalty lower by two
(2l degi-ees shalJ l)f imposed.
~--
33
··If the threat be macle in writin g or through
a middleman . th e penalty shall be imposed in its
maxim um period.
"'2. The penalty of arresto 111ayor and a fine not
axceedin g One hundred thousand pesos (P l 00.000).
if t he t hreat shall not have been made subject to a
condition."
SEC. 71.. Article 285 of che same Act is hereby amended
t.o read as followi:::
"ART. 285. Other hght t.h.reats. - The penalty
of o.rresto 111.enor in its minimum period or a fine
not exceeding Forty th ousand pesos <P40,000) shall
be imposed upon :
··l. Any person who. with out being included in
t he provisions of t h e next preceding article. shall
t h reaten anoth er with a weap on, 01· draw su ch
wea pon i n a quarre l. unless it be in l awful
self-defense.
"2. Any person who, in the h eat of anger, shall
or a lly t hre aten a n oth e r with som e h a rm n ot
constitutin g a crime. and wh o by subsequent acts
sh ows that he did not persist in the idea involved
in his t hreat: Prou1:ded. That the ci1·cmnstances of
the offense shall not brin g it. within t he provisions
of Article 282 of this Code.
"':3. Any person wh o shall orally threaten to do
another any harm n ot constit utin g a felony ...
SEC. 72. Article 286 of the same Act. c.1s amended by
Rep ublic Act No. 7890. is he1:eby ful'ther amended to 1·eacl as
follows:
"'ART. 286 . Graue coerdon.s. - The penalty of
prisi6n correcciono1 and a fine not exceeding One
hundred th ousand pesos (PJ00.000) shall be imposed
upon anv pernon who. without any authority of law.
sh all. by means of violence. threats. or intimidation,
prevent another from doing something not prohibited

hy law , or compel him to do something against his
will. whether it be right or wrong.
"If the coercion be committed in violation of the
exercise of the right of suffrage, or for the purpose
of compelling another to perform any religious act,
or to prevent him from exercising such right or from
so doing s uch act. the penalty next higher in degree
shall be imposed.''
SEC. 73. Article 287 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
·'ART. 287. Light coercions. - Any person who,
by means of violence. shall seize anything belonging
to his debtor for the purpose of applying th e same
to the payment of the debt, shall suffer the penalty
of arresto mayor in its minimum period and a fine
equivalent to the value of t he thing, but in no case
less th an Fifteen thousand pesos (Pl5.000).
'Any other coercions or unjust vexations shall
be punished by arresto menor or a fine ranging from
One thousand pesos (Pl,000) to not more than Forty
thousand pesos (P40,000), or both."
SEC. 7 4. Article 288 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART . 288. Oth er s 1:mi:ta r coercions;
(Compulsory purchase o/ merchand1:se and payment
of wages by means ol tohens). - The pe nalty of
arresto mayor or a fine ranging from Forty thousand
pesos (P40.000) to One hundred thousan d pesos
(Pl00,000), or both . s hall be imposed upon any
person. agent or officer of a n y association or
corporation wh o shall force or compel, directly or
indirectly, or shall knowingly permit any laborer or
employee employed by him or by such firm 01·
corporation to be forced or compelled, to purchase
merchandise 0 1· commodities of any kind.
··The same penalties shall be imposed upon any
person wh o shall pay the wages due a laborer or
employee employed by him, by means of tokens or
objects other th an the legal tender currency of the
Philippines. m'lless expressly requested by the laborer
or employee .'"
35
SEC . 75. Article 289 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follow s:
"ART. 289. Formation . maintenance and
prohibition of combination of capi tal 01· labor
throiigh violence or threats. - The penalty of a.rresto
rnayor and a fine not exceeding Sixty thousand pesos
(P60,000) shall be imposed upon any person who, for
the purpose of organizing, maintaining or preventing
coalitions of capital or labor, strike of laborers or
lock-out of em ployers. shall employ violence 01·
threats in such a degree as to compel or force th e
laborers or employees in the free and legal exercise
of their industry or work, if the act sh all not
constitute a more serious offense in accordance with
the provisions of this Code.'·
SEC . 76. Article 290 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 290. Discovering secrets through seiwre
of correspondence. - The penalty. of pris_i6n
correccional in its minimum and medium periods
and a fine not exceeding One htmdred thousand pesos
(Pl00, 000) shall be imposed upon an y priva te
individual who in order to discover the secret s of
another. shall seize his papers or letters and reveal
the contents th ereof.
"If the offende1· sh all not r eveal such secrets,
the penalty shall be arresto mayor and a fine not
exceeding One hundred thousan d pesos (Pl00,000).
"This provision shall n ot be applicable to
parents, guardians, or person s entrusted with the
custody of minors with respect to th e papers or
let ters of the children or minors placed undel' then·
care or custody, nor to spouses with r espect to th e
papers or letters of either of them .''
SEC. 77. Article 291 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
·'ART. 291. Reveafrng secrets 1uith abu se of
ofli:ce. - The penalty of arreslo mayor and a fine
36
not exceeding One hundred thousand pesos (Pl00,000)
shall be imposed upon any manager, employee or
servant w h o, in such capacity. shall learn the
secrets of his principal or master and shall reveal
such secrets."
SEC. 78. Article 292 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 292. Revelation of 1:ndustn:al secrets. -
The penalty of prisi6n correccional in its m_inimum
and m edium periods and a fine not exceeding One
hundred thousand pesos (Pl00.000) shall be imposed
upon the person in ch~rge, e~ployee o~· workman of
any manufacturing or mdustnal establishment who.
to the prejudice of the owner thereof, shall reveal the
secrets of the indi.tstry of the latte1-.··
SEC. 79. Article 299 of the sam e Act. as amended by
Republic Act No. 18. is h ereby further amended to read as
follows:
"ART. 299. Robbery 1:n an inhabited honse or
pu,bli:c building or edifice devoted _to worship. -:- Any
armed person who shall ~omnut rob.b.ery m an
inhabited house or pubhc bi.uldmg. or edifice devo~ed
to religious worship, shall be pumshed by reclusion
temporal, if the value of the property taken shall
exceed Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000). and if -
·'(a) The malefactors shall enter the house or
building in which the robbery was committed. by
any of the following means:
" l. Through an opening not inte nded for
entrance or egr ess.
"2. By bre aking any wall. roof. or floor or
breaking any door or window.
··a. By using false keys. picklocks or similar
tools.
··4. By using any fictitious name or pretending
the exercise of public authority.
37
Or if -
"(b) The robbery be committed under any of the
following circumstances:
'"l. By the breaking of doors. wardrobes~ chests,
or any other kind of locked or sealed furmtme or
receptacle.
··2. By taking such furnitme or objects away
to be broken or forced open outside the place of the
robbery.
"When the offenders do not carry arms, and
the value of the property taken exceeds Fifty
thousand pesos (P50,000). the penalty next lower m
degi·ee shall be imposed.
"The same rule s hall be applied when the
offenders are armed, but the value of the property
taken does not exceed Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000).
"When said offenders do not carry arms and the
value of the property taken does not exceed Fifty
thousand pesos (P50,000) , they shall suffer the
penalt y prescribed in the two (~) next precedmg
paragraphs, in its minimum penod.
"If the robbery be committed in one of the
dependencies of an inhabited h?t~se , public b~ding,
or building dedicated to religious worship , _the
penalties next lower in degree than those prescribed
in this article shall be imposed ."
SEC. 80. A1·ticle 302 of the same Act, as amended by
Commonwealth Act No. 417. is hereby nU"ther amended to read
as follows:
··ART. 302. Robben in cm nninha.bited place or
in a private bnilding. ·_ Any rob~er:y committed in
an uninha bited place 01· m a bmldmg oth~r than
those mentioned in the first paragi·aph of Article 299.
if th e val ue of the property taken exceeds Fifty
thousand p esos (P50,000). s hall be punish~d by
prisi6n correcdona1 in its medmm a nd maximum
38
periods provided that any of the following
circumstances is present:
'"l. If t he entrance has been effected through
any opening not intended for entrance or egress.
'"2. If any wall, roof. floor or outside door or
window has been broken .
··3. If t he entrance has been effected t hrough
the use of false keys. picklocks or other similar tools.
"4. If any door. wardrobe. chest. or any sealed
01· closed furnitme or receptacle has been brnken.
"5. If any closed or sealed receptacle, as
mentioned in th e preceding par a graph, has been
removed. even if the same be broken open elsewhere.
"When th e value of the property taken does not
exceed Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000), th e pen alty
next lower in degree shall be imposed.
"In the cases specified in Articles 294, 295, 297,
299, 300, and 302 of this Code, when the pr operty
taken is mail matter or large cattle, the offender
shall suffer th e penalt ies next higher in degree than
those provided in said art icles."
SEC. 81. Art icle 309 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
''ART. 309. Penalti.es. - Any person guilty of
t heft shall be punish ed by:
"l. Th e penalty of prisi6n mayor in its
minimum and medium periods. if the value of the
t hing stolen is more than One million two h undred
thousand pesos (Pl ,200,000) but does not exceed Two
million two htmdred thousand pesos (P2,200,000); but
if the value of the t hing st olen exceeds the latt er
amount, the penalty shall be the maxim um period
of the one prescribed in this par agrap h, and one (1)
year for each additional One million pesos
(Pl.000,000). but the total of t he penalty which may
be imposed sh all not exceed twenty (20) years. In
such cases. and in connection with th e accessory
39
penalties which may be imposed and for the plU'pose
of the other provisions of this Code. the penalty shall
be termed pris1:6n mayor or reclnsion temporal, as
the case may be.
"2. The penalty of pn:si6n correccional in its
medium and maximum peTiods, if the value of the
thing stolen is more than Six hundred thousand
pesos (P600,000) but does not exceed One million two
hundred thousand pesos (Pl,200,000).
"3. The penalty of prZ:si6n correcciona.l in its
minimum and medium periods. if the value of the
property stolen is more than Twenty thousand pesos
(P20,000) but does not exceed Si..x hundred thousand
pesos (P600,000).
"4. Arresto nwyor in its medium period to
prisi6n correcciona.l in its minimum period. if the
value of t he property stolen is over Five thousand
pesos (P5,000) but does not exceed Twenty thousand
pesos (P20,000).
''5. A rresto ma.yor to its full exten t, if such
value is over Five hundred pesos (P500) but does not
exceed Five thousa nd pesos (P5.000).
''6. Arresto ma.yor in its minimum and medium
periods, if such value does not exceed Five hun dred
pesos (P500).
''7. Arresto inenor 01· a fin e not exceeding
Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000), if the theft is
committed under the circumstances enumerated in
paragraph 3 of t he next precedin g article and the
value of the thin g stolen does not exceed Five
hundred pesos (P500). If such value exceeds said
amount, the provisions of any of the five preceding
subdivisions shall be made applicable.
''8. Arresto rnenor in its minimum period or a
fine of not exceeding Five thousand pesos (P5.000).
when the value of the thing stolen is not over Five
hundred pesos (P500), and the offender shall have
acted under the impulse of hunger. poverty, or th e
difficulty of earning a livelihood for the support of
himself or his family."
 -10
SEC. 82. Article 31.l of the same Act is hereby amended
to t·ead as follows :
.
.·
··ART. 311 . Theft of the property of the Na.tional
Libmry and National Mnsewn. - If the property
stolen be any property of the National Library or the
National Mu seum. the penalty shall be arresto
1nayor 01· a fine rangin g from Forty thousand pesos
(P40.000) to One hundred thousand pesos (Pl00,000).
or both , unless a higher penalty should be provided
under other provisions of this Code. in which case.
th e offender shall be punished by such high er
penalty."
SEC. 83. Article 312 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows :
""ART. 312. Ocwpation of rea.l property or
usurpation of real rights in property. - Any person
who, by means of violence against or intimidat ion
of persons, sh all take possession of any real property
or shall usurp a ny real rights in property belonging
to a nother, in addition to the penalty incurred for
the acts of violence executed by him, shall be
p unished by a fine from fifty (50) to one hundred
(100) p er centwn of the gain which he shall h ave
obt ained. but not less th an Fifteen thousand pesos
(Pl5,000).
'"If the value of th e gain cannot be ascertained,
a fine from Forty thousand pesos (P40,000) to One
hundred thousand pesos (P l00 ,000) s h a ll be
imposed."
SEC. 84. Article 313 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows :
·'ART. 31:3. Altering bonndaries or londmorl?s .
- Any person who shall alter the boundary marks
or monuments of towns , provinces, or estates. or any
other marks intended to designate the boundaries of
the same . shall be punished by arresto menor or a
fin e not exceeding Twenty thousand pesos (P20.000).
or both."
-JI
SEC. 85. Article 315 of the s ame Act. as amended by
Republic Act No. 4885. Presidential Decree No. 1689. and
Presidential Decree No. 818. is hereby flll'ther amended to read
as follows:
"ART. 315. Swindling (estafa.). - Any person
who shall defraud another by any of the means
mentioned hereinbelow shall be punished by:
··1st. The penalty of prisi6n col'l'ecciona.l in its
maximum period to prisi6n ma.yor in its minimum
period, if th e amount of the fraud is over Two
million fom htmdred thousand pesos (P2,400.000) but
does not exceed Fotu· million four hundred th ousand
pesos (P4.400,000). and if s uch amount exceeds the
latter sum, the penalty provided in this paragra ph
shall be imposed in its maximum period, adding one
year for e a ch addi tional Two million pesos
(P2,000,000); but the total penalty which may be
imposed shall not exceed twenty years. In such cases,
and in connection with the accessory penalties which
may be imposed a nd for the purpose of the other
provisions of this Code, the penalty shall be termed
prisi6n ma.yor or reclusion tenipora.l, as the case may
be.
"2nd. The penalty of p ris1:6n correcc1:onal in its
minimum and medium periods. if the amount of the
fraud is over One million two hundred th ousand
pesos (Pl,200,000) but does not exceed Two million
four hundred thousand pesos (P2.400,000).
'"3rd . The pe n a lty of an·esto mayor in its
maxim um period to pris1:6n correccional in its
minim um period. if such a m ount is over Forty
thousand pesos (P40.000) but does not exceed One
million two hundred thousand pesos (Pl.200,000).
'"4th . By arresto mayor in its medium and
maximum periods, if such amount does not exceed
Forty thousand pesos (P40,000): Provided, That in
the four cases mentioned. the fraud be committed by
any of the following means:
'"l. With unfaithfulness or abuse of confidence.
namely:

.. (a) By altel'ing the s ubst anct:. quantity. or
quality of anything of value which the offender sh all
deliver by virtue of an obligation to do so, even
though s uch obligation be based on an immoral or
illegal consideration.
··(b) By misappropriating or converting, to the
prejudice of another, money, goods, or any other
personal property received by the offender in trust
or on commission, or for administration. or under
a ny other obligation involving the duty to make
delivery of or to return the same. even though such
obligation be totally or partially guaranteed by a
bond: or by denying having received s uch money.
goods. or other property.
"'(c) By taking undue adva n ta ge of the
signature of the offended party in blank. and by
writing an y document above such signat ure in
blank. to the prejudice of the offended party or any
third person.
"2. By means of any of the following false
pretenses 01· fraudulent acts executed prior to or
s imultaneous l y with the commis s ion of the
fraud:
"(a) By using fictitious name , or falsely
pretending to possess power, influence, qualifications.
prop erty, cr edit, age ncy. business or imaginary
transactions. or by means of other similar deceits.
·'(b) By altering the quality. fineness or weight
of anything pertaining to his art or business.
"(c ) By pret e nding t o h ave brib e d a n y
Governme n t employee. wit h out prejudice to th e
action for calumny w hich t he offended party
m ay dee m proper to bring against the offender .
In this case, the offe nder sh a ll be punished by
t h e maxim um p eriod of t he penalty.
"(d) By postdating a ch eck , 01· issuing a check
in payment of an obligation when the offender had
no funds in the bank. or his funds deposited therein
were not sufficient to cover the amount of the check.
Th e faillll'e of the dxawer of the check to deposit the
amount necessary to cover his check within three
-1 3
(3) clays from receipt of notice from th e bank
and/or the payee or holder that said check has been
dishonored for lack or insufficiency of funds shall be
prima facie evidence of deceit constituting false
pretense or fraudulent act.
·'An y person who shall defraud anot her by
means of false pretenses or fraudulent acts as defined
in paragraph 2(d) hereof shall be punished by:
'" 1st. The penalty of 1·ecliisio11 temporal in its
maximum period. if the amount of fraud is over
Four million four hundred thousand pesos
(P4,400,000) but does not exceed Eight million eight
hundred thousand pesos (PS,800,000). If the amount
exceeds the latter. t he penalty shall be recl1is1'.on
pe1petiw.
'" 2nd. The penalty of reclusion temporal in its
minim um and medium periods, if the amount of the
fraud is over Two million four hundred thousand
pesos (P2,400.000) but does not exceed Four million
four hundred thousand pesos (P4.400,000).
"3rd. The penalty of prisi6n mayor in its
maximum period, if the amount of the fraud is over
One million two hundred thousand pesos (Pl,200,000)
but does not e xceed Two million four hund1·ed
thousand pesos (P2.400,000).
'"4th. The penalty of prisi.6n mayor in it s
medi um period. if such a m oun t is over F orty
thousand pesos (P40,000) but does not exceed One
million two hundred thousand pesos (Pl.200.000).
"5th. By prisi6n mayor in its minimum period.
if such amount does not exceed Forty thousand pesos
(P40.000).
"3. Through a ny of the following fra udulent
means:
··\a) By inducing another. by means of deceit.
t o sign any document.
··(b) By resortin g to some fraudulent practice to
insure s uccess in a gambling game.
-1-1
··(c) By removing, concealing or destroying, in
whole or in part. any court record. office files.
document or any other papers ...
SEC. 86. Article 318 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 318. Other dece1:ts. - The penalty
of arresto mayor a nd a fine of not less than t h e
amoun t of t h e damage caused and not m ore
than tw ice such amount shall be imposed u pon
any person who s hall defraud or d~mage 8:nother
by a n y other deceit not mentioned rn the
preceding articles of this Chapter.
·"Any person who, for profit or gain. shall
i.nterpret dream s, ma ke forecasts. tell fortu n es,
or take a dvantage of t h e credu lity of th e p ublic
in any other similar manner, s hall s uffer t h e
penalty of arresto mayor or a fine n ot exceeding
Forty thousand pesos (P40,000) ."
SEC. 87. Article 328 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follow s:
·'ART. 3 2 8. Special cases ol malicious
mischie/. - Any person wh o sh all ca use damage
to obstruct t h e performance of public functions,
or u sing any poisonous or corrosive s ubs tance;
or spre ading any infection or conta gion among
cattle· or who causes da m age to t he property of
th e National Museum or National Library. or
to a n y ar chive or registry , waterwork s, road,
prom enade, or any oth er thing used in common
b y the p ublic, sh all be punished:
'"l. By prisi6n correccional in its minim um
and mediu m periods. if th e value of t he damage
caused excee d s Tw o hundred thousand pesos
(P200,000):
··2. By a.rresto mayor . if s uch value does
no t exceed t h e abovementioned amo unt but is
over Forty t h ousand p esos (P40,000): and
··3. By arreslo m enor. if such value does
not exceed Forty thousand pesos (P40.000l .'.
-.15
SEC. 88. Article 329 of the same Act. as amended by
Common wealth Act No. 3999. is hereby further a mended to
read as follows:
"'ART. 329. Other mischz:efs. - The mischiefs
not included in t he next preceding a rticle shall be
punished:
"l. By arresto mayor in its m edium and
maximum periods, if the value of the damage cau sed
exceeds Two hundred th ousand pesos (P200,000):
"2. By a.rresto mayor in its minimum a n d
medium periods, if such value is over Forty thousand
pesos (P40,000) but does n ot exceed Two hundred
thousand pesos (P200,000) ; and
·'3) By arresto menor 01· a fine of not less than
th e value of th e damage caused and n ot more than
Forty thou sand pesos (P40,000), if the a mount
involved does not exceed Forty thousand pesos
(P40,000) or cannot be estimated."
SEC. 89. Article 33 1 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 331. Destroying or damaging statnes,
public 1nonwnents or paintings. - Any person wh o
shall destroy or damage statues or any other useful
or ornamental public m onume n t, shall suffer t h e
penalty of arl"esto 11w.y01· in its medium. period to
prisi6n correccional in its minimum pen od.
"Any person who shall destroy or damage a ny
useful or orn amental painting of a public n ature
sh all suffer the penalty of a.rresto menor or a fine
not exceeding Forty thousand pesos (P40,000), or both
such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of th e
court."
SEC. 90. Article 347 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"'ART. 3-17. S1:nmlation of birtJ1s, snbslitution of
one child {01· anoth er and concealment or
abondonmen/. of n legitimate child. - The simulation
-16
of births and the substitution of one child for another
shall be p unished by prisi6n mayor a nd a fine of
not exceeding Two hundred thousand pesos
(P200,000).
"The same penalties shall be imposed upon any
person who shall conceal or abandon any legitimate
child with intent to cause such child to lose its civil
status.
'Any physician or surgeon or public officer who,
in violation of the duties of his profession or office.
shall cooperate in the execution of any of the crimes
mentioned in the two (2) next preceding paragraphs,
sh all suffer the penalties therein prescribed and also
t h e penalty of temporary special disqualification.''
SEC. 91. Article 355 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
.. ART . 355. Libel by mea.ns ol writings or
s1:milar mea.ns. - A libel committed by means of
writing, printing. lithography. engraving, radio,
p h onograph, painting, theatrical ex hibition ,
cinematographic exhibition, or a ny similar means,
sh all be punished by prisi6n correcciona.l in its
minimum and medium periods or a fine ranging
from Forty thousand pesos (P40,000) to One million
two hundred thousand pesos (P l ,200,000). or both,
in addition to the civil action which may be brought
by the offended party."
SEC. 92. Article 356 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"ART. 356. Threa.teni.ng to pnbli.sh a.nd offe1· to
prevent snch pnblication for a. compensation. - The
penalty of a.rresto niayor or a fine from Forty
thousand pesos (P40,000) to Four hundred thousand
pesos (P400.000), or both, shall be imposed upon any
person who threatens another to publish a libel
concerning him or the parents. spouse. child. or other
member of the family of the latter, or upon anyone
who shall offer to prevent the publication of such
libel for a compensation or money consideration."
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SEC. 93. Article 357 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
··ART. 357. Prohibited ptiblica.tion of a.cts
referred to in the conrse of official proceedings. -
The penalty of arresto mayor or a fine of Forty
thousand pesos (P40,000) to Two hundred thousand
pesos (P200.000), or both. shall be imposed upon any
reporter, editor or manager of a newspaper, daily or
magazine, who shall publish facts connected with the
private life of another and offensive to the honor,
virtue and reputation of said person. even though
said publication be made in connection with or under
the pretext that it is necessary in the narration of
any judicial or administrative proceedings wherein
such facts have been mentioned."
SEC. 94. Article 358 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
''ART. 358. Slander. - Oral defamation shall be
punished by a.rresto rna.yor in its maximum period
to prisi6n correcciona.l in its minimum period if it
is of a serious and insulting nature; otherwise the
penalty shall be a.rresto menor or a fine not
exceeding Twenty thousand pesos (P20.000)."
SEC. 95. Article 359 of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
'"ART. 359. Sla.nder by deed. - The penalty of
a.rresto mayor in its maximum period to pri.si6n
correccional in its minimum period or a fine
ran ging from Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000) to
One hundred thousand pesos (Pl00.000) shall be
imposed upon any person who shall perform any act
not included and punished in this title, which shall
cast dishonor. discredit or contempt upon another
person. If said act is not of a serious nature. the
penalty shall be arresto menor or a fine not
exceeding Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000)."
SEC'. 96. Article 36-J. of the same Act is hereby amended
to read as follows:
..ART. :36-1. Intri'.gu.ing a.gm'.n.st honor. - The
penalty of mTesto 111enor or fine not exceeding
-lo
Twenty thousand pesos \P20,000) shall be imposed
for any intrigue which has for its principal purpose
to blemish the honor or reputation of a person ...
SEC. 97. Article 365 of the same Act. as amended by
Republic Act No. 1790. is hereby further amended to read as
follows:
"ART. 365. Imprndence and negligence. - Any
person who, by reckless imprudence . shall commit
any act which , had it been intentional. would
constitute a grave felony. shalJ suffer the penalty of
arresto mayor in its maximum period to prisi6n
correccional in its medium period: if it would have
constituted a less grave felony, the penalty of orresto
mayor in its minimum and medium periods shall
be imposed: if it would have constituted a light
felony, the penalty of C/.ITesto 111enor in its maximum
period shall be imposed.
·Any person who, by simple imprudence or
negligence, shall commit an act which would
otherwise constitute a grave felony, shall suffer the
penalty of o.rresto mayor in its medium and
maximum periods; if it would have constituted a less
serious felony, the penalty of a.rresto mayor in its
minimum period shall be imposed.
'When the execution of the act covered by this
article shall have only resulted in damage to the
property of another, the offender shall be punished
by a fine ranging from an amount equal to th e
value of said damages to three (3) times such value,
but which s ha ll in no case be less than Five
thousand pesos (P5.000).
"'A fine not exceeding Forty t housand pesos
(P40.000) and censure shall be imposed upon any
person. who, by simple imprudence or negligence.
sh all cause some wrong which. if done maliciously.
would have constituted a light felony.
..ln the imposition of these penalties. the court
shall exercise their sound discretion, without regard
to the rules p1·escribed in Article 6-1.
'"The provisions contained in this article shall
not. be applicable:
-19
T When the penalty provided for the offense
is equal to or lower than those provided in the first
two (2) paragraphs of this article, in which case the I
court s hall impose the penalty next lower in degree
than t hat which should be imposed in the period
which they may deem proper to apply.
'"2. When, by imprudence or n egligence and
with violation of the Automobile Law. the death of
a person shall be caused, in which case the defendant
s hall be punished by pri si6n correcciono.l in its
medium and maximum periods.
"Reckless imprudence consists in voluntarily.
but without malice. doing or failing to clo an act from
which material damage results by reason of
inexcusable lack of precaution on the part of the
person performing or failing to perform such act.
taking into consideration his employment or
occupation, degree of intelligence. physical condition
and other cu:cumstances regarding persons, time and
place.
"Simple imprudence consists in the lack of
precaution displayed in those cases in which the
damage impending to be caused is not immediate
nor the danger clearly manifest.
"The penalty next higher in degree to those
provided for in this article shall be imposed upon the
offender who fails to lend on th e spot to the injured
parties such help as may be in his hands t o give."
SEC. 98. Separo.bi:lity Clonse. - Should any provision of
this Act be declared invalid, th e remaining provisions shall
continue to be valid and subsisting.
SEC. 99. Repealing Clau.se. - All laws. executive orders,
or administrative orders, r ules and regulations or parts
thereof. which are inconsistent wi.th this Act are hereby
amended. repealed or modified accordingly .
SEC. 100. Retroactiue Effect. - 'This Act shall have retroactive
effect to the extent that it is favornble to the accused 01· person
serving sentence by final judgment.
 50

SEC. 101. Transitory Prov1:sion; Appt1:cability to Pending

Ca ses. - For cases pending before the courts upon the
effectivity of t his Act wher e trial has already started, the
colll'ts hearing such cases shall not lose jlll'isdiction over the
same by virtue of this Act.

SEC. 102. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect within

fifteen (15) days after its p ublication in at least two (2)
II newspapers of general circulation.
I

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Approved,
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PANTALEON D. ;l;A AQUILINb ' KOKO" PIMENTEL 111
Speaker oftlie Hfus President of the Senate
of Representa/J>i. s

This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 14

and House Bill No. 5513 was finally _passed by the Senate and
th e House of Representatives on May 30, 2017.
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CESAR STRAIT PAREJA LUTGA RDO B. BARBO

Secrl!tur11 Ge11aal Secretmy ofthe Senate
i !oust? l{( Rt!prl!Sentatiws

Approved: 1 H~

<}).fu rh-.:"b - __, .

RODR~ERTE
President of the Philippines

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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
PRRD 2016 - 003413
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