FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
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) 
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SENATE 
S.No. 300 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The misdeeds done by the previous administrations have put everyone in the government in a 
bad light. It seems that the public is quick to point an accusing finger at public officers whenever 
something bad goes wrong. Some do these false accusations intentionally. 
Public officials and employees are kept in check by the public's freedom to report abuses and 
illegal acts made by those in the government. However, accusations hurled at our public servants 
based on unfounded data besmirch the n~me, honor, and reputation of that person. 
This bill seeks to criminalize the intentional filing of false complaints against public officers as 
well as to provide penalties for the commission of such act. It is hoped that thru the passage of 
this Act, we will be able to preserve the integrity and honor of those in the public service from 
false complaints that may be filed against them. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage ofthis bill is earnestly recommended. 
~~~. 
11U1IANES N 
Senator 
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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
" 
li: .. i: 
~:II '15 
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1\,. 
SENATE 
S. No. 
300 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
AN ACT 
AMENDING ARTICLE 359 OF ACT NO. 3815, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
REVISED PENAL CODE, AS AMENDED 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Article 359 of Act No. 3815, as amended, is further amended 
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to read as follows: 
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"Art. 359. Slander by deed. - The penalty of [arresto mayor in its 
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maximum] PRISION MAYOR IN ITS MINIMUM period to [prision 
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correccional in its minimum] ITS MAXIMUM period or a fine [ranging 
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from 200 to 1,000 pesos] ,OF 100,000 PESOS, OR BOTH, shall be 
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imposed upon any person who shall perform any act not included and 
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punished in this title, which shall cast dishonor, discredit, or contempt upon 
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another 
person, 
SUCH 
AS, 
BUT 
NOT 
LIMITED 
TO, 
THE 
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INTENTIONAL FILING OF A FALSE COMPLAINT IN COURT OR IN 
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ANY 
OTHER 
AGENCIES 
OF 
GOVERNMENT 
EXERCISING 
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QUASIJUDICIAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS. If said act is not of 
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a serious nature, the penalty shall be [arresto menor] PRISION MAYOR IN 
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ITS MINIMUM TO ITS MEDIUM PERIOD or a fine [not exceeding 200 
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pesos] OF 50,000 PESOS. 
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IF DURING THE COURSE OF THE INVESTIGATION OR TRIAL IT 
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IS PROVEN THAT THE ABOVE FALSE COMPLAINT HAS BEEN OR 
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IS BEING USED BY THE COMPLAINANT AS A LEVERAGE 
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AGAINST ANY PERSON IN ORDER TO GAIN ADV ANT AGE OR TO 
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RECEIVE A FAVORABLE DECISION, ACTION OR RESOLUTION 
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ON ANY MATTER, THE MAXIMUM PENALTY PROVIDED HEREIN 
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SHALL BE IMPOSED." 
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SEC. 2. Separability Clause.- If any provision of this Act is declared invalid by a 
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competent court, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected by such 
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declaration of invalidity shall remain in force and effect. 
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SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, 
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other executive issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof are hereby repealed 
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amended or modified accordingly. 
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SEC 4. Effectivity. - This act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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