Granting Amnesty to the Leaders and Members of the Batangas Uprising Which Commenced on November 19, 1949

MALACAÑANG
Manila

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

Proclamation No. 164

GRANTING AMNESTY TO THE LEADERS AND MEMBERS OF THE BATANGAS UPRISING WHICH COMMENCED ON NOVEMBER 19, 1949.

WHEREAS, on November 19, 1949, a number of citizens, headed by Francisco Medrano, took up arms in the Province of Batangas against the Government in the mistaken belief that they had just grievances against the duly constituted authorities which could be redressed by armed resistance;

WHEREAS, by resorting to arms the said persons have committed serious crimes against public order which are defined and penalized under the Revised Penal Code as rebellion, sedition and disloyalty;

WHEREAS, criminal charges have been filed in court against a number of the rebels but the fact that such uprising was motivated by the belief that the leaders and members thereof had just grievances against the duly constituted authorities is not a valid defense under the laws of the Philippines;

WHEREAS, Francisco Medrano and some participants in the above-mentioned uprising, who have for sometime lived beyond the pale of the law,...

Login to see full content

Summary of Proclamation No. 164

Granting Amnesty to the Leaders and Members of the Batangas Uprising

- Background:
- On November 19, 1949, a group of citizens led by Francisco Medrano took up arms against the government in Batangas Province, believing they had grievances that could be addressed through armed resistance. (Preamble)
- Their actions constituted crimes of rebellion, sedition, and disloyalty under the Revised Penal Code. (Preamble)
- Criminal charges were filed against some rebels, but their belief in having just grievances is not a valid defense under Philippine laws. (Preamble)

- Conditions for Amnesty:
- Francisco Medrano and some participants voluntarily surrendered themselves, their arms, and ammunition to law enforcement authorities. (Preamble)
- They recognized the authority of the Philippine government and its officers and pledged loyalty and obedience. (Preamble)
- Their return to lawful pursuits and rehabilitation will promote economic development, peace, order, and public welfare. (Preamble)

- Amnesty Provisions:
- President Elpidio Quirino, under Article VII, Section 10, Paragraph 6 of the Constitution, declares amnesty for Francisco Medrano and individuals who participated in the Batangas uprising for the crimes of rebellion, sedition, and disloyalty as defined in the Revised Penal Code. (Main Provision)
- The rebels must surrender to the Constabulary authorities in Batangas Province, along with their arms, ammunition, military equipment, and supplies, within 15 days from the date of Congress' concurrence with this proclamation. (Main Provision)
- Pending court cases against the rebels for the mentioned crimes shall proceed according to legal procedure, but the accused may use the granted amnesty as a defense. (Main Provision)

- Effective Date and Signature:
- Signed by President Elpidio Quirino on January 4, 1950, in Manila. (Closing)
- Witnessed by Acting Executive Secretary Marciano Roque. (Closing)