IN THE KNOW: Crime of sedition

A definition of the crime of sedition INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The crime of sedition is committed by persons who rise up against the government in a violent way.

In particular, Article 139 of the Revised Penal Code states that sedition is committed by those rising “publicly and tumultuously” to prevent, in a forceful, intimidating or illegal way, the execution of a law, administrative order, or a popular election; to obstruct the government or any public officer from freely performing his functions; or to inflict act of hate or revenge against a public officer or employee or their property.

Inciting to sedition, meanwhile, is charged against those who, without direct part in the crime of sedition, persuade others to commit seditious acts by means of by means of speeches, proclamations, writings, emblems, cartoons, banners, or other representations tending to the same end.

READ: Pasay prosecutor approves inciting to sedition case vs Trillanes

Inciting to sedition charges can also filed against those who “utter seditious words or speeches, write, publish, or circulate scurrilous libels against the Republic of the Philippines or any of the duly constituted authorities thereof, or which tend to disturb or obstruct any lawful officer in executing the functions of his office, or which tend to instigate others to cabal and meet together for unlawful purposes, or which suggest or incite people against the lawful authorities or to disturb the peace of the community, the safety and order of the Government.” Inquirer Archives, lawphil.net

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