CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC MORALS

Arts. 195-201; as amended by RA 10158

Eliseo Soriano vs. Ma. Consoliza Laguardia, et.al., GR 164785, April 29, 2009
(obscenity) ANG DATING DAAN CHERET

FACTS:

Eliseo Soriano, host of the program Ang Dating Daan, made the following
remarks during his program aired on UNTV 37:

Lehitimong anak ng demonyo; sinungaling;

Gago ka talaga Michael, masahol ka pa sa putang babae o di ba. Yung

putang babae ang gumagana lang doon yung ibaba, [dito] kay Michael
ang gumagana ang itaas, o di ba! O, masahol pa sa putang babae yan.
Sabi ng lola ko masahol pa sa putang babae yan. Sobra ang
kasinungalingan ng mga demonyong ito.1 x x x

Members of the INC church filed a complaint before the MTRCB against
Soriano in connection with his remarks during his program. Michael
Sandoval who was the subject of Soriano’s remarks was a then a minister of
INC and a regular host of the TV program Ang Tamang Daan.

After preliminary conference, MTRCB issued an Order preventively

suspending the showing of Ang Dating Daan for 20 days.

After the preliminary investigation, MTRCB issued a decision imposing a

penalty against Soriano of 3 months suspension from his program Ang
Dating Daan.

ISSUE:

WON Soriano’s utterance in question is a protected form of speech.

RULING:

NO. Unprotected speech or low-value expression refers to

libelous statements, obscenity or pornography, false or
misleading advertisement, insulting or "fighting words", i.e.,
those which by their very utterance inflict injury or tend to incite
an immediate breach of peace and expression endangering
national security.

Soriano’s statement can be treated as obscene, at least with respect to the

average child. Hence, it is, in that context, unprotected speech.

There is no perfect definition of "obscenity" but the latest word is that of

Miller v. California which established basic guidelines, to wit:

(a) whether to the average person, applying contemporary standards

would find the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient
interest;
(b) whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way,
sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state law;

and (c) whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic,
political, or scientific value.

A patently offensive utterance would come within the pale of the term
obscenity should it appeal to the prurient interest of an average listener
applying contemporary standards.

A cursory examination of the utterances complained of and the

circumstances of the case reveal that to an average adult, the utterances
"Gago ka talaga x x x, masahol ka pa sa putang babae x x x. Yung putang
babae ang gumagana lang doon yung ibaba, [dito] kay Michael ang
gumagana ang itaas, o di ba!" may not constitute obscene but merely
indecent utterances. They can be viewed as figures of speech or merely a
play on words. In the context they were used, they may not appeal to the
prurient interests of an adult.

The problem with the challenged statements is that they were

uttered in a TV program that is rated "G" or for general
viewership, and in a time slot that would likely reach even the
eyes and ears of children.

While adults may have understood that the terms thus used were not to be
taken literally, children could hardly be expected to have the same
discernment.

Gaudencio Fernando, et.al., vs. C.A., GR 159751, December 6, 2006 (Art.

201-Publicity)

FACTS:

The officers of of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and

Detection Group in the National Capital Region (PNP-CIDG NCR)
conducted police surveillance on the store bearing the name of Gaudencio
E. Fernando Music Fair (Music Fair; Quezon Blvd., corner Zigay Street, Quiapo, Manila ) after
receiving reports of sale and distribution of pornographic materials.

Upon issuance of search warrant, the police officer raided the said premises
and confiscated copies of magazines with nude obscene pictures and VHS
tapes containing pornographic shows.

Petitioners were charged with Art. 201 of the RPC and was later on
convicted by the lower court.

ISSUE:

WON petitioners are guilty of the crime charged.

RULING: YES

As obscenity is an unprotected speech which the State has the

right to regulate, the State in pursuing its mandate to protect, as parens
patriae, the public from obscene, immoral and indecent materials must
justify the regulation or limitation.

To be held liable under Art. 201 RPC, the prosecution must prove that

(a) the materials, publication, picture or literature are obscene; and (b) the
offender sold, exhibited, published or gave away such
materials.  Necessarily, that the confiscated materials are obscene must be
13

proved.

People v. Kottinger.14 There the Court defined obscenity as something

which is offensive to chastity, decency or delicacy.

The test to determine the existence of obscenity is, whether the

tendency of the matter charged as obscene, is to deprave or
corrupt those whose minds are open to such immoral influences
and into whose hands a publication or other article charged as
being obscene may fall.15 

Another test according to Kottinger is "that which shocks the ordinary

and common sense of men as an indecency."1

In People v. Go Pin, the Court said:

If such pictures, sculptures and paintings are shown in art

exhibits and art galleries for the cause of art, to be viewed
and appreciated by people interested in art, there would be
no offense committed.

However, the pictures here in question were used not exactly for art’s
sake but rather for commercial purposes. In other words, the
supposed artistic qualities of said pictures were being commercialized
so that the cause of art was of secondary or minor importance. Gain
and profit would appear to have been the main, if not the exclusive
consideration in their exhibition; and it would not be surprising if the
persons who went to see those pictures and paid entrance fees for the
privilege of doing so, were not exactly artists and persons interested
in art and who generally go to art exhibitions and galleries to satisfy
and improve their artistic tastes, but rather people desirous of
satisfying their morbid curiosity and taste, and lust, and for love [of]
excitement, including the youth who because of their immaturity are
not in a position to resist and shield themselves from the ill and
perverting effects of these pictures.20
People v. Padan y Alova, et al. in a way reaffirmed the standards set in Go
Pin but with its own test of "redeeming feature." The Court therein said
that:

[A]n actual exhibition of the sexual act, preceded by acts of

lasciviousness, can have no redeeming feature. In it, there
is no room for art. One can see nothing in it but clear and
unmitigated obscenity, indecency, and an offense to public morals,
inspiring and causing as it does, nothing but lust and lewdness, and
exerting a corrupting influence specially on the youth of the land. 21

Notably, the Court in the later case of Gonzales v. Kalaw

Katigbak,22 involving motion pictures, still applied the "contemporary
community standards" of Kottinger but departed from the rulings
of Kottinger, Go Pin and Padan y Alova in that the Court measures
obscenity in terms of the "dominant theme" of the material
taken as a "whole" rather than in isolated passages.

There is no perfect definition of "obscenity" but the latest word is that

of Miller v. California which established basic guidelines, to wit:

(a) whether to the average person, applying contemporary standards would

find the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest;

(b) whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way,

sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state law; and

(c) whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic,
political, or scientific value.26 

In this case, the confiscated materials are obscene.

Pictures of men and women in the nude doing the sexual act
appearing in the nine (9) confiscated magazines namely Dalaga,
Penthouse, Swank, Erotic, Rave, Playhouse, Gallery and two (2)
issues of QUI are offensive to morals and are made and shown not for
the sake of art but rather for commercial purposes, that is gain and
profit as the exclusive consideration in their exhibition. The pictures
in the magazine exhibited indecent and immoral scenes and acts…The
exhibition of the sexual act in their magazines is but a clear and
unmitigated obscenity, indecency and an offense to public morals,
inspiring…lust and lewdness, exerting a corrupting influence
especially on the youth. (Citations omitted)
 The VHS tapes also [exhibit] nude men and women doing the sexual
intercourse. The tape entitled "Kahit sa Pangarap Lang" with Myra
Manibog as the actress shows the naked body of the actress. The tape
exhibited indecent and immoral scenes and acts. Her dancing
movements excited the sexual instinct of her male audience. The
motive may be innocent, but the performance was revolting and
shocking to good minds...

Mere possession of obscene materials, without intention to sell, exhibit, or

give them away, is not punishable under Article 201, considering the
purpose of the law is to prohibit the dissemination of obscene materials to
the public. The offense in any of the forms under Article 201 is committed
only when there is publicity.32 The law does not require that a person be
caught in the act of selling, giving away or exhibiting obscene materials to
be liable, for as long as the said materials are offered for sale, displayed or
exhibited to the public. In the present case, we find that petitioners are
engaged in selling and exhibiting obscene materials.

 
Illegal numbers game (P.D. 1602 as amended by RA 9287 - Gambling)

REPUBLIC ACT No. 9287             April 2, 2004

AN ACT INCREASING THE PENALTIES FOR ILLEGAL NUMBERS GAMES,

AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO.
1602, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress

Assembled: GAME OF CHANCE INVOLVING MONEY OR TOKENS

Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote a just and
dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and
free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services,
promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for
all. It is likewise the policy of the State that the promotion of social justice shall include
the commitment to create economic opportunities based on freedom of initiative and
self-reliance.

Hence, the State hereby condemns the existence of illegal gambling activities such as
illegal numbers games as this has become an influential factor in an individual's
disregard for the value of dignified work, perseverance and thrift since instant monetary
gains from it are being equated to success, thereby becoming a widespread social
menace and a source of corruption.

Towards this end, the State shall therefore adopt more stringent measures to stop and
eradicate the existence of illegal numbers games in any part of the country.

Sec. 2. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:

a) Illegal Numbers Game. - Any form illegal gambling activity which

uses numbers or combinations thereof as factors in giving out
jackpots.
 b) Jueteng. - An illegal numbers game that involves the combination of thirty-
seven (37) numbers against thirty-seven (37) numbers from number one (1) to
thirty seven (37) or the combination of thirty-eight (38) numbers in some areas,
serving as a form of local lottery where bets are placed and accepted per
combination, and its variants.

c) Masiao. - An illegal numbers game where the winning combination is derived

from the results of the last game of Jai Alai or the Special Llave portion or any
result thereof based on any fictitious Jai Alai game consisting of ten (10) players
pitted against one another, and its variants.

d) Last Two. - An illegal numbers game where the winning combination is

derived from the last two (2) numbers of the first prize of the winning
Sweepstakes ticket which comes out during the weekly draw of the Philippine
Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and its variants.

e) Bettor ("Mananaya", "Tayador" or variants thereof). - Any person who places

bets for himself/herself or in behalf of another person, or any person, other than
the personnel or staff of any illegal numbers game operation.

f) Personnel or Staff of Illegal Numbers Game Operation. - Any person, who acts
in the interest of the maintainer, manager or operator, such as, but not limited to,
an accountant, cashier, checker, guard, runner, table manager, usher, watcher, or
any other personnel performing such similar functions in a building structure,
vessel, vehicle, or any other place where an illegal numbers game is operated or
conducted.

g) Collector or Agent ("Cabo", "Cobrador", "Coriador" or variants thereof). -

Any person who collects, solicits or produces bets in behalf of his/her principal
for any illegal numbers game who is usually in possession of gambling
paraphernalia.

h) Coordinator, Controller or Supervisor ("Encargado" or variants thereof). -

Any person who exercises control and supervision over the collector or agent.

i) Maintainer, Manager or Operator. - Any person who maintains, manages or

operates any illegal number game in a specific area from whom the coordinator,
controller or supervisor, and collector or agent take orders.

j) Financiers or Capitalist. - Any person who finances the operations of any

illegal numbers game.

k) Protector or Coddler. - Any person who lends or provides protection, or

receives benefits in any manner in the operation of any illegal numbers game.

Sec. 3. Punishable Acts. - Any person who participates in any illegal numbers game
shall suffer the following penalties:

a) The penalty of imprisonment from thirty (30) days to ninety (90) days, if such
person acts as a bettor;

b) The penalty of imprisonment from six (6) years and one (1) day to eight (8)
years, if such person acts as a personnel or staff of an illegal numbers game
operation;

The same penalty shall likewise be imposed to any person who allows his vehicle,
house, building or land to be used in the operation of the illegal numbers games.
 b) The penalty of imprisonment from eight (8) years and one (1) day to ten (10)
years, if such person acts as a collector or agent;

d) The penalty of imprisonment from ten (10) years and one (1) day to twelve (12)
years, if such person acts as a coordinator, controller or supervisor;

e) The penalty of imprisonment from twelve (12) years and one (1) day to ten (10)
fourteen (14) years, if such person acts as a maintainer, manager or operator; and

f) The penalty of imprisonment from fourteen (14) years and one (1) day to
sixteen (16) years, if such person acts as a financier or capitalist;

g) The penalty of imprisonment from sixteen (16) years and one (1) day to twenty
(20) years, if such person acts as protector or coddler.

Sec. 4. Possession of Gambling Paraphernalia or Materials. - The possession of

any gambling paraphernalia and other materials used in the illegal
numbers game operation shall be deemed prima facie evidence of any
offense covered by this Act.

Sec. 5. Liability of Government Employees and/or Public Officials. - a) If the collector,

agent, coordinator, controller, supervisor, maintainer, manager, operator, financier or
capitalist of any illegal numbers game is a government employee and/or public official,
whether elected or appointed shall suffer the penalty of twelve (12) years and one (1) day
to twenty (20) years and a fine ranging from Three million pesos (P3,000,000.00) to
Five million pesos (P5,000,000.00) and perpetual absolute disqualification from public
office.

In addition to the penalty provided in the immediately preceding section, the accessory
penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office shall be imposed upon any local
government official who, having knowledge of the existence of the operation of any
illegal numbers game in his/her jurisdiction, fails to abate or to take action, or tolerates
the same in connection therewith.

b) In the case of failure to apprehend perpetrators of any illegal numbers game, any law
enforcer shall suffer an administrative penalty of suspension or dismissal, as the case
may be, to be imposed by the appropriate authority.

Sec. 6. Liability of Parents/Guardians. - The penalty of imprisonment from six (6)

months and one (1) day to one (1) year or fine ranging from One hundred thousand
pesos (P100,000.00) to Four hundred thousand pesos (P400,000.00) shall be imposed
upon any parent, guardian or person exercising moral authority or ascendancy over a
minor, ward or incapacitated person, and not otherwise falling under any of the
foregoing subsections, who induces or causes such minor, ward or incapacitated person
to commit any of the offenses punishable in this Act. Upon conviction, the parent,
guardian or person exercising moral authority or ascendancy over the minor, ward or
incapacitated person shall be deprived of his/her authority over such person in addition
to the penalty imposed.

Sec. 7. Recidivism. - The penalty next higher in degree as provided for under Section 3
hereof shall be imposed upon a recidivist who commits any of the offenses punishable in
this Act.

Sec. 8. Immunity from Prosecution. - Any person who serves as a witness for
the government or provides evidence in a criminal case involving any
violation of this Act, or who voluntarily or by virtue of a subpoena
testificandum or duces tecum, produces, identifies, or gives testimony shall
be immune from any criminal prosecution, subject to the compliance with the
provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1732, otherwise known as Decree Providing
Immunity from Criminal Prosecution to Government Witnesses and the pertinent
provisions of the Rules of Court.

Sec. 9. Prosecution, Judgment and Forfeiture of Property. - Any person may be

charged with or convicted of the offenses covered by this Act without prejudice to the
prosecution of any act or acts penalized under the Revised Penal Code or existing laws.

During the pendency of the case, no property or income used or derived therefrom
which may be confiscated and forfeited shall be disposed, alienated or transferred and
the same shall be in custodia legis and no bond shall be admitted for the release of the
same.

The trial prosecutors shall avail of provisional remedies provided for under the Revised
Rules on Criminal Procedure.

Upon conviction, all proceeds, gambling paraphernalia and other instruments of the
crime including any real or personal property used in any illegal numbers game
operation shall be confiscated and forfeited in favor of the State. All assets and
properties of the accused either owned or held by him/her in his/her name or in the
name of another person found to be manifestly out of proportion to his/her lawful
income shall be prima facie presumed to be proceeds of the offense and shall likewise be
confiscated and forfeited in favor of the State.

Sec. 10. Witness Protection. - Any person who provides material information, whether
testimonial or documentary, necessary for the investigation or prosecution of
individuals committing any of the offenses under Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 herein shall be
placed under the Witness Protection Program pursuant to Republic Act. No. 6981.

Sec. 11. Informer's Reward. - Any person who, having knowledge or information of any
offense committed under this Act and who shall disclose the same which may lead to the
arrest and final conviction of the offender, may be rewarded a certain percentage of the
cash money or articles of value confiscated or forfeited in favor of the government,
which shall be determined through a policy guideline promulgated by the Department of
Justice (DOJ) in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government
(DILG) and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).

The DILG, the NAPOLCOM and the DOJ shall provide for a system of rewards and
incentives for law enforcement officers and for local government official for the effective
implementation of this Act.

Sec. 12. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the DILG, DOJ, NAPOLCOM, and other concerned government
agencies shall jointly promulgate the implementing rules and regulations, as may be
necessary to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of the provisions of this
Act.

Sec. 13. Separability Clause. - If for any reason any section or provision of this Act, or
any portion thereof, or the application of such section, provision or portion thereof to
any person, group or circumstance is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining
provisions of this Act shall not be affected by such declaration and shall remain in force
and effect.

Sec. 14. Amendatory Clause. - The pertinent provisions of Presidential Decree No.

1602, in so far as they are inconsistent herewith, are hereby expressly amended or
modified accordingly.

Sec. 15. Repealing Clause. - The provisions of other laws, decrees, executive orders,
rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or
modified accordingly.
Sec. 16. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at
least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

        
Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 (RA No. 9775)

Republic Act No. 9775

AN ACT DEFINING THE CRIME OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, PRESCRIBING PENALTIES

THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be 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-Child Pornography Act of 2009.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation building and
shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, psychological and social
well-being. Towards this end, the State shall:

(a) Guarantee the fundamental rights of every child from all forms of neglect, cruelty and other conditions
prejudicial to his/her development;

(b) Protect every child from all forms of exploitation and abuse including, but not limited to:

(1) the use of a child in pornographic performances and materials; and

(2) the inducement or coercion of a child to engage or be involved in pornography through whatever
means; and

(c) Comply with international treaties to which the Philippines is a signatory or a State party concerning
the rights of children which include, but not limited to, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child
Prostitution and Child Pornography, the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No.182 on
the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labor and the Convention Against Transnational Organized
Crime.

Section 3. Definition of Terms. –

(a) “Child” refers to a person below eighteen (18) years of age or over, but is unable to fully
take care of himself/herself from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination
because of a physical or mental disability or condition.

For the purpose of this Act, a child shall also refer to:

(1) a person regardless of age who is presented, depicted or portrayed as a child as defined
herein; and

(2) computer-generated, digitally or manually crafted images or graphics of a person who

is represented or who is made to appear to be a child as defined herein.

(b) “Child pornography” refers to any representation, whether visual, audio, or written
combination thereof, by electronic, mechanical, digital, optical, magnetic or any other
means, of child engaged or involved in real or simulated explicit sexual activities.

(c) “Explicit Sexual Activity” includes actual or simulated –

(1) As to form: ATTY.

(i) sexual intercourse or lascivious act including, but not limited to, contact involving
genital to genital, oral to genital, anal to genital, or oral to anal, whether between persons
of the same or opposite sex;

(2) bestiality; sexual intercourse between a person and an animal.

(3) masturbation;

(4) sadistic or masochistic abuse;

(5) lascivious exhibition of the genitals, buttocks, breasts, pubic area and/or anus; or

(6) use of any object or instrument for lascivious acts

(d) “Internet address” refers to a website, bulletin board service, internet chat room or news group, or any
other internet or shared network protocol address.

(e) “Internet cafe or kiosk” refers to an establishment that offers or proposes to offer services to the public
for the use of its computer/s or computer system for the purpose of accessing the internet, computer
games or related services.

(f) “Internet content host” refers to a person who hosts or who proposes to host internet content in the
Philippines.

(g) “Internet service provider (ISP)” refers to a person or entity that supplies or proposes to supply, an
internet carriage service to the public.

(h) “Grooming” refers to the act of preparing a child or someone who the offender believes to be a child
for sexual activity or sexual relationship by communicating any form of child pornography. It includes
online enticement or enticement through any other means.

(i) “Luring” refers to the act of communicating, by means of a computer system, with a child or someone
who the offender believes to be a child for the purpose of facilitating the commission of sexual activity or
production of any form of child pornography.(2) Bestiality;

(j) “Pandering” refers to the act of offering, advertising, promoting, representing or distributing through
any means any material or purported material that is intended to cause another to believe that the
material or purported material contains any form of child pornography, regardless of the actual content of
the material or purported material.

(k) “Person” refers to any natural or juridical entity.

Section 4. Unlawful or Prohibited Acts. – It shall be unlawful for any person: MEMORIZE
BY HEART

(a) To hire, employ, use, persuade, induce or coerce a child to perform in the creation or production of any
form of child pornography;

(b) To produce, direct, manufacture or create any form of child pornography;

(c) To publish offer, transmit, sell, distribute, broadcast, advertise, promote, export or import any form of
child pornography;

(d) To possess any form of child pornography with the intent to sell, distribute, publish, or broadcast:
Provided. That possession of three (3) or more articles of child pornography of the same form shall be
prima facie evidence of the intent to sell, distribute, publish or broadcast;

(e) To knowingly, willfully and intentionally provide a venue for the commission of prohibited acts as, but
not limited to, dens, private rooms, cubicles, cinemas, houses or in establishments purporting to be a
legitimate business;

(f) For film distributors, theaters and telecommunication companies, by themselves or in cooperation
with other entities, to distribute any form of child pornography;

(g) For a parent, legal guardian or person having custody or control of a child to knowingly permit the
child to engage, participate or assist in any form of child pornography;

(h) To engage in the luring or grooming of a child;

(i) To engage in pandering of any form of child pornography;

(j) To willfully access any form of child pornography; ATTY.

(k) To conspire to commit any of the prohibited acts stated in this section. Conspiracy to commit any form
of child pornography shall be committed when two (2) or more persons come to an agreement concerning
the commission of any of the said prohibited acts and decide to commit it; and
(l) To possess any form of child pornography.

Section 5. Syndicated Child Pornography – The crime of child pornography is deemed

committed by a syndicate if carried out by a group of three (3) or more persons conspiring
or confederating with one another and shall be punished under Section 15(a) of this Act.

Section 6. Who May File a Complaint. – Complaints on cases of any form of child pornography and
other offenses punishable under this Act may be filed by the following:

(a) Offended party;

(b) Parents or guardians;

(c) Ascendant or collateral relative within the third degree of consanguinity;

(d) Officer, social worker or representative of a licensed child-caring institution;

(e) Officer or social worker of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);

(f) Local social welfare development officer;

(g) Barangay chairman;

(h) Any law enforcement officer;

(i) At least three (3) concerned responsible citizens residing in the place where the violation occurred; or

(j) Any person who has personal knowledge of the circumstances of the commission of any offense under
this Act.

Section 7. Appointment of Special Prosecutors. – The Department of Justice (DOJ) shall appoint or
designate special prosecutors to prosecute cases for the violation of this Act.

Section 8. Jurisdiction. – Jurisdiction over cases for the violation of this Act shall be vested in the
Family Court which has territorial jurisdiction over the place where the offense or any of its essential
elements was committed pursuant to Republic Act No. 8369, otherwise known as “Family Courts Act
of 1997”.

Section 9. Duties of an Internet Service Provider (ISP). – All internet service providers (ISPs)
shall notify the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the National Bureau of Investigation
(NBI) within seven (7) days from obtaining facts and circumstances that any form of child
pornography is being committed using its server or facility. Nothing in this section may be
construed to require an ISP to engage in the monitoring of any user, subscriber or customer, or the
content of any communication of any such person: Provided, That no ISP shall be held civilly liable for
damages on account of any notice given in good faith in compliance with this section.

Furthermore, an ISP shall preserve such evidence for purpose of investigation and prosecution by relevant
authorities.

An ISP shall, upon the request of proper authorities, furnish the particulars of users who gained or
attempted to gain access to an internet address which contains any form of child pornography.

All ISPs shall install available technology, program or software to ensure that access to or transmittal of
any form of child pornography will be blocked or filtered.

An ISP who shall knowingly, willfully and intentionally violate this provision shall be subject to the
penalty provided under Section 15(k) of this Act.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) shall promulgate within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act the necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of this provision which
shall include, among others, the installation of filtering software that will block access to or transmission
of any form of the child pornography.
Section 10. Responsibility of Mall Owners/Operators and Owners or Lessors of Other Business
Establishments. – All mall owners/operators and owners or lessors of other business establishments shall
notify the PNP or the NBI within seven (7) days from obtaining facts and circumstances that child
pornography is being committed in their premises. Provided, That public display of any form of child
pornography within their premises is a conclusive presumption of the knowledge of the mall
owners/operators and owners or lessors of other business establishments of the violation of this
Act: Provided, further, That a disputable presumption of knowledge by mall owners/operators and
owners or lessors of other business establishments should know or reasonably know that a violation of
this Act is being committed in their premises.

Photo developers, information technology professionals, credit card companies and banks and any person
who has direct knowledge of any form of child pornography activities shall have the duty to report any
suspected child pornography materials or transactions to the proper authorities within seven (7) days
from discovery thereof.

Any willful and intentional violation of this provision shall be subject to the penalty provided under
Section 15(l) of this Act.

Section 11. Duties of an Internet Content Host. – An internet content host shall:

(a) Not host any form of child pornography on its internet address;

(b) Within seven (7) days, report the presence of any form of child pornography, as well as the particulars
of the person maintaining, hosting, distributing or in any manner contributing to such internet address, to
the proper authorities; and

(c) Preserve such evidence for purposes of investigation and prosecution by relevant authorities.

An internet content host shall, upon the request of proper authorities, furnish the particulars of users who
gained or attempted to gain access to an internet address that contains any form of child pornography.

An internet content host who shall knowingly, willfully and intentionally violate this provision shall be
subject to the penalty provided under Section 15(j) of this Act: Provided, That the failure of the internet
content host to remove any form of child pornography within forty-eight (48) hours from receiving the
notice that any form of child pornography is hitting its server shall be conclusive evidence of willful and
intentional violation thereof.

Section 12. Authority to Regulate Internet Café or Kiosk. – The local government unit (LGU) of the city
or municipality where an internet café or kiosk is located shall have the authority to monitor and regulate
the establishment and operation of the same or similar establishments in order to prevent violation of the
provisions of this Act.

Section 13. Confidentiality. – The right to privacy of the child shall be ensured at any stage of the
investigation, prosecution and trial of an offense under this Act. Towards this end, the following rules
shall be observed:

(a) The judge, prosecutor or any officer of the law to whom the complaint has been referred to may,
whenever necessary to ensure a fair and impartial proceeding and after considering all circumstances for
the best interest of the child conduct a closed-door investigation, prosecution or trial;

(b) The name and personal circumstances of the child, including the child’s immediate family, or any
other information tending to establish his/her identity shall not be disclosed to the public;

(c) Any record regarding a child shall be confidential and kept under seal. Except upon written request
and order of the court, a record shall be released only to the following:

(1) Members of the court staff for administrative use;

(2) The prosecuting attorney;

(3) Defense counsel;

(4) The guardian ad litem;

(5) Agents of investigating law enforcement agencies and

(6) Other persons as determined by the court.

(d) Any form of child pornography that is part of the court records shall be subject to a protective order
that provides as follows:

(1) Any form of child pornography may be viewed only by the parties, their counsel, their expert witness
and guardian ad litem;

(2) Neither form of child pornography nor any portion thereof shall be divulged to any other person,
except as necessary for investigation, prosecution or trial; and

(3) No person shall be granted access to any form of child pornography or any part thereof unless he/she
signs a written affirmation that he/she has received and read a copy of the protection order; that he/she
submits to the jurisdiction of the court with respect to the protective order; and that, in case of violation
thereof, he/she will be subject to the contempt power of the court; and

(e) In cases when prosecution or trial is conducted behind closed doors, it shall be unlawful for any editor,
publisher and reporter or columnist in case of printed materials, announcer or producer in case of
television and radio, producer and director of a film in case of the movie industry, or any person utilizing
the tri-media facilities or information technology to publish or broadcast the names of the victims of any
case of child pornography.

Any violation of this provision shall be subject to the penalty provided for under Section 15(m) of this Act.

Section 14. Care, Custody and Treatment of a Child Victim. – The DSWD shall ensure that the child
who is a victim of any form of child pornography is provided appropriate care, custody and support for
their recovery and reintegration in accordance with existing laws.

The child and his family shall be entitled to protection as well as to the rights and benefits of witnesses
under Republic Act No. 6981, otherwise known as “The Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act”.

The child shall also be considered as a victim of a violent crime defined under Section 3(d) of Republic Act
No. 7309, otherwise known as “An Act Creating a Board of Claims under the Department of Justice for
Victims of Unjust Imprisonment or Detention and Victims of Violent Crimes and for Other Purposes”, so
that the child may claim compensation therein.

Section 15. Penalties and Sanctions. – The following penalties and sanctions are hereby established for
offenses enumerated in this Act:

(a) Any person found guilty of syndicated child pornography as defined in Section 5 of this Act shall suffer
the penalty of reclusion perpetua and a fine of not less than Two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00) but
not more than Five million pesos (Php5,000,000.00);

(b) Any person found guilty of violating Section 4(a), (b) and (c) of this Act shall suffer the penalty
of reclusion temporal in its maximum period and a fine of not less than One million pesos
(Php1,000,000.00) but not more than Two million (Php2,000,000.00);

(c) Any person found guilty of violating Section 4(d), (e) and (f) of this Act shall suffer the penalty
of reclusion temporal in its medium period and a fine of not less than Seven hundred fifty thousand pesos
(Php750,000.00) but not more than One million pesos (Php1,000,000.00);

(d) Any person found guilty of violating Section 4(g) of this Act shall suffer the penalty of reclusion
temporal in its minimum period and a fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos
(Php500,000.00) but not more than Seven hundred thousand pesos (Php700,000.00);

(e) Any person found guilty of violating Section 4(h) of this Act shall suffer the penalty of prision
mayor in its maximum period and a fine of not less than Three hundred thousand pesos
(Php300,000.00) but not more than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00);

(f) Any person found guilty of violating Section 4(I) of this Act shall suffer the penalty of  prision mayor in
its minimum period and a fine of not less than Three hundred thousand pesos (php300,000.00) but not
more than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00);

(g) Any person found guilty of violating Section 4(j) of this Act shall suffer the penalty of prision
correccional in its maximum period and a fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos
(Php200,000.00) but not more than Three hundred thousand pesos (Php300,000.00);
(h) Any person found guilty of violating Section 4(k) of this Act shall suffer the penalty of prision
correccional in its medium period and a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos
(php100,000.00) but not more than Two hundred fifty thousand pesos (php250,000.00);

(i) Any person found guilty of violating Section 4(l) of this Act shall suffer the penalty of arresto mayor in
its minimum period and a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (Php50,000.00) but not more than
One hundred thousand pesos (Php100,000.00);

(j) Any person found guilty of violating Section 11 of this Act shall suffer the penalty of prision
correccional in its medium period and a fine of not less than One million pesos (Php1,000,000.00) but
not more than Two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00) for the first offense. In the case of a subsequent
offense, the penalty shall be a fine not less than Two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00) but not more than
Three million pesos (Php3,000,000.00) and revocation of its license to operate and immediate closure of
the establishment;

(k) Any ISP found guilty of willfully and knowingly failing to comply with the notice and installation
requirements under Section 9 of this Act shall suffer the penalty of a fine of not less than Five hundred
thousand pesos (Php500,000.00) but not more than One million pesos (Php1,000,000.00) for the first
offense. In case of subsequent offense, the penalty shall be a fine of not less than One million pesos
(Php1,000,000.00) but not more than Two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00) and revocation of its license
to operate;

(l) Any mall owner-operator and owner or lessor of other business establishments including photo
developers, information technology professionals, credit card companies and banks, found guilty of
willfully and knowingly failing to comply with the notice requirements under Section 10 of this Act shall
suffer the penalty of a fine of not less than One million pesos (Php1,000,000.00) but not more than Two
million pesos (Php2,000,000.00) for the first offense. In the case of a subsequent offense, the penalty
shall be a fine of not less than Two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00) but not more than Three million
pesos (Php3,000,000.00) and revocation of its license to operate and immediate closure of the
establishment; and

(m) Any person found guilty of violating Section 13 of this Act shall suffer the penalty of arresto mayor in
its minimum period and a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (Php100,000.00) but not
more than Three hundred thousand pesos (Php300,000.00).

Section 16. Common Penal Provisions. –

(a) If the offender is a parent, ascendant, guardian, step-parent or collateral relative within the third
degree of consanguinity or affinity or any person having control or moral ascendancy over the child, the
penalty provided herein shall be in its maximum duration; Provided, That this provision shall not apply to
Section 4(g) of this Act;

(b) If the offender is a juridical person, the penalty shall be imposed upon the owner, manager, partner,
member of the board of directors and/or any responsible officer who participated in the commission of
the crime or shall have knowingly permitted or failed to prevent its commissions;

(c) If the offender is a foreigner, he/she shall be immediately deported after the complete service of
his/her sentence and shall forever be barred from entering the country; and

(d) The penalty provided for in this Act shall be imposed in its maximum duration if the offender is a
public officer or employee.

Section 17. Confiscation and Forfeiture of the Proceeds, Tools and Instruments Used in Child
Pornography. – In addition to the penalty imposed for the violation of this Act, the court shall order the
confiscation and forfeiture in favor of the government of all the proceeds, tools and instruments used in
the commission of the crime, unless they are the property of a third person not liable for the unlawful
act; Provided, however, That all awards for damages shall be taken from the personal and separate
properties of the offender; Provided, further, That if such properties are insufficient, the deficiency shall
be taken from the confiscated and forfeited proceeds, tools and instruments.

All proceeds derived from the sale of properties used for the commission of any form of child pornography
shall accrue to the special account of the DSWD which shall be used exclusively for the implementation of
this Act.

When the proceeds, tools and instruments used in the commission of the offense have been destroyed
diminished in value or otherwise rendered worthless by any act or omission, directly or indirectly, of the
offender, or it has been concealed, removed, converted or transferred to prevent the same from being
found or to avoid forfeiture or confiscation, the offender shall be ordered to pay the amount equal to the
value of the proceeds, tools and instruments used in the commission of the offense.1avvphi1
Section 18. Mandatory Services to Victims of Child Pornography. – To ensure recovery, rehabilitation
and reintegration into the mainstream of society concerned government agencies and the LGUs shall
make available the following services to victims of any form of child pornography:

(a) Emergency shelter or appropriate housing;

(b) Counseling;

(c) Free legal services, which shall include information about the victim’s rights and the procedure for
filing of complaints, claims for compensation and such other legal remedies available to them in a
language understood by the child;

(d) Medical or psychological services;

(e) Livelihood and skills training; and

(f) Educational assistance.

Sustained supervision and follow through mechanism that will track the progress of recovery,
rehabilitation and reintegration of the child victims shall adopted and carried out.

Section 19. Programs for Victims of Child Pornography. The Inter-Agency Council Against Child
Pornography created under Section 20 of this Act shall develop and implement the necessary programs
that will prevent any form of child pornography, as well as protect, heal and reintegrate the child into the
mainstream of society. Such programs shall include beat but not limited to the following:

(a) Provision of mandatory services including counseling free legal services, medical or psychological
services, livelihood and skills training and educational assistance to the child pursuant to Section 18 of
this Act;

(b) Sponsorship of a national research program on any form of child pornography and other acts covered
by the law and the establishment of a data collection system for monitoring and evaluation purposes;

(c) Provision of necessary technical and material support services to appropriate government agencies
and nongovernmental organizations:

(d) Sponsorship of conferences and seminars to provide venue for consensus building amongst the public,
the academe , government, nongovernmental and international organizations and

(e) Promotion of information and education campaign.

Section 20. Inter – Agency Council against Child Pornography. – There is hereby established an Inter-
Agency Council against Child Pornography to be composed of the Secretary of the DSWD as chairperson
and the following as members:

(a) Secretary of the Department of Justice:

(b) Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment

(c) Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology

(d) Chief of the Philippine National Police;

(e) Chairperson of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology;

(g) Commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission;

(h) Executive Director of the Council for the Welfare of Children;

(i) Executive Director of the Philippine Center for Transnational Crimes;

(j) Executive Director of the Optical Media Board;

(k) Director of the National Bureau of Investigation; and

(l) Three (3) representatives from children’s nongovernmental organizations. These representatives shall
be nominated by the government agency representatives of the Council for appointment by the President
for a term of three (3) years and may be renewed upon renomination and reappointment by the Council
and the President respectively.
The members of the Council mat designate their permanent representatives, who shall have a rank not
lower than assistant secretary or its equivalent, to meetings and shall receive emoluments as may be
determined by the Council in accordance with existing budget and accounting rules and regulations.

The DSWD shall establish the necessary Secretariat for the Council.

Section 21. Functions of the Council. – The Council shall have the following powers and functions:

(a) Formulate comprehensive and integrated plans and programs to prevent and suppress any form of
child pornography;

(b) Promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary for the effective implementation of this Act;

(c) Monitor and oversee the strict implementation of this Act;

(d) Coordinate the programs and projects of the various members agencies effectively address the issues
and problems attendant to child pornography;

(e) Conduct and coordinate massive information disseminations and campaign on the existence of the law
and the various issues and problems attendant to child pornography;

(f) Direct other agencies to immediately respond to the problems brought to their attention and report to
the Council on the action taken;

(g) Assist in the filling of cases against individuals, agencies, institutions or establishments that violate the
provisions of this Act;

(h) Formulate a program for the reintegration of victims of child pornography;

(i) Secure from any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the government or from
NGOs and other civic organizations such assistance as may be needed to effectively implement this Act;

(j) Complement the shared government information system relative to child abuse and exploitation and
ensure that the proper agencies conduct a continuing research and study on the patterns and schemes of
any form of child pornography which form basis for policy formulation and program direction;

(k) develop the mechanism to ensure the timely, coordinated and effective response to cases of child
pornography;

(l) Recommend measures to enhance cooperative efforts and mutual assistance among foreign countries
through bilateral and/or multilateral arrangements to prevent and suppress any form of child
pornography;

(m) Adopt measures and policies to protect the rights and needs of the victims of child pornography who
are foreign nationals in the Philippines;

(n) maintain a database of cases of child pornography;

(o) Initiate training programs in identifying and providing the necessary intervention or assistance to
victims of child pornography.

(p) Submit to the President and the Congressional Oversight committee credited herein the annual report
on the policies, plans, programs and activities of the Council relative to the implementation of this Act;
and

(q) Exercise all the powers and perform such other functions necessary to attain the purposes and
objectives of this Act.

Section 22. Child Pornography as a Transnational Crime. – Pursuant to the Convention on

transnational Organized Crime, the DOJ may execute the request of a foreign state for assistance in the
investigation or prosecution of any form of child pornography by: (1) conducting a preliminary
investigation against the offender and, if appropriate, to file the necessary charges in court; (2) giving
information needed by the foreign state; and (3) to apply for an order of forfeiture of any proceeds or
monetary instrument or properly located in the Philippines used in connection with child pornography in
the court; Provided, That if the DOJ refuses to act on the request of for delaying the execution
thereof: Provided, further, That the principles of mutuality and reciprocity shall, for this purpose, be at all
times recognized.

Section 23. Extradition. – The DOJ, in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), shall
endeavor to include child pornography among extraditable offenses in future treaties.
Section 24. Congressional Oversight Committee. -There is hereby created a Congressional Oversight
Committee composed of five (5) members from the Senate and five (5) members from the House of
Representatives. The members from the Senate shall be appointed by the Senate President based on
proportional representation of the parties or coalition therein with at least one (1) member representing
the Minority. The members from the House of Representative shall be appointed by the Speaker, also
based on proportional representation of the parties or coalitions therein with the Chair of the House of
Committee on Welfare of Children and at least one (1) member representing the Minority

The Committee shall be headed by the respective Chairs of the Senate Committee on Youth, Women and
Family relations and the House of Representatives Committee on Justice. The Secretariat of the
Congressional Oversight Committee shall come from the existing Secretariat personnel of the Committees
of the Senate and the House of Representatives concerned.

The Committee shall monitor and ensure the effective implementation of this Act, determine inherent
weakness and loopholes in the law. Recommend the necessary remedial legislator or administrative
measures and perform such other duties and functions as may be necessary to attain the objectives of this
Act.

Section 25. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to implement the provisions of the Anti-Child
Pornography Act and the operationalization of the Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography shall
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Section 26. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Inter- Agency Council Against Child
pornography shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations within ninety (90) days
from the effectivity of this Act.

Section 27. Suppletory Application of the Revised Penal Code. – The Revised penal Code shall be
suppletorily applicable to this Act.

Section 28. Separability Clause. – If any part of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the
other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 29. Repealing Clause. – All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, administrative orders,
rules and regulations inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are deemed amended,
modified or repealed accordingly.

Section 30. Effectivity. – This Act shall effect after fifteen (15) days following its complete publication in
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Jose Jesus M. Disini, Jr.et.al. v. Secretary of DOJ, GR 203335, et.al, 18 February 2014
(Anti-child porn-online; no double jeopardy)

Sec. 4. Cybercrime Offenses. – The following acts constitute the offense of cybercrime
punishable under this Act:

xxxx

(c) Content-related Offenses:

xxxx

(2) Child Pornography. — The unlawful or prohibited acts defined and punishable by
Republic Act No. 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009, committed through a
computer system: Provided, That the penalty to be imposed shall be (1) one degree
higher than that provided for in Republic Act No. 9775.

It seems that the above merely expands the scope of the Anti-Child Pornography Act of
200931 (ACPA) to cover identical activities in cyberspace. In theory, nothing prevents the
government from invoking the ACPA when prosecuting persons who commit child
pornography using a computer system. Actually, ACPA’s definition of child pornography
already embraces the use of "electronic, mechanical, digital, optical, magnetic or any
other means." Notably, no one has questioned this ACPA provision.
Of course, the law makes the penalty higher by one degree when the crime is committed
in cyberspace. But no one can complain since the intensity or duration of penalty is a
legislative prerogative and there is rational basis for such higher penalty. 32 The potential
for uncontrolled proliferation of a particular piece of child pornography when uploaded
in the cyberspace is incalculable.

Petitioners point out that the provision of ACPA that makes it unlawful for any person to
"produce, direct, manufacture or create any form of child pornography" 33 clearly relates
to the prosecution of persons who aid and abet the core offenses that ACPA seeks to
punish.34 Petitioners are wary that a person who merely doodles on paper and imagines
a sexual abuse of a 16-year-old is not criminally liable for producing child pornography
but one who formulates the idea on his laptop would be. Further, if the author bounces
off his ideas on Twitter, anyone who replies to the tweet could be considered aiding and
abetting a cybercrime.

Lastly, the Court RESOLVES to LEAVE THE DETERMINATION of the correct

application of Section 7 that authorizes prosecution of the offender under both the
Revised Penal Code and Republic Act 10175 to actual cases, WITH THE EXCEPTION of
the crimes of:

1. Online libel as to which, charging the offender under both Section 4(c)(4) of
Republic Act 10175 and Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code constitutes a
violation of the proscription against double jeopardy; as well as

2. Child pornography committed online as to which, charging the offender under

both Section 4(c)(2) of Republic Act 10175 and Republic Act 9775 or the Anti-
Child Pornography Act of 2009 also constitutes a violation of the same
proscription, and, in respect to these, is VOID and UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

The Act adds to the penalties found in the Anti-Child Pornography Act of
2009. One of the offenses covered by RA 10175 is child pornography, as defined under the
Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 (RA 9775). According to Sec. 8 of the Cybercrime
Prevention Act, “Any person found guilty of any of the punishable acts enumerated in
Section 4(c)(2),” which refers to child pornography, will be punished following RA 9775.
However, the punishment will be one step higher since it was committed using a computer
system.

 
Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 (RA No. 9995)

REPUBLIC ACT No. 9995

AN ACT DEFINING AND PENALIZING THE CRIME OF PHOTO

AND VIDEO VOYEURISM, PRESCRIBING PENALTIES
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representative of the Philippines

in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Anti-Photo and

Video Voyeurism Act of 2009".

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State values the dignity and privacy
of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.
Toward this end, the State shall penalize acts that would destroy the honor,
dignity and integrity of a person.
Section 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the term:

(a) "Broadcast" means to make public, by any means, a visual image

with the intent that it be viewed by a person or persons.

(b) "Capture" with respect to an image, means to videotape,

photograph, film, record by any means, or broadcast.

(c) "Female breast" means any portion of the female breast.

(d) "Photo or video voyeurism" means the act of taking photo or video
coverage of a person or group of persons performing sexual act or any
similar activity or of capturing an image of the private area of a
person or persons without the latter's consent, under circumstances
in which such person/s has/have a reasonable expectation of privacy,
or the act of selling, copying, reproducing, broadcasting, sharing,
showing or exhibiting the photo or video coverage or recordings of
such sexual act or similar activity through VCD/DVD, internet,
cellular phones and similar means or device without the written
consent of the person/s involved, notwithstanding that consent to
record or take photo or video coverage of same was given by such
person's.

(e) "Private area of a person" means the naked or undergarment clad

genitals, public area, buttocks or female breast of an individual.

(f) "Under circumstances in which a person has a reasonable

expectation of privacy" means believe that he/she could disrobe in
privacy, without being concerned that an image or a private area of
the person was being captured; or circumstances in which a
reasonable person would believe that a private area of the person
would not be visible to the public, regardless of whether that person is
in a public or private place.

Section 4. Prohibited Acts. - It is hereby prohibited and declared

unlawful for any person:

(a) To take photo or video coverage of a person or group of

persons performing sexual act or any similar activity or to
capture an image of the private area of a person/s such as
the naked or undergarment clad genitals, public area,
buttocks or female breast without the consent of the person/s
involved and under circumstances in which the person/s has/have a
reasonable expectation of privacy;
 (b) To copy or reproduce, or to cause to be copied or
reproduced, such photo or video or recording of sexual act or any
similar activity with or without consideration;

(c) To sell or distribute, or cause to be sold or distributed,

such photo or video or recording of sexual act, whether it be the
original copy or reproduction thereof; or

(d) To publish or broadcast, or cause to be published or

broadcast, whether in print or broadcast media, or show or
exhibit the photo or video coverage or recordings of such sexual act or
any similar activity through VCD/DVD, internet, cellular phones and
other similar means or device.

The prohibition under paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) shall apply
notwithstanding that consent to record or take photo or video coverage of
the same was given by such person/s. Any person who violates this
provision shall be liable for photo or video voyeurism as defined herein.

Section 5. Penalties. - The penalty of imprisonment of not less that three

(3) years but not more than seven (7) years and a fine of not less than One
hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than Five hundred
thousand pesos (P500,000.00), or both, at the discretion of the court shall
be imposed upon any person found guilty of violating Section 4 of this Act.

If the violator is a juridical person, its license or franchise shall be

automatically be deemed revoked and the persons liable shall be the
officers thereof including the editor and reporter in the case of print media,
and the station manager, editor and broadcaster in the case of a broadcast
media.

If the offender is a public officer or employee, or a professional, he/she

shall be administratively liable.

If the offender is an alien, he/she shall be subject to deportation

proceedings after serving his/her sentence and payment of fines.

Section 6. Exemption. - Nothing contained in this Act, however,

shall render it unlawful or punishable for any peace officer, who
is authorized by a written order of the court, to use the record or
any copy thereof as evidence in any civil, criminal investigation
or trial of the crime of photo or video voyeurism: Provided, That
such written order shall only be issued or granted upon written application
and the examination under oath or affirmation of the applicant and the
witnesses he/she may produce, and upon showing that there are reasonable
grounds to believe that photo or video voyeurism has been committed or is
about to be committed, and that the evidence to be obtained is essential to
the conviction of any person for, or to the solution or prevention of such,
crime.

Section 7. Inadmissibility of Evidence. - Any record, photo or video, or

copy thereof, obtained or secured by any person in violation of the
preceding sections shall not be admissible in evidence in any judicial,
quasi-judicial, legislative or administrative hearing or investigation.
 Section 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby
shall remain valid and subsisting.

Section 9. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,

executive order, letter of instruction , administrative order, rule or
regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is
hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

Section 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two(2)
newspapers of general circulation.

  Elements of violation (taking photo and video)

Prohibited Acts
The Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act prohibits the following acts:

1. The unconsented taking of a photo or video of a person or group of

persons engaged in a sexual act or any similar activity, or capturing an
image of the private area of a person, under circumstances in which the
said person has a reasonable expectation of privacy;
2. The copying or reproduction of such photo or video recording of the
sexual act;
3. The selling or distribution of such photo or video recording;
4. The publication or broadcasting, whether in print or broadcast media, or
the showing of such sexual act or any similar activity through VCD/DVD,
the internet, cellular phones, and other similar means or devices without
the written consent of the persons featured.[2]
Prohibitions numbered 2, 3, and 4 will still apply even if the person or persons
featured in the photo or video consented to the taking of the photo or recording
of the sexual act.

1. Karen Salvacion vs. CBP and Greg Bartelli, GR 94723, August 21, 1997 (exemption
against garnishment) DOLLAR ACCOUNT; RAPE CASE

FACTS:

On February 4, 1989, Greg Bartelli y Northcott, an American tourist, coaxed and lured
petitioner Karen Salvacion, then 12 years old to go with him to his apartment. Therein,
Greg Bartelli detained Karen Salvacion for four days three times each day. On February
7, 1989, after policemen and people living nearby, rescued Karen, Greg Bartelli was
arrested and detained at the Makati Municipal Jail.

Meanwhile, in Civil Case for damages, the trial court issued an Order granting the
application of herein petitioners, for the issuance of the writ of preliminary attachment.
A Writ of Preliminary Attachment was issued by the trial court.

The Deputy Sheriff of Makati served a Notice of Garnishment on China Banking

Corporation. CBC invoked Republic Act No. 1405 as its answer to the notice of
garnishment served on it.

Deputy Sheriff of Makati sent his reply to China Banking Corporation saying that the
garnishment did not violate the secrecy of bank deposits since the disclosure is merely
incidental to a garnishment properly and legally made by virtue of a court order.

CBC invoked Section 113 of Central Bank Circular No. 960 to the effect that the dollar
deposits oF defendant Greg Bartelli are exempt from attachment, garnishment, or any
other order or process of any court, legislative body, government agency or any
administrative body, whatsoever.

ISSUE: WON Section 113 of Central Bank Circular No. 960 and Section 8 of R.A. 6426,
as amended by P.D. 1246, otherwise known as the Foreign Currency Deposit Act be
made applicable to a foreign transient?

RULING:

Karen Salvacion deserves to receive the damages awarded to her by the court.

Here is a child, a 12-year old girl, who in her belief that all Americans are good and in
her gesture of kindness by teaching his alleged niece the Filipino language as requested
by the American, trustingly went with said stranger to his apartment, and there she was
raped by said American tourist Greg Bartelli. Not once, but ten times. She was detained
therein for four (4) days. This American tourist was able to escape from the jail and
avoid punishment. On the other hand, the child, having received a favorable judgment
in the Civil Case for damages in the amount of more than P1,000,000.00, which amount
could alleviate the humiliation, anxiety, and besmirched reputation she had suffered
and may continue to suffer for a long, long time; and knowing that this person who had
wronged her has the money, could not, however get the award of damages because of
this unreasonable law. This questioned law, therefore makes futile the favorable
judgment and award of damages that she and her parents fully deserve.

Indeed, after hearing the testimony of Karen, the Court believes that it was
undoubtedly a shocking and traumatic experience she had undergone
which could haunt her mind for a long, long time, the mere recall of which
could make her feel so humiliated, as in fact she had been actually
humiliated once when she was refused admission at the Abad Santos High
School, Arellano University, where she sought to transfer from another
school, simply because the school authorities of the said High School
learned about what happened to her and allegedly feared that they might
be implicated in the case.

The SC rationalized that R.A. No. 6426 was enacted in 1983 or at a time when the
country's economy was in a shambles; when foreign investments were minimal and
presumably, this was the reason why said statute was enacted. But the realities of the
present times show that the country has recovered economically; and even if not, the
questioned law still denies those entitled to due process of law for being unreasonable
and oppressive. The intention of the questioned law may be good when enacted. The law
failed to anticipate the iniquitous effects producing outright injustice and inequality
such as the case before us.

Respondent Greg Bartelli, as stated, is just a tourist or a transient. He

deposited his dollars with respondent China Banking Corporation only for
safekeeping during his temporary stay in the Philippines.
 The dollar deposit of respondent Greg Bartelli is not entitled to the
protection of Section 113 of Central Bank Circular No. 960 and PD No.
1246 against attachment, garnishment or other court processes. 6

In fine, the application of the law depends on the extent of its justice. Eventually, if we
rule that the questioned Section 113 of Central Bank Circular No. 960 which exempts
from attachment, garnishment, or any other order or process of any court, legislative
body, government agency or any administrative body whatsoever, is applicable to a
foreign transient, injustice would result especially to a citizen aggrieved by a foreign
guest like accused Greg Bartelli.

2. Republic vs. Judge Antonio Eugenio, GR 174629, February 14, 2008

(exemption under AMLA) PIATCO PROJECT

FACTS: Anti-Money Laundering Council Section 4 of the AMLA states that "[m]oney laundering is a
crime whereby the proceeds of an unlawful activity as [defined in the law] are transacted, thereby making
them appear to have originated from legitimate sources." The present petition for certiorari and prohibition
under Rule 65 assails the orders and resolutions issued by two different courts in two different cases. The
courts and cases in question are the Regional Trial Court of Manila, Branch 24, which heard SP Case No.
06-1142001 and the Court of Appeals, Tenth Division, which heared CA-G.R. SP No. 95198. 2 Both cases
arose as part of the aftermath of the ruling of this Court in Agan v. PIATCO3 nullifying the concession
agreement awarded to the Philippine International Airport Terminal Corporation (PIATCO) over the Ninoy
Aquino International Airport – International Passenger Terminal 3 (NAIA 3) Project.

I.

Following the promulgation of Agan, a series of investigations concerning the award of the NAIA 3
contracts to PIATCO were undertaken by the Ombudsman and the Compliance and Investigation Staff
(CIS) of petitioner Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). On 24 May 2005, the Office of the Solicitor
General (OSG) wrote the AMLC requesting the latter’s assistance "in obtaining more evidence to
completely reveal the financial trail of corruption surrounding the [NAIA 3] Project," and also noting that
petitioner Republic of the Philippines was presently defending itself in two international arbitration cases
filed in relation to the NAIA 3 Project.4 The CIS conducted an intelligence database search on the
financial transactions of certain individuals involved in the award, including respondent Pantaleon Alvarez
(Alvarez) who had been the Chairman of the PBAC Technical Committee, NAIA-IPT3 Project. 5 By this
time, Alvarez had already been charged by the Ombudsman with violation of Section 3(j) of R.A. No.
3019.6 The search revealed that Alvarez maintained eight (8) bank accounts with six (6) different banks. 7

Sec. 2 of the Bank Secrecy Act itself prescribes exceptions whereby these
bank accounts may be examined by any person, government official, bureau
or offial; namely when: (1) upon written permission of the depositor; (2) in
cases of impeachment; (3) the examination of bank accounts is upon order
of a competent court in cases of bribery or dereliction of duty of public
officials; and (4) the money deposited or invested is the subject matter of
the litigation. Section 8 of R.A. Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt
Practices Act, has been recognized by this Court as constituting an
additional exception to the rule of absolute confidentiality, and there have
been other similar recognitions as well.[

Facts:

AMLC filed an application to inquire into or examine the deposits or investments of

Alvarez, Trinidad, Liongson and Cheng Yong before the RTC.

RTC rendered an Order granting AUTHORITY to the AMLC to inquire and examine the
subject bank accounts of Alvarez, Trinidad, Liongson and Cheng Yong, the trial court
being satisfied that there existed p]robable cause [to] believe that the deposits in various
bank accounts, details of which appear in paragraph 1 of the Application, are related to
the offense of violation of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act now the subject of
criminal prosecution before the Sandiganbayan.
Meanwhile, the Special Prosecutor of the Office of the Ombudsman, requested the
AMLC to investigate the accounts of Alvarez, PIATCO, and several other entities
involved in the nullified contract. The letter adverted to probable cause to believe that
the bank accounts were used in the commission of unlawful activities that were
committed a in relation to the criminal cases then pending before the Sandiganbayan.

AMLC authorized the executive director of the AMLC to inquire into and examine the
accounts named in the letter, including one maintained by Alvarez with DBS Bank and
two other accounts in the name of Cheng Yong with Metrobank. The Resolution
characterized the memorandum attached to the Special Prosecutors letter as extensively
justif[ying] the existence of probable cause that the bank accounts of the persons and
entities mentioned in the letter are related to the unlawful activity of violation of
Sections 3(g) and 3(e) of Rep. Act No. 3019, as amended.

Issue: Whether or not the bank accounts of respondents can be examined.

RULING:

Any exception to the rule of absolute confidentiality must be specifically

legislated.

Section 2 of the Bank Secrecy Act itself prescribes exceptions whereby these bank
accounts may be examined by any person, government official, bureau or offial; namely
when:

(1) upon written permission of the depositor;

(2) in cases of impeachment;
(3) the examination of bank accounts is upon order of a competent court in cases of
bribery or dereliction of duty of public officials; and
(4) the money deposited or invested is the subject matter of the litigation.
Section 8 of R.A. Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, has been
recognized by this Court as constituting an additional exception to the rule of absolute
confidentiality, and there have been other similar recognitions as well.

The AMLA also provides exceptions to the Bank Secrecy Act. Under Section 11, the
AMLC may inquire into a bank account upon order of any competent court in cases of
violation of the AMLA, it having been established that there is probable cause that the
deposits or investments are related to unlawful activities as defined in Section 3(i) of the
law, or a money laundering offense.

Further, in instances where there is probable cause that the deposits or investments are
related to kidnapping for ransom,[certain violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous
Drugs Act of 2002,hijacking and other violations under R.A. No. 6235, destructive arson
and murder, then there is no need for the AMLC to obtain a court order before it could
inquire into such accounts.

The orientation of the bank inquiry order is simply to serve as a provisional relief or
remedy. As earlier stated, the application for such does not entail a full-blown trial.

Nevertheless, just because the AMLA establishes additional exceptions to the Bank
Secrecy Act it does not mean that the later law has dispensed with the general principle
established in the older law that all deposits of whatever nature with banks or banking
institutions in the Philippines x x x are hereby considered as of an absolutely
confidential nature. Indeed, by force of statute, all bank deposits are absolutely
confidential, and that nature is unaltered even by the legislated exceptions referred to above.

Art. 235 – Maltreatment of Prisoners

Anti-Torture Act of 2009 (RA No. 9745)

 Physical Torture anything that involves physical pain

 Mental Torture anything that affects the mindset of the victim
 Other cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment or punishment (OCIDTOP)
 Safeguards/ remedy of victims
 Doctrine of Command responsibility- Three essential elements of command
responsibility” are: “(i) the existence of a superior-subordinate relationship of effective control
between the accused and the perpetrator of the crime; and, (ii) the knowledge, or
constructive knowledge, of the accused that the crime was about to be, was being, or had
been committed; and, (iii) the failure of the accused to take the necessary and reasonable
measures to prevent or stop the crime, or to punish the perpetrator.” 

 Section 4 in relation to sec. 49