Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Second Regular Session

5294

House Bill No.

Introduced by Honorable ERLPE JOHN “PING” M. AMANTE

EXPLANATORY NOTE
It may be a joke, but a bomb joke is no laughing matter.

For the past few years, bomb jokes have brought undue
inconveniences to the public. Some caused the delay or suspension of
flights and ship travels; and some disrupted schools and workplaces.
uch disturbances to the normal activities of the people not only cause
panic and anxiety but also take a toll on their economic productivity.

Bomb jokes are currently being handled seriously and strictly by
authorities, However the provisions of the prevailing law on this matter,
Presidential Decree No. 1727, are no longer responsive to the present
times making conviction of its violators challenging. In fact, there is
confusion on who shall acquire jurisdiction of related cases because the
said decree has assigned them to military tribunals or military courts.
‘There is also a threat that provisions of this decree may be used by
unscrupulous individuals to maliciously accuse other people because
there are not enough safeguards against this action.

‘These scenarios clearly show that there exists a pressing need to
reinforce P.D. 1727 by updating existing provisions, removing jurisdiction
from military tribunals or military courts and setting prohibitions on
malicious accusations.

In view of the forgoing, passage of this bill is earnestly requested.

ee


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

5294

House Bill No.

Introduced by Honorable ERLPE JOHN “PING” M. AMANTE

AN ACT
PROHIBITING THE MALICIOUS AND WILFUL DISSEMINATION OF
FALSE INFORMATION ON THE PRESENCE OF
BOMBS, EXPLOSIVES, OR ANY OTHER LIFE-THREATENING AND
DESTRUCTIVE MATERIALS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Anti-
Threat Jokes Act of 2014.”
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. The State shall ensure the

protection of the public from the unnecessary yet damaging effects to
life and property of the malicious and wilful dissemination of false
information on the presence or threats of bombs, explosives, or any
life-threatening and destructive materials.

SECTION 3. Prohibited Act. No person or entity shall
maliciously and wilfully disseminate, by word of mouth or in written,
printed, or video form, through the use of telephones, cellular phones,
facsimile, electronic communications, such as but not limited to
electronic mails and social media, or other means, the false presence
or threats of bombs, explosives, incendiary devices, and other life-
threatening materials such as, but not limited to, noxious gases,
poisonous substances, and biological weapons.

SECTION 4. Penalties. Violation of this Act shall be subject to
imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than one
(1) year or a fine of not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos


(P100,000.00) but not more than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos
(P500,000.00).

Any person found to have maliciously and wilfully
accused another person or entity of violating this Act, knowing that
the said charges are false and groundless, shall be subject to
imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than one
(1) year or a fine of not less than Three Hundred Thousand Pesos
(P300,000.00) but not more than One Million Pesos (P1,000,000.00).

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. _ All laws, decrees, executive
orders, proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof
inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause, If any provision of this Act is
held invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected
hereby shall remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 7. Rffectivity. ‘This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
days after its publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of
general circulation.

Approved,