Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

16" CONGRESS
First Regular Session

Introduced by REP. EVELINA G, ESCUDERO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill imposes a higher penalty for theft and robbery under Chapters One (1) and
‘Three (3) of Title Ten of the Revised Penal Code of portable communication devices or portable
computers.

In the age of information technology, portable telecommunication devices have become
indispensable tools. However, reports from law enforcement agencies reveal a high incidence of
thievery of these devices, brought on by high demand for said devices and the ease with which
the thieves are able to sell these stolen items.

Hence, approval of this bill is earnestly requested.

EVELINA G. ESCUDERO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

16” CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4
nouse pitino, 2544

Introduced by REP. EVELINA G. ESCUDERO

AN ACT
PROVIDING STIFFER PENALTIES FOR THE CRIME OF THEFT AND ROBBERY
OF PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICES AND PORTABLE COMPUTERS

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 “Anti-Theft and Robbery of
Portable Telecommunication Devices and Portable Computers Act”.

SEC. 2. Definition of Terms:

(a) “Portable telecommunication device” shall refer to a device utilized to transmit, emit or
receive voice, data, electronic messages, text, written or printed matter, fixed or moving
pictures or images, words, music or visible or audible signals or sounds, or any
information, intelligence and/or control signals of any design/format and for the purpose
of accessing public telecommunication services by wire, radio, spectral,
visual/optical/light, or other electronic, electromagnetic and technological means
including but not limited to cellular cellphones, two-way very high frequency (VHF) or
ultra high frequency (UHF) rad

(b) “Portable Computer” shall refer to a variety of electronic devices that is capable of
accepting data, programs and/or instructions, executing the programs and/or instructions
to process the data and presenting the results, such as but not limited to laptops,
notebooks.

SEC. 3. Penal Provision. Any person convicted of the crime of theft and robbery as
defined under Chapters One (1) and Three (3) of Title Ten of the Revised Penal Code of a
portable communication device or portable computer shall be punished by the penalty next
higher in degree than those respectively specified in the aforementioned articles; Provided, that
the additional penalty specified herein shall no longer be made applicable if the imposable
penalty is in its maximum period.


SEC. 4. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or other
issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

SEC. 5. 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.

SEC. 6. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the
completion of its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,