Presidential Decree No. 969

Sections 1 and 2 paragraph 1 of Section 4 of Presidential Decree No. 960 are hereby further amended to read as follows:

• Section 1  Amendment of Article 201, Revised Penal Code.

  Article 201 of Act Numbered Thirty-Eight hundred and fifteen, otherwise known as the Revised Penal Code, is hereby amended to read as follows:

  • Article 201  Immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows.

    The penalty of prision mayor or a fine ranging from six thousand to twelve thousand pesos, or both such imprisonment and fine, shall be imposed upon:

    • 1

      Those who shall publicly expound or proclaim doctrines openly contrary to public morals;

    • 2
      • a

        The authors of obscene literature, published with their knowledge in any form; the editors publishing such literature; and the owners/operators of the establishment selling the same;

      • b

        Those who, in theaters, fairs, cinematographs or any other place, exhibit indecent or immoral plays, scenes, acts or shows, it being understood that the obscene literature or indecent or immoral plays, scenes, acts or shows, whether live or in film, which are prescribed by virtue hereof, shall include those which: (1) glorify criminals or condone crimes; (2) serve no other purpose but to satisfy the market for violence, lust or pornography; (3) offend any race or religion; (4) tend to abet traffic in and use of prohibited drugs; and (5) are contrary to law, public order, morals, good customs, established policies, lawful orders, decrees and edicts.

    • 3

      Those who shall sell, give away or exhibit films, prints, engravings, sculpture or literature which are offensive to morals.

• Section 2  Disposition of the Prohibited Articles.

  The disposition of the literature, films, prints, engravings, sculptures, paintings, or other materials involved in the violation referred to in Section 1 hereof shall be governed by the following rules:

  • a

    Upon conviction of the offender, to be forfeited in favor of the government to be destroyed.

  • b

    Where the criminal case against any violator of this decree results in an acquittal, the obscene/immoral literature, films, prints, engravings, sculpture, paintings or other materials and articles involved in the violation referred to in Section 1 hereof shall nevertheless be forfeited in favor of the government to be destroyed, after forfeiture proceedings conducted by the Chief of Constabulary.

  • c

    The person aggrieved by the forfeiture action of the Chief of Constabulary may, within fifteen (15) days after his receipt of a copy of the decision, appeal the matter to the Secretary of National Defense for review. The decision of the Secretary of National Defense shall be final and unappealable.

• Section 4  Additional Penalties.

  Additional penalties shall be imposed as follows:

  • 1

    In case the offender is a government official or employee who allows the violations of Section 1 hereof, the penalty as provided herein shall be imposed in the maximum period and, in addition, the accessory penalties provided for in the Revised Penal Code, as amended, shall likewise be imposed.

To be inserted between Sections 4 and 5 of Presidential Decree No. 960 is Section 4-A to read as follows:

• Section 4-A

  The Chief of Constabulary shall, with the approval of the Secretary of National Defense, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of this decree.

This decree shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication by the Department of Public Information in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.