SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
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Introduced by SENATOR PIA S. CAYETANO 
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EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The freedom of speech and expression is essential to a sovereign state. In fact, the 
curtailment thereof has been one of the main reasons for revolts in the country throughout 
Philippine history. 
Recent events have yet again brought about this fundamental Light vis-avis Article 
133 of the Revised Penal Code which punishes "anyone who, in a place devoted to religious 
worship or during the celebration of any religious ceremony, shall perform acts notoriously 
offensive to the feelings of the faithful". The question then lies: Does this Article run contrary 
to the freedom of speech and expression? 
A person living in a democracy surely cannot expect that his beliefs will be free from 
all criticism. Considered as the bedrock of liberty, the freedom of speech and expression is 
enshrined and protected under the 1987 Constitution. Article III, Section 4 provides that "[n]o 
law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech [and] expression" and yet it appears 
that Article 133 has the effect of a law which restrains these protected guarantees. 
Given that and the fact that the Revised Penal Code was enacted in January 1, 1932, 
more than 50 years before the 1987 Constitution, there is a need to revisit antiquated 
criminal laws such as Article 133 to strike a balance with the Constitutional freedom of 
speech and expression. 
However, the repeal of Article 133 does not mean that one's right to freedom of 
religion will be disregarded. A person can still be held liable for civil damages under Article 
32 of the Civil Code which provides for redress in .case there is a violation of the different 
Constitutional rights enumerated therein, including the freedom of religion, and of spee.ch. 
For these reasons, the passage of this bill is urgently sought. 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
'13 
JUL -3 Pl2 :30 
SENATE 
S No. --3-33 
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Introduced by SENATOR PIA S. CAYETANO 
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AN ACT REPEALING FOR THIS PURPOSE 
ARTICLE 133 OF ACT NO. 3815, AS AMENDED, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE REVISED PENAL CODE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatfves of the Philippines In Congress 
assembled. 
SECTION 1. Article 133 of Act No. 3815. as amended. othelWise known 
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as the Revised Penal Clause, is hereby repealed. 
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SEC. 2. All laws, executive orders. decrees. instructions: rules and 
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regulations contrary or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
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repealed and modified accordingly. 
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SEC. 3. If any provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional or invalid. 
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the other provisions not othelWise affected shall remain in full force and effect. 
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SEC 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its complete 
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publication in two (2) newspapers of general Circulation. 
Approved, 
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