THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
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First Regular Session 
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I L J ~ J  i k j  
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OF THE PHILIPPINE 
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Introduced by Senator S. R. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Freedom of expression is a cornerstone upon which the very existence of a 
democratic society rests. Democracy relies heavily on freedom of expression, not 
simply because the right itself must be respected, but also because it is vital in 
order to guarantee respect for the other basic rights. 
In a democratic society such as ours, an extremely high value is also 
attached on the right to self-expression and efforts are geared towards the 
reduction of any restrictions on it. In striking a balance between authority and 
liberty, the State guarantees protection of all individuals' privacy without abusing 
its coercive powers t o  repress individual freedom to form opinions and express 
them. 
In the light of further protecting this sacred freedom, this bill seeks to 
decriminalize libel cases by abolishing the penalty of imprisonment in these cases. 
Approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
YL 
SERGIO QSMENA 111 
Senator 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
) 
3
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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introduced by Senator S. R. Osrneiia Ill 
AN ACT 
TO ABOLISH THE PENALTY OF IMPRISONMENT IN LIBEL CASES AMENDING 
AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE REVISED PENAL CODE AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
FOR THE PURPOSE ARTICLES 355-357 AND 360 OF ACT NO. 3815, AS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Article 355 of Act No. 3815, as amended, otherwise known 
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as the Revised Penal Code, is hereby amended to read as follows: 
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“ARTICLE 355. 
Libel by means writings or similar means. - 
A libel 
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committed by means of writing, printing, lithography, engraving, radio, 
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phon og rap h , painting , theatrical exhibit ion , cinema tog ra p h ic ex h i b i t i o n , or 
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any similar means, shall be punished [ by prision correccional in its 
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minimum and medium periods or] a fine ranging from 200 to 6,000 pesos, 
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[or both,] in addition to the civil action which may be brought by the 
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offended party. 
I O  
THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLES 90 AND 91 TO THE 
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CONTRARY NOTWITHSTANDING, THE OFFENSE AND PENALTY 
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IMPOSED ABOVE SHALL PRESCRIBE IN SIX (6) MONTHS COUNTED 
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FROM THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION, AIRING OR 
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EXHIBITION OF THE LIBELOUS MATERIAL.” 
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SEC. 2. Article 356 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as 


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ART. 356. 
Threatening to publish and offer to prevent such publication 
for a compensation. - 
The penalty of [arresto mayor or] a fine from 200 
to 2,000 pesos, [or both,] shall be imposed upon any person who 
threatens another to publish a libel concerning him or the parents, 
spouse, child, or other members of the family of the latter, or upon 
anyone who shall offer to prevent the publication of such libel for a 
compensation or money consideration.” 
SEC. 3. Article 357 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as 
follows: 
ART. 357. 
Prohibited publication of acts referred to in the course of 
official proceedings. - The penalty of [arresto mayor or] a fine of from 
200 to 2,000 pesos, [or both,] shall be imposed upon any reporter, editor 
or manager of a newspaper, daily or magazine, who shall publish facts 
connected with the private life of another and offensive to the honor, 
virtue and reputation of said person, even though said publication be 
made in connection with or under the pretext that it is necessary in the 
narration of any judicial or administrative proceedings wherein such facts 
have been mentioned.” 
SEC. 4. Article 360 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as 
follows: 
ART. 360. 
Persons responsible. - [Any person who shall publish, 
exhibit, or cause the publication or exhibition of any defamation in writing 
or by similar means,] THE AUTHOR OF THE PRINTED ARTICLE OR 
ANY 
PERSON 
WHO 
SHALL 
CAUSE 
THE 
EXHIBITION 
OF 
TH EATR I CAL 
C 0 N TA I N I N G 
DEFAMATORY WORDS shall be responsible for the same. 
[The author or editor of a book or pamphlet, or the editor or business 
manager of a daily newspaper, magazine or serial publication, shall be 
0 R 
C I N E MATOG RAP H I C 
EX H I B IT 


responsible for the defamation contained therein to the same extent as if 
he were the author thereof.]” 
SEC. 5. All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, or 
parts hereof inconsistent with the provision of this Act are hereby repealed, 
amended or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 6. 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 
whichever comes earlier. 
Approved,