FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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First Regular Session 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
!XI fin/? 23 pf) 
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Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Who guards the guardians? This bill proposes to answer the same by providing for 
accountability on the part of the protectors of the people under our Constitution: Article 
2, Section 3 provides that “the Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the 
people and state”; Section 4 declares the prime duty of the government to serve and 
protect the people; and Section 5 encompasses not only protection to life but also liberty 
and property as essential for the enjoyment by the people of the blessings of democracy. 
The ‘parens patriae doctrine’ or guardian of the rights of the people are clearly laid out by 
these sections. 
Protection, especially for the right to life of every person, is the basic duty of those in the 
government, especially the police and armed forces. However, when realities and warped 
reasoning and policies come into the picture, blood sacrifices are made in the name of 
ideology, god, terrorism, business, peace and order. The blood is that of the ordinaIy 
citizen. The rule of law and reason are thrown out of the window and the rule of force 
and the gun prevail. 
Famous and nameless victims cover all sectors of our society. Coupled with these are 
tortures and disappearances. The long arm of the law is literally implemented as to mean 
force and intimidation. Citizens cower in fear and hope that they will not be the next 
victim. 
The rule of law and reason must be re-established. The state must now come in to guard 
the guardians. The state must impose sanctions on its agents who violate the duty to 
protect. If the state and democracy is to survive, trust in law enfoncers must be regained. 
Hence, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
A N T ~ N ~ O  
“SONNY” F. TRILLANES IV 
Senator 
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NpR21 [76::37 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
S E N A T E  
S. No 
193 
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV 
AN ACT 
QUALIFYING SALVAGING OR EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLING BY ANY PUBLIC 
OFFICER, PERSON IN AUTHORITY OR AGENT OF A PERSON IN 
AUTHORITY AS A HEINOUS CRIME, IMPOSING THE DEATH PENALTY 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 
%e it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled 
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Anti-Salvaging Law.” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy - It is the declared policy of the State to recognize 
and guarantee the human rights of all persons, particularly to uphold a person’s right to 
life. 
SEC. 3. Objective. -This Act endeavors to qualify the extrajudicial killing by any 
public officer, person in authority or agent of a person in authority as a heinous crime, 
and to impose the death penalty upon such crime. 
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms - 
(a) Salvaging - The killing of any person by any public officer, person in 
authority or agent of a person in authority. 
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(b) Extrajudicial killing - Any killing other than that imposed by the state 
pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution on heinous crimes; ‘extrajudicial 
killing’ means a deliberated killing not authorized by a previous judgment 
pronounced by a regularly constituted court affording all the judicial 
guarantees which are recognized as indispensable by civilized peoples. 
SEC.5. Punishable AcUPenalty. - The death penalty shall be imposed upon any 
public officer, person in authority or agent of a person in authority for any salvaging or 
extra-judicial killing as defined herein. 
SEC 6. Separability Clause. - If any part, section or provision of this Act is held 
invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force 
and effect. 
SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or 
other issuances inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended 
or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 8. Effectivity Clause.- 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, 
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