Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 782

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The 911 National Emergency Hotline has been launched nationwide as a measure not
only to combat crime and corruption, but to provide the Filipino people a fast, adequate and
efficient response in emergency situations. This facility is both a call and dispatch center that
will link citizens needing assistance with the emergency resources of the government, either
from the police, fire fighters, medical workers or other rescue services. For convenience and
easy memorization, the combination of the numbers 9-1-1 was selected as the access number
to the facility.

By its very nature, this facility entails proper management of time and resou
order for itto be effective, efficient and ultimately, serve its purpose. Therefore, the respons
use of this hotline should not be compromised or abused at any time. There is no room for
prank callers and practical jokers whose nonsensical mischiefs may spell the difference in
saving the life of someone in dire need of real help or in preventing damage to property.

The 911 emergency hotline received a total of 2,475 calls in the first seven hours since
it became active at 12:01 a.m. on August 1, 2016. However, only 75 of these were legitimate
calls while 1,119 were dropped calls and 304 were prank calls.

This bill penalizes prank calling to protect the integrity and proper operation of
emergency hotlines. These should not be burdened by irresponsible and senseless acts of
mischief-makers for these to be able to relay the need for emergency services to the proper
responders on time. It is hoped that the stiff penalties provided under this proposed measure
would discourage would-be offenders and make them think before committing such imprudent
acts.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

wrhpei lib IAZON
R

epresentative
Lone District, Muntinlupa City



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS,

1 Regular Session
House Bill No. 18

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

AN ACT
PENALIZING PRANK CALLERS TO EMERGENCY HOTLINES:

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippine in
Congress assembled.

Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Anti-Prank Caller Aci

See.2. Definition of Terms. ~ As used in this Act
a. Prank call refers to a mischievous telephone call made to trick or fool someone

b. Emergency refers to a serious, unexpected and often dangerous situation requiring
immediate action

©. Hotline relers to a direct telephone line set up for a specific purpose

Sec. 3. Prank Calling, ~ Emergency hotlines established for the purpose of responding
to emergency situations shall, at all times, be free from receiving unnecessary calls. It shall be
prohibited for any individual to make prank calls to these hotlines at any time:

See. 4. Penalties, ~ Any person who violates this Aet shall be penalized with:

a. Arresto menor and a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P'5,000.00) for the first offense:

b. Arresto mayor and a fine of Fifteen Thousand Pesos (P15,000.00) for the second
offense:

Prision correccional and a fine of Thirty Thousand Pesos (P30,000.00) for the third
offense; and


d. Prision mayor and a fine of Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) for the fourth and
subsequent offenses.

Provided, That the foregoing penalties shall be imposed without prejudice to other
liabilities under the Revised Penal Code or any special law arising out of the herein prohibited
act

Sec, 5. Separability Clause, - If any provision or part hereof, is held invalid ot
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain
valid and subsisting.

Sec. 6, Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, letters of instruction.
(rative orders, rules or regulations contrary (© or ineonsist

Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

admin nt with the provisions of this

Sec. 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take e
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

ct fifteen (15) days after its

Approved,