Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1421

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill will increase the jail time and monetary penalties for felons convicted of theft,
robbery and destruction of public school property. In view of the security vulnerabilities of our
schools, there is undoubtedly an urgent need for a stronger deterrent against such crimes. This
measure was previously filed by Senator Manny Villar in the 15" Congress. Passage of this Bill

is earnestly sought now in the 16" Congress.

HARLIN CAST. ABAYON
Representative
First District of Northern Samar


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1421

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

AN ACT
PROVIDING STIFFER PENALTIES FOR THEFT, ROBBERY AND DESTRUCTION OF
PUBLIC SCHOOL PROPERTY

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Public School
Security Act of 2010".

SECTION. 2, Definition of Terms. —

a. "School property” refers to all buildings, grounds and other property, real and
personal, which belong to a publié school, whether the property is acquired through
public funds, loans, donations or lease.

b. “Public School” refers to all state-owned schools, colleges and universities.

SECTION. 3. Penalty for Theft and Robbery of School Property, — Any
person convicted of the crime of theft or robbery as defined under Chapters One and
Three of Title Ten of the Revised Penal Code of any school property shall be punished
by the penalty next higher in degree than those respectively specified in the
aforementioned articles of the Revised Penal Code: Provided, That the additional
penalty specified herein shall no longer be made applicable if the imposable penalty is
in its maximum period.

SECTION. 4. Penalty for Destruction of School Property. — A public school
building shall be considered a building of public ownership devoted to the use of public
in general under Article 320 of the Revised Penal Code. Any person who shall burn a
public school building shai! be convicted of the crime of destructive arson as defined in
Article 320 of the Revised Penal Code.

SECTION. 5. Penalty for Special Case of Malicious Mischief. - Destruction to
school property not covered by the immediately preceding Sections shall be considered
a special case of malicious mischief under Chapter Nine of Title Ten of the Revised
Penal Code. Any person who shall cause damage to school property shall be punished


with the penalty next higher in degree than those specified in Articles 328 and 329 of
the Revised Penal Code.

SECTION. 6. Penalty for Public Officials. — if the person convicted of the
crimes referred in this Act is a public official as defined in Republic Act No. 6713 or the
Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, the
additional penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office shall be imposed.
Conviction of a public officer under this Act is without prejudice to criminal prosecution
and/or administrative proceedings under applicable Civil Service laws and regulations,
Republic Act No. 6713, and Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt
Practices Act. .

SECTION. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and
regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION. 8. Separability Clause. ~ If any portion of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall
remain in force and effect.

SECTION. 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect 15 days after its
complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,