APRIL 18, 2012 DATE

NR # 2713B
REF. NO.

House approves bill penalizing theft of government risk reduction and preparedness equipment
The House of Representatives had approved on third and final reading a bill that penalizes the theft of government risk reduction and preparedness equipment. Under House Bill 5932, authored principally by Rep. Angelo Palmones (Party-list, Agham), it is unlawful for any person to steal, take, or posses, sell or buy stolen government equipment or devices that gather, store, or archive or monitor meteorological and seismological data and information which are analyzed and used to warn the public about weather conditions, earthquakes, volcanic or tsunami activities and similar natural calamities. Violators of such acts are penalized under the measure with imprisonment of not less than 12 years but not more than 15 years or a fine of not less than P1,000,000 but not more than P3,000,000 or both at the discretion of the court. The penalty of imprisonment of not less than six years but not more than 10 years or a fine of not less than P500,000 but not more than P1,000,000 or both at the discretion of the court shall be imposed upon any person found guilty of unauthorized tampering, dismantling or disassembling of such equipment and devices. Any person who attempts to commit any of the prohibited acts provided under this Act shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not less than six years but not more than eight years or a fine of not less than P500,000 but not more than P1,000,000 or both at the discretion of the court. For those who are found guilty of unlawfully benefiting from the proceeds or fruits of any of the prohibited acts under this measure knowing that such proceeds are derived from the commission of said prohibited acts shall be penalized with imprisonment of not less than two years but not more than seven years or a fine of not less than P200,000 but not more than P500,000 or both at the discretion of the court. Payment of the full cost of repair or replacement of the government risk reduction and preparedness equipment, accessories and other vital facility items, or parts thereof, which is the object of the crime, shall likewise be imposed upon any person who shall commit any of the prohibited acts mentioned under this Act. The same penalties also apply to any government officer or employee who shall assists in the commission of any of the prohibited acts as provided under the bill and, after due notice and hearing, shall be administratively dismissed from the service and all their benefits from the government shall be prohibited. The bill mandates the Department of Science (DOST) and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) or peoples organizations (POs) to disseminate information and conduct continuing education of the provisions of this bill through the media and other lawful means available. Such information and continuing education shall aim to develop public awareness and encourage the public NGOs and POs to safeguard and protect these government risk reduction and preparedness equipment. (30) mvip