NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
)
SENATE
S. NO. 1135
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*22 AUG 11 P4 :18
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
AN ACT
TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE APPREHENSION AGAINST THE 
OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 1 OF 
PD 1829, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS PENALIZING OBSTRUCTION OF 
APPREHENSION AND PROSECUTION OF CRIMINAL OFFENDERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The proper administration of justice is essential in maintaining the peace and 
order in any country. It entails the observance of due process in the investigation, 
prosecution, as well as in the apprehension of suspects in criminal cases. Thus, justice 
Is deemed served when a criminal receives punishment fit for the criminal act that he 
committed - such is retributive justice in favor of the victim as well as the victim's 
family. In other words, justice is attained with the help of the unrestricted stewardship 
of the government.
The purpose of PD 1829, otherwise known as Penalizing Obstruction of 
Apprehension and Prosecution of Criminal Offenders or Obstruction of Justice, Is to 
discourage public indifference or apathy towards the apprehension and prosecution of 
criminal offenders. In People vs. Pacaina (SB-17-CRM-0049), Justice Pahimna says: 
"The general meaning of "obstruction of justice" denotes an 
interference with the orderly administration of law. Impeding or 
obstructing those who seek justice in court or those who have duties 
or power of administering justice therein."
The current form of Section 1 of PD 1829 is as follows:


"Section 1. The penalty of prision correccional In its maximum 
period, or a fine ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 pesos, or both, shall be 
imposed upon any person who knowingly or willfully obstructs, 
impedes, frustrates or delays the apprehension of suspects and the 
Investigation and prosecution of criminal cases by committing any of 
the following acts:
X X x"
An increase in the amount of the fine is in line given that PD 1829 was made In 
1981. Moreover, PD 1829 can be the last resort of the prosecution if the factual 
allegations In the information or the evidence presented fails to depict the accused 
as an accessory to a crime ~ An accessory suffers a penalty worth 2 degrees less 
than that suffered by an accomplice. Further, PD 1829 is also the remedy if Chapter 
4 of RA 10175 otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 Is not 
followed. Therefore, a stiffer penalty is essential to give the pertinent law a 
backbone.
Given the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is sought.
/f
RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
)
SENATE 
S. No. ^^35
A ■■;
•22 AUG 11 P4:18
RECE!Vl:D fiV
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
AN ACT
TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE APPREHENSION AGAINST THE 
OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 1 OF 
PD 1829, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS PENALIZING OBSTRUCTION OF 
APPREHENSION AND PROSECUTION OF CRIMINAL OFFENDERS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Section 1 of PD1829 is hereby amended to read as follows:
2 
"Section 1. The penalty of prision correccional in its maximum
3 
period, or a fine ranging from THIRTY THOUSAND PESOS
4 
(P30,000.00) TO ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS
5 
(100,000.00) [1,000 to 6,000 pesos,] or both, shall be
6 
imposed upon any person who knowingly or willfully obstructs,
7 
impedes, frustrates or delays the apprehension of suspects and
8 
the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases by
9 
committing any of the following acts:
10 
X X X"
11 
Sec. 2. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
12 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,