REPUBLIC ACT NO.
9995 ANTI-PHOTO AND VIDEO VOYEURISM ACT OF
2009
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism
Act of2009".
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State values the dignity and privacy of every human
person and guarantees full respect for human rights. Toward this end, the State shall penalize
acts that would destroy the honor, dignity and integrity of a person.
Section 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the term:
(a) "Broadcast" means to make public, by any means, a visual image with the intent that it be
viewed by a person or persons.
(b) "Capture" with respect to an image, means to videotape, photograph, film, record by any
means, or broadcast.
(c) "Female breast" means any portion of the female breast
.
(d) "Photo or video voyeurism" means the act of taking photo or video coverage of a person
or group of persons performing sexual act or any similar activity or of capturing an image of
the private area of a person or persons without the latter's consent, under circumstances in
which such person/s has/have a reasonable expectation of privacy, or the act of selling,
copying, reproducing, broadcasting, sharing, showing or exhibiting the photo or video
coverage or recordings of such sexual act or similar activity through VCD/DVD, internet,
Cellular phones and similar means or device without the written consent of the person/s
involved, notwithstanding that consent to record or take photo or video coverage of same
was given by such persons.
(e) "Private area of a person" means the naked or undergarment clad genitals, public area,
buttocks or female breast of an individual.
(f) "Under circumstances in which a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy" means
believe that he/she could disrobe in privacy, without being concerned that an image or a
private area of the person was being captured; or circumstances in which a reasonable
person would believe that a private area of the person would not be visible to the public,
regardless of whether that person is in a public or private place.
Section 4. Prohibited Acts. - It is hereby prohibited and declared unlawful for any person:
(a) To take photo or video coverage of a person or group of persons performing sexual act or
any similar activity or to capture an image of the private area of a person/s such as the
naked or undergarment clad genitals, public area, buttocks or female breast without the
consent of the person/s involved and under circumstances in which the person/s has/have a
reasonable expectation of privacy;
(b) To copy or reproduce, or to cause to be copied or reproduced, such photo or video or
recording of sexual act or any similar activity with or without consideration;
(c) To sell or distribute, or cause to be sold or distributed, such photo or video or recording of
sexual act, whether it be the original copy or reproduction thereof; or
(d) To publish or broadcast, or cause to be published or broadcast, whether in print or
broadcast media, or show or exhibit the photo or video coverage or recordings of such
sexual act or any similar activity through VCD/DVD, internet, cellular phones and other
similar means or device.
The prohibition under paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) shall apply notwithstanding that consent to
record or take photo or video coverage of the same was given by such person/s. Any person
who violatesthis provision shall be liable for photo or video voyeurism as defined herein.
Section 5. Penalties. - The penalty of imprisonment of not less than three (3) years but not
more than seven (7) years and a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos
(P100,000.00) but not more than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00), or both, at the
discretion of the court shall be imposed upon any person found guilty of violating Section 4
of this Act.
If the violator is a juridical person, its license or franchise shall be automatically be deemed
revoked and the persons liable shall be the officers thereof including the editor and reporter in
the case of print media, and the station manager, editor and broadcaster in the case of a
broadcast media.
If the offender is a public officer or employee, or a professional, he/she shall be
administratively liable.
If the offender is an alien, he/she shall be subject to deportation proceedings after serving
his/her sentence and payment of fines.
