THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
'L' 
I 
S. No. 
753 
~ 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. VILLAR, JR. 
EXPLANATORYNOTE 
The Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech and of expression to 
every individual. Unfortunately, some people abuse this right and invoke the 
same to justify publication of lewd and pornographic materials at the expense of 
the dignity of its subjects and the morals of its readers. 
The proliferation of tabloids and broadsheets containing photos of nude 
and scantily dressed men and women has indeed become very alarming. Hence, 
this bill seeks to prohibit the publication of lewd photographs and sex stories in 
tabloids and broadsheets. Further, it imposes stricter penalties to publishers 
and editors who tolerate and encourage the proliferation of these obscene 
materials. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought . 
MANUEL B. VI LAR, JR. 
1 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
R 
S. No. 753 
I
.
 
* -  
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. VILLAR, JR. 
AN ACT 
PROHIBITING THE PUBLICATION OF LEWD PHOTOGRAPHS AND SEX STORIES 
AND ARTICLES IN PRINT MEDIA, PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. The publication of lewd photographs and sex stories and articles in 
print media is hereby prohibited. 
SECTION 2. Definition of Terms. 
a. 
"Lewd photographs" as used in this Act shall include: 
1. 
All nude or scantily-dressed photographs of a woman or man, or 
two or more members of the same or opposite sex, inviting 
indecent, vulgar, lustful and obscene interpretations from the 
reader; 
All photographs of a woman or man, or two or more members of 
the same or opposite sex, simulating, engaging in or performing 
any sexual act including, but not limited to, the following: 
i. 
copulation 
ii . 
oral sex 
iii. 
homosexual sex 
iv. 
sodomy 
v. 
necrophilia 
' vi. ' 
pedophilia 
vii. 
bestial sex 
viii. 
masturbation 
ix. 
Still photographs of movies, whether domestic or foreign, having 
sexual contents, and previously or subsequently rated R or X by 
the MTRCB. 
Provided, That such published photographs shall not have been 
captioned to promote any event of cultural, educational, entertainment 
or social significance. 
"Sex stories" as used in this Act shall include all columns, narrative and 
2. 
display or use of known sexual devices 
3. 
b. 


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illustrated stories, 
depicting any of the 
and articles contained in print media graphically 
sexual acts enumerated in Sec. 2.a.2. of this Act. 
SECTION 3. Violators of this Act shall suffer the following penalties: 
a. 
The publisher, editors and writers of the print media shall be 
liable to a fine of not less than P50,OOO.OO but not more than 
P100,000.00 for the first offense. 
The publisher, editors and writers of the print media shall be 
liable to a fine of not less than P100,OOO.OO but not more than 
P200,OOO.OO and a prison sentence of prision mayor for the 
second offense. The court shall also order the immediate closure of 
the publication. 
b. 
Provided, That when there are two or more publishers of the print media, they 
shall be held solidarity liable. 
SECTION 4. All laws and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act 
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,