Coup d’etat, Revised Penal Code

1. Concept

Article 134-A. Coup d'etat; How committed. - The crime of coup d'etat is a swift attack accompanied by violence, intimidation, threat, strategy or stealth, directed against duly constituted authorities of the Republic of the Philippines, or any military camp or installation, communications network, public utilities or other facilities needed for the exercise and continued possession of power, singly or simultaneously carried out anywhere in the Philippines by any person or persons, belonging to the military or police or holding any public office of employment with or without civilian support or participation for the purpose of seizing or diminishing state power. (Act No. 3815, Revised Penal Code)

2. Mode of commission

Elements of the offense:

1) The offender committed a swift attack accompanied by violence, intimidation, threat, strategy or stealth, directed against duly constituted authorities of the Republic of the Philippines, or any military camp or installation, communications network, public utilities or other facilities needed for the exercise and continued possession of power, singly or simultaneously carried out anywhere in the Philippines by any person or persons, belonging to the military or police or holding any public office of employment with or without civilian support or participation; and,

2) Such acts were for the purpose of seizing or diminishing state power.

3. Leader

When the rebellion, insurrection, or coup d'etat shall b...