Crimes Against Public Order - Illegal Assemblies and Associations

Question 1

Article 146

Illegal assemblies

Answer 1

The penalty of prision correccional in its maximum period to prision mayor in its medium period shall be imposed upon the organizers or
leaders of any meeting attended by armed persons for the purpose of committing any of the crimes punishable under this Code, or of any meeting in which the audience is incited to the commission of the crime of treason,
rebellion or insurrection, sedition or assault upon a
person in authority or his agents. Persons merely present
at such meeting shall suffer the penalty of arresto mayor,
unless they are armed, in which case the penalty shall be
prision correccional.
If any person present at the meeting carries an unlicensed firearm, it shall be presumed that the purpose of said meeting, insofar as he is concerned, is to commit acts punishable under this Code, and he shall be considered a leader or organizer of the meeting within the purview of the preceding paragraph.
As used in this article, the word “meeting” shall be understood to include a gathering or group, whether in a fixed place or moving. (Reinstated by E.O. No. 187).

Question 2

Article 147

Illegal associations

Answer 2

The penalty of prision correccional in its minimum and medium periods and a fine not exceeding Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000) shall be imposed upon the founders, directors, and presidents of associations totally or partially organized for the purpose of committing any of the
crimes punishable under this Code or for some purpose contrary to public morals. Mere members of said associations shall suffer the penalty of arresto mayor. (Reinstated by E.O. No. 187).