FIFTEENTH CONGRESS — = ——
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No__2279

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The introduction of computers and computer networking facilitates data
storage, information exchange and communications. Computers improve banking,
telecommunications, engineering and data handling.

The advantages offered by computers can also be used by unscrupulous
persons in the commission of certain crimes.

This bill seeks to penalize the use of computers and computer networks in
the commission of a crime.

Immediate enactment of this bill into law is earnestly sought.

RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS —- -— — )}
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
FIRST REGULAR SESSION }

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No,_ 2279

AN ACT
PENALIZING THE USE OF COMPUTERS TO COMMIT, FACILITATE OR
CONCEAL THE COMMISSION OF A CRIME.

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

SEC. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be cited as the “Computer Crimes
Act’,

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is the policy of the State to prevent the
use of computers in committing acts penalized under the Revised Penal Code and
other special laws.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the term:

A. “Computer” shall refer to an electronic machine that performs
mathematical or logical calculations or that assembles, stores,
correlates, or otherwise processes and prints information derived
from coded data in accordance with a predetermined program and
shall include word processors, laptop computers, mainframes or
personal computers.

SEC 4. Prohibited Activities. — It shall be unlawful:
A. to use and operate a computer or computer network primarily to

facilitate criminal activity or primarily to commit activities prohibited
under the Revised Penal Code and other special laws;


-B.. -to-use-a computer-or computer network to transmit a communication
intended to conceal or hide the origin of money or other assets,
tangible or intangible, that were derived from the commission of a
crime;

C. to. use a computer or computer network to conceal, obliterate or hide
the identity of persons guilty of committing a crime or an offense; and

D. to use a computer or computer network to conceal or hide the
commission of a crime or an offense and the evidence thereof.

SEC. 5. Penalty. — Any person guilty of the violation of this Act shall be
punished by:

A. ten (10) to fifteen (15) years imprisonment and a fine of not less than
twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00) but not more than fifty
thousand pesos (P50,000.00) if the crime is committed against
national security;

B. five (5) to ten (10) years imprisonment if the crime committed is
against persons or property.

The crime is qualified if the computer used is a computer of the
Government of the Philippines.

SEC. 6. Prosecution for the violation of this Act is without prejudice to
prosecution under any appropriate crime or offense enumerated in the Revised
Penal Code and in other special laws.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation
contrary to, or inconsistent with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed,
modified, or amended accordingly.

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

Approved.