Senate mise of ter focirclary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 25 AU6 -6 PA :36 First Regular Session RECEIVES BY: SENATE 1076 S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT PENALIZING THE DISSEMINATION OF FALSE INFORMATION AS TO THE PRESENCE OF BOMBS, EXPLOSIVES AND OTHER INCENDIARY DEVICES IN HIGH DENSITY OR SENSITIVE PLACES AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE The safety and security of the public are non-negotiable pillars of a stable society. However, the alarming rise in false bomb threats targeting public spaces has emerged as a serious challenge to these principles. These malicious acts do more than just spread fear-they trigger widespread panic, disrupt daily life, and drain vital emergency response resources that should be reserved for real crises. The emotional trauma inflicted on individuals and the operational paralysis imposed on institutions underscore the urgent need for a stronger legal response. This proposed bill seeks to impose stricter penalties on individuals who willfully disseminate false information about bombs and other explosive devices, particularly in high-density and sensitive areas such as schools, malls, airports, public transportation systems, and government buildings. These are locations where the consequences of such hoaxes are particularly grave and disruptive. The objective is twofold: to deter would-be offenders through the imposition of heavier sanctions, and to ensure that emergency services can operate without the undue burden of responding to fabricated threats.
It is worth noting that the dissemination of false bomb threats is already penalized under Presidential Decree No. 1727, issued in 1980. While this decree laid an important legal foundation, the evolving nature of threats and the increasing accessibility of communication technologies necessitate a more comprehensive and updated legislative response. This bill builds upon the provisions of P.D. 1727 by increasing penalties, expanding the scope to include modern communication methods such as social media and digital platforms, assigning a lead implementing agency, and providing clear funding mechanisms for enforcement and awareness campaigns. This measure ensures greater public awareness, institutional support, and operational consistency across jurisdictions. It also reinforces the government's commitment to protecting the public from fear and ensuring the efficient use of state resources. A similar legislative initiative was introduced by Senator Grace Poe during the 19th Congress, highlighting the urgency and bipartisan recognition of this growing threat. In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought to enhance public safety, strengthen legal deterrents, and ensure a proportionate and effective response to the malicious spread of false bomb threats. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA
Sortste • of die ta: creiar» TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 AUG -6 P4:36 SENATE RECEIVED DY S. No. 1076 Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT PENALIZING THE DISSEMINATION OF FALSE INFORMATION AS TO THE PRESENCE OF BOMBS, EXPLOSIVES AND OTHER INCENDIARY DEVICES IN HIGH DENSITY OR SENSITIVE PLACES AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "False Bomb Threat
2 Prohibition Act".
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
undertake all measures to protect all persons, especially its citizens, from being subject to injurious effects of false information and threats on bombs and explosives, in the 6 objective of upholding their security and safety, especially in high density and sensitive places where the risks are higher.
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
a) High density shall refer to areas which are regularly populated with people including but not limited to public spaces like national roads, public parks, airports, seaports, hotels and malls, or where people are gathered for an event. b) Sensitive areas shall refer to those which are subject to those which are subject to high risks upon violation of this act because of the magnitude of resulting possible losses in productivity, resources, and religious value
notwithstanding the number of people present therein, including but not limited to educational institutions, offices, government institutions, and churches.
Sec. 4. Prohibition. - No person shall willfully communicate or cause to be
communicated, either directly or indirectly, orally, in writing, by mail, by use of a telephone or telecommunication device including, but not limited to, cellular through an electronic mail, internet communication device or by any means, a threat or information involving a bomb, explosive or other incendiary device, when such threat is in fact not present, thereby causing either the evacuation or serious disruption of a 10 school, school related event, school transportation, or a dwelling disruption of a 11 school, school related event, school transportation, or a dwelling, building place of assembly, facility or public transport, or an aircraft, ship or common carrier, or willfully communicates or causes serious public Inconvenience or alarm.
Sec. 5. Penalties. - Any person found guilty of violating this Act or any rules
and regulations issued pursuant hereto shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment of not less than six (6) years but not more than twelve (12) years or fine of not less than One million pesos (P1,000,000.00) but not more than Five million pesos (P5,000,000.00) or both.
Sec. 6. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, other parts of provisions thereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in the full force and effect.
Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders and issuances
and rules and regulations which are inconsistent with the provisions of this act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
Sec. 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,