SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
.1 11'9 
s. No. 
'i 
Introduced by SENATOR PIA S. CAYETANO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
'13 
JUL -1 
P3 :21 
The right to freedom of speech and expression is a pillar of democracy. An 
environment that encourages public discourse and debate is one that fosters progress 
and development in a democratic nation. 
As such, this bill decriminalizes libel as defined and penalized in Articles 355-357 
and Articles 360-362 of the Revised Penal Code such that our constitutional right to free 
speech, specifically through writing and similar means, is upheld, without fear or threat of 
incarceration or restraint of liberty. 
In recent years, media has evolved to accommodate the views and perspectives 
of the common Filipino, and has strengthened its important role of being the watchdogs 
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of the government. This bill reinforces this function and truly enables them to be of 
service Ito the Filipino people through responsible journalism that 'pushes for complete 
transparency. 
Moreover, technology has so far advanced thereby allowing for common people 
to air their grievances against any person or entity, whether with malice or not, through 
online publication. This bill shall continue to protect our freedoms of speech and 
expression which are essential t6 the survival of a free, open and democratic society. 
However, the decriminalization of libel does not mean that one's right to privacy, 
dignity and peace of mind as enshrined in Articles 19 and 26 of the Civil Code will be 
impinged. Violations thereof will hold the violator civilly liable, and the remedy of filing an 
action for damages to seek redress for the wrong done shall still be available. 
Immediate passage of this bill is thus earnestly sought. 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
! 
SENATE 
'13 JUL-1 
P3:41 
s.No.~49 
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Introduced by SENATOR PIA S. ~AVEH1<icr'} BY: 
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AN ACT DECRiMINALIZING LIBEL THEREBY REPEALING ARTICLES 353 TO· 
357 AND ARTICLES 360-362 OF THE REVISED PENAL CODE 
Be It enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
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iSection 1. Articles 353, 354, 356, 357, 360, 361 and 362 of Act No. 3815 as 
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amended, otherwise known as the Revised Penal Code are hereby repealed thereby 
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decriminalizing libel. 
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Section 2. The repeal of the above-mentioned articles shall in no way impede on the 
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exercise of a person's right to privacy, dignity, and peace of mind as enshrined in 
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Articles 19 and 26 of Republic Act No. 386 as amended, otherwise known as the 
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Civil Code. 
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Section 3. All laws, executive orders, decrees, instructions, rules and regulations 
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contrary or Inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or 
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modified accordingly. 
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Section 4. If any provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional or invalid, the 
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other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect. 
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Section 5. This act shall take effect fifteen (15) days fol.iowing its cpmplete. 
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publication in two (2) newspapers of general Circulation. 
Approved,