Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 3373

Introduced by Representative ZALDY “JECOY” S. VILLA

AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10973 BY FURTHER GRANTING THE
DIRECTOR OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE ANTI CYBERCRIME
GROUP THE AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER OATH AND TO ISSUE
SUBPOENA AND SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

As our lives increasingly move online, so do crimes. From online scams and cyberbullying
to hacking and identity theft, cybercrime continues to evolve and affect the safety and
security of ordinary Filipinos.

Republic Act No. 10973 gave certain officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) the
power to issue subpoenas and subpoena duces tecum, tools that help gather evidence and
speed up investigations. However, with the growing complexity and volume of cybercrimes,
there is a need to further strengthen the capacity of the PNP’s Anti Cybercrime Group.

This bill seeks to amend RA 10973 by granting the Director of the PNP Anti Cybercrime
Group the authority to administer oaths and issue subpoenas. Doing so will give the Anti
Cybercrime Group more direct and efficient tools to pursue cybercriminals, gather digital
evidence, and hold offenders accountable without unnecessary delays.

At the heart of this measure is the goal of protecting the public in the digital space. By
empowering the Anti Cybercrime Group with the legal means to act swiftly, we are helping
censure that justice keeps pace with technology, and that Filipinos are safer both offline and
online.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

ZAL) 4 YY” S, VILLA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3373

Introduced by Representative ZALDY “JECOY” S. VILLA

AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10973 BY FURTHER GRANTING THE
DIRECTOR OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE ANTI CYBERCRIME
GROUP THE AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER OATH AND TO ISSUE
SUBPOENA AND SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Section 1-A of the Republic Act No. 10973 as amended, otherwise known as
the “Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990”, shall read as follows:

“SEC. 26-A. Subpoena Powers ~ The Chief of the Philippine National Police
(PNP) and the Director and the Deputy Director for the Administration of the
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), referred to as the Criminal
Investigation Unit in Section 35 (b) (4) of this Act, AND THE DIRECTOR OF
THE ANTI-CYBERCRIME GROUP, shall have the power to administer oath,
and issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum in relation to its investigation:
Provided, That such powers shall be exercised solely by the aforementioned
officials and may not be further delegated to any other person or office.

“The subpoena shall state the nature and purpose of investigation, shall be
directed to the person whose attendance is required, and in the case of subpoena
duces tecum, it shall contain a reasonable description of the books, documents,
or things demanded which may be relevant to the investigation.

“Failure to comply with subpoena and subpoena duces tecum shall authorize the
filing of a case for indirect contempt under the Rules of Court with the Regional
Trial Court.”

SECTION 2. Separability Clause. — The declaration of invalidity of any provision of this
Act or part thereof shall not affect the validity of the reaming provisions


SECTION 3. Repealing Clause, — All law, decree, ordinance, or administrative circular not
consistent with any provision of this Act is hereby amended, repealed or modified
accordingly.

SECTION 4. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its
complete publication in the Official Gazette

Approved.