A law is defined as a system of rules that are created and enforced through social or government institutions to regulate behavior.
As an ordinary citizen, we are fully aware of our obligation and duty to our society. There is no question that we have to pay our taxes and never do criminal offenses such as murder, theft, illegal drugs, etc. We are also fully aware that we need to follow traffic rules and regulations. However, there are some laws that may not have been fully disseminated or perhaps just taken for granted.
Here are 3 Philippine laws that you might be unconsciously breaking:
1. Presidential Decree No. 1563 Anti-mendicancy Law (1987) - Any person who abets mendicancy by giving alms directly to mendicants, exploited infants and minors on public roads, sidewalks, parks, and bridges shall be punished by a fine nor exceeding P20.00.
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According to former Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, “We encourage the public to continuously help us in our campaign to reach out to street kids and to safeguard children from all forms of abuse and violence. We need the participation of everyone, including private individuals and institutions. Let us work in solidarity with each other to build safer communities for children and other vulnerable and marginalized groups,”
2. Republic Act No. 8491 - Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines(1997) - Any person or judicial entity which violates any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (5,000.00) not more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00), or by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court
When the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band or by singing or both, or reproduced by any means, the attending public shall sing the anthem. The singing must be done with fervor.
As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band or the conductor. At the first note, all persons shall execute a salute by placing their right palms over their left chests. Those in military, scouting, citizen’s military training and security guard uniforms shall give the salute prescribed by their regulations. The salute shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem.
The anthem shall not be played and sung for mere recreation, amusement or entertainment purposes except on the following occasions:
a. International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative;
b. Local competitions;
c. During “signing off” and “signing on” of radio broadcasting and television stations;
d.Before the initial and last screening of films or before the opening of theater performances;
e. Other occasions as may be allowed by the Institute.
Read related story last November 19, 2017 about Man arrested for not standing during the national anthem in a movie theater.
3. Republic Act 10909 - No Shortchanging Act of 2016 - An act prohibiting business establishments from giving insufficient or no change to consumers and providing penalties therefore. This means that sellers can now be sued for not giving due change or "candies."
Any violation of this Act shall be fined Php 500 or 3% of gross sales for the first offense, P5,000 or 5% of gross sales for the second offense, and P15,000 or 7% or gross sales and a three-month suspension of operations. The fourth offense will result in a fine of P25,000 and total closure of the establishment.
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Disclaimer: This is not written by a legal expert and may be subject to a different interpretation. This article is written to provide information and reminder to all readers. For any legal problem or concern, consult your lawyer.
