Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT REPEALING ARTICLE 247 OF THE REVISED PENAL CODE 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Honor-based violence is defined as an offense disproportionately committed against women who are 
committed to protecting the honor of the family and/or community. It is more commonly associated with 
regions in India, North America, and the Middle East, although in other countries there are laws that exempt 
husbands and family members from punishment should they commit violence against women who engage 
in sexual behaviors that defy societal and cultural gender norms and standards. Article 247 of Act No. 3815 
otherwise known as the Revised Penal Code, is among such laws. It provides for Death or Physical Injuries 
Inflicted Under Exceptional Circumstances which specifies that should a married person “having surprised 
his spouse in the act of committing sexual intercourse with another person” kill or inflict any serious injury 
upon them in the act or immediately thereafter, he/she shall only suffer the penalty of destierro (or 
banishment which serves to protect the killer or attacker from retaliation of the family members of the 
deceased), instead of the supposed penalties to parricide and serious physical injuries which include 
imprisonment. Rather than punishment for having taken a life or inflicting harm, the said provision instead 
actually affords the offender “protection” from harm. The said article also provides that the offender shall 
be exempt from punishment for less than serious injuries inflicted.  
Such a provision allows for a justification of grave or mortal harm to women. It provides a defense that 
may be invoked by offenders to justify the killing or infliction of injuries done under the circumstances 
specified under the provision.  
This provision is violative of Article III, Section I which states, "No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, 
or property without due process of law.” By allowing spouses and parents to take life without due process 
under the exceptional circumstances of Article 247, we are allowing for the perpetration of honor-based 
violence. The existence of such a provision is an affirmation to offenders that they can commit violence 
without consequences under the pretext of family honor.  
Moreover, Article II Section 11 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution specifically provides that “the State 
values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.” It is imperative 
that the State repeal laws or provisions of laws that condone and allows for the perpetration of violence.  
On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the Filipino 
people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
2nd District, Parañaque City 
September 19, 2022
1:30 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT REPEALING ARTICLE 247 OF THE REVISED PENAL CODE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
Section 1. Article 247 of the Revised Penal Code is hereby repealed. 
Section 2. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the completion of its 
publication in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.  
Approved, 
4946