,. 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 152 0 
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INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Article III, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution states that, "No law shall be 
passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the 
right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for 
redress of grievances. " 
While this precept is enshrined in our Constitution, there remain colonial 
vestiges of oppression, tyranny and intolerance in our present laws that are 
inconsistent with this guarantee. Foremost of these are the provisions of the 
Revised Penal Code on "sedition." The crime of sedition, however, is an offense 
in the realm of the mind, or in the battle of ideas. That is, it occurs in the mind of a 
government more intent on using it as a weapon to deny, rather than protect the 
people's rights, particularly the right of freedom of expression. As in the Spanish 
and American colonial eras, and the martial law period, it has been specially 
employed to justify the use of massive State resources to clamp down on 
individuals or groups who are at odds with the government. 
Today, the crime of sedition no longer exists in many countries such as the 
United States, United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand and even in those 
countries beset by recent internal strife or security issues like Ireland, Kenya, 
Ghana, South Africa andTaiwan. 
In a country which values the right to free speech and where the 
government is elected as a servant of the people, it is hard to justify that anything 
spoken against either the government or public officials should be considered a 
crime. The existence of the offense of sedition is an unnecessary restraint on the 
political rights of the people. It should be noted that aspects of sedition -such as 
directly inciting a criminal act are already offenses defined and covered within the 
penal code. 
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
GOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
Senator 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
) 
) 
) 
Senate Bill No. 1520 
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INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT 3815, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE REVISED 
PENAL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, BY REPEALING SECTIONS 139,140,141 
AND 142 THEREIN 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1.Short Title. -This Act shall be known as the "Freedom of 
Expression Act of 2013". 
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SEC. 2. Declaration of State Policy. -It is the State's policy to protect the 
constitutional right to freedom of expression and opinion. This right includes 
freedom to hold opinions without interference and -to seek, receive and impart 
information and ideas through any media. 
SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. -Any provIsion of law to the contrary 
notwithstanding. Republic Act 3815.otherwise known as the "Revised Penal Code 
of the Philippines" is hereby amended by repealing Sections 139. 140, 141 and 
142 therein. 
SEC. 4. Separability Clause. -If any part of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid. the other provisions not affected thereby shall continue 
to be in full force and effect. 
SEC. 5. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of 
general circulation. 
Approved,