[ BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 871, May 29, 1985 ]

AN ACT AMENDING ARTICLES TWO HUNDRED TEN AND TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN OF ACT NUMBERED THIRTY-EIGHT HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE REVISED PENAL CODE, AS AMENDED, TO INCREASE THE PENALTY FOR THE OFFENSE OF BRIBERY

Be it enacted by the Batasang Pambansa in session assembled:

SECTION 1. Articles Two hundred ten and two hundred eleven of Act Numbered Thirty-eight hundred and fifteen, as amended, are amended to read as follows:

"Art. 210. Direct Bribery. — Any public officer who shall agree to perform an act constituting a crime, in connection with the performance of his official duties, in consideration of any offer, promise, gift or present received by such officer, personally or through the mediation of another, shall suffer the penalty of prision mayor in its medium and maximum periods and a fine of not less than three times the value of the gift, in addition to the penalty corresponding to the crime agreed upon, if the same shall have been committed.

"If the gift was accepted by the officer in consideration of the execution of an act which does not constitute a crime, and the officer executed said act, he shall suffer the same penalty provided in the preceding paragraph; and if said act shall not have been accomplished, the officer shall suffer the penalties of prision correccional in its medium period and a fine of not less than twice the value of such gift.

If the object for which the gift was received or promised was to make the public officer refrain from doing something which it was his official duty to do, he shall suffer the penalties of prision correccional in its maximum period to prision mayor in its minimum period and a fine of not less than three times the value of such gift.

"In addition to the penalties provided in the preceding paragraphs, the culprit shall suffer the penalty of special temporary disqualification.

"The provisions contained in the preceding paragraphs shall be made applicable to assessors, arbitrators, appraisal and claim commissioners, experts or any other persons performing public duties."

"Art. 211. Indirect bribery. — The penalties of prision correccional in its medium and maximum periods, suspension and public censure shall be imposed upon any public officer who shall accept gifts offered to him by reason of his office."

Sec. 2. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: May 29, 1985.