Notes:

Article 142 of the RPC was reinstated by President Aquino in 1987 through EO 187,
1987

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 187 June 5, 1987

REPEALING PRESIDENTIAL DECREES NOS. 38, 942, 970, 1735, 1834, 1974, AND 1996
AND ARTICLES 142-A AND 142-B of the REVISED PENAL CODE AND RESTORING
ARTICLES 135, 136, 137, 138, 140, 141, 143, 144, 146, 147, 177, 178, AND 179 TO FULL
FORCE AND EFFECT AS THEY EXISTED BEFORE SAID AMENDATORY DECREES
WHEREAS, Article II, of the 1987 Constitution provides, that: "The values the dignity of every
human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.";
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CORAZON C. AQUINO, President of the Philippines, do hereby order:
Sec. 1. Presidential Decrees Nos. 38, 942, 970, 1735, 1834, 1974 and 1996, and Articles 142-A
and 142-B of the Revised Penal Code are hereby repealed.
Sec. 2. Articles 135, 136, 137, 138, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 146, 177, 178, and 179 of the
Revised Penal Code are hereby restored to full force and effect as they existed before the said
amendatory decrees.
Sec. 3. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.
Done in the City of Manila, this 5th day of June in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and
eighty-seven.
http://www.lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1987/eo_187_1987.html
The version we see in the RPC today is a direct result of her reinstatement

Marcoss revisions
PD 38- Issued after Martial Law. Only increased the penalty of inciting to sedition.
http://www.chanrobles.com/presidentialdecreeno38.htm#.VA2vrdh366o
PD 942- used to further martial law. Reduced penalty for inciting to sedition. Added
Art. 142-A prescribing a steeper penalty if ever crimes were committed as a result
of the incitement
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd1976/pd_942_1976.html

PD 970- Start of the fanged provisions of incitement to sedition. Details the

character and acts of sedition. Allowed for seizure, confiscation and destruction of
seditious films, literature, paintings etc. (Most obvious violation of freedom of
expression and speech. I think this is where Voltes V got cancelled)
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd1976/pd_970_1976.html

PD 1735- No amendment to incitement to sedition but only to sedition itself. Allows

trial and promulgation of judgment in absentia of accused
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd1980/pd_1735_1980.html
PD 1834- Raises penalty for inciting to sedition to death. Adds Art 142-B which
includes broadcast stations that broadcast seditious material in criminal liability
http://www.chanrobles.com/presidentialdecreeno1834.htm#.VA2z2Nh366o
PD 1974- Reduced penalty for inciting to sedition to prision mayor in max. Same
penalty in Art 142-B.
http://www.chanrobles.com/presidentialdecrees/presidentialdecreeno1974.html#.VA
21f9h366o

PD 1996- Issued by Marcos as a bati na tayo law. Reduced penalty of Art 142-B to
prision mayor in minimum.
http://www.chanrobles.com/presidentialdecreeno1996.htm#.VA22HNh366o

PD 760 was the scariest form of the provision, allowing for the destruction and
seizure of anything libelous toward the government or anything fanning the flames
of rebellion. Its really a good guess that Voltes V was cancelled as a result of this
provision. Movies like the Hunger Games, V for Vendetta, 1984, Wreck it Ralph, A
Bugs Life, Happy Feet etc would not have been allowed to air in Philippine cinemas
had the provision stayed.

or upon any person or persons who shall utter seditious words or

speeches, write, publish, or circulate scurrilous libels against the
Government (of the United States or the Government of the

Commonwealth) of the Philippines, or any of the duly constituted

authorities thereof,
This is the deadliest provision (IMO) regarding free speech as it classifies
promulgating libels against the government as one of its elements. No
actual sedition has to take place in order for the crime to have been
committed. Much like libel, bad faith is presumed and good faith needs be
proven. Although saving grace of libel is that the truth becomes a defense
if libel is against a public officer, in this case, the government.