Amendment to the 1978 Election Code
Presidential Decree No. 1676, issued on February 19, 1980, amends the 1978 Election Code to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of election law violations in the Philippines. It mandates that such cases be given immediate attention by the Commission on Elections and prosecuting officials, with investigations required to start without delay and resolved within five days. Furthermore, courts must prioritize these cases over others, with trials conducted continuously and decisions rendered within thirty days. This decree underscores the importance of safeguarding the electoral process and ensuring the free expression of voters' choices.
Quick Answers
- What is Amendment to the 1978 Election Code about?
- Presidential Decree No. 1676, issued on February 19, 1980, amends the 1978 Election Code to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of election law violations in the Philippines. It mandates that such cases be given immediate attention by the Commission on Elections and prosecuting officials, with investigations required to start without delay and resolved within five days. Furthermore, courts must prioritize these cases over others, with trials conducted continuously and decisions rendered within thirty days. This decree underscores the importance of safeguarding the electoral process and ensuring the free expression of voters' choices.
- What type of law is Presidential Decree No. 1676?
- Amendment to the 1978 Election Code (Presidential Decree No. 1676) is a Philippine Presidential Issuances enacted by the Congress of the Philippines.
- When was Amendment to the 1978 Election Code enacted?
- Amendment to the 1978 Election Code (Presidential Decree No. 1676) was enacted on Feb 19, 1980.
- What is the citation for Amendment to the 1978 Election Code?
- Amendment to the 1978 Election Code, Presidential Decree No. 1676, Feb 19, 1980 (Philippines)
Law Information
- Reference Number
- Presidential Decree No. 1676
- Date Enacted
- Category
- Presidential Issuances
- Subcategory
- Presidential Decrees
- Jurisdiction
- Philippines
- Enacting Body
- Congress of the Philippines
Full Law Text
February 19, 1980
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1676
AMENDING THE 1978 ELECTION CODE BY PROVIDING THAT THE INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION AND DISPOSITION OF CASES INVOLVING VIOLATIONS OF ELECTION LAWS SHALL BE GIVEN PREFERENCE AND PRIORITY
WHEREAS, The sanctity of the ballot is one of the fundamental principles of popular government;
WHEREAS, the main purposes of election laws is to secure the rights of the electors to the end that they may express their choices freely, and untrammeled by threats, violence, intimidation, and/or corruption; cd
WHEREAS, public interest demands that violation of election laws be immediately investigated, prosecuted and decided, to safeguard and secure the free expression of the people's will at the polls.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby order and decree as follows:
SECTION 1. The 1978 Election Code is hereby amended by adding a next session to be known as "Section 184-A" which shall read as follows:
"Sec. 184-A. Preferential Disposition of Election Offenses. — The investigation and prosecution of cases involving violations of the elections laws shall be given preference and priority by the Commission on Elections and prosecuting officials. Their investigation shall be commenced without delay, and shall be resolved by the investigating officer within (5) days from its submission for resolution. The courts shall likewise give preference to election offenses over all other cases, except petitions for writ of habeas corpus. Their trial shall likewise be commenced without delay, and shall be conducted continuously until terminated, and the case shall be decided within thirty (30) days from its submission for decision."
SECTION 2. This Decree shall take effect immediately.
DONE in the City of Manila, this 19th day of February, in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Eighty. acd
Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 76 No. 18 Page 2800 on May 5, 1980.
Cite This Law
Amendment to the 1978 Election Code, Presidential Decree No. 1676, Feb 19, 1980 (Philippines)
Amendment to the 1978 Election Code, Presidential Decree No. 1676 (Phil. 1980)
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