Stronger Laws Needed for Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Abuse
MANILA, Philippines — A senator has introduced a bill aiming to impose stricter penalties on scammers who exploit the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts system. The initiative seeks prison terms of two to five years and fines reaching up to P1 million for those who misuse the service.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada filed Senate Bill No. 475 to amend Republic Act No. 10639, popularly known as the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act. His proposal focuses on punishing offenders more severely to protect the system’s credibility and ensure public safety.
Preserving Trust in Disaster Alerts
“We established the mobile disaster alert system to save lives and any ill use of this may put our countrymen at risk. We need to maintain the integrity of this so that the people can put their trust in this project and for them to eventually adhere to the alerts and text messages they receive,” Estrada emphasized.
By reinforcing the law, the senator hopes to deter abuses such as politicians using the alert platform for campaign purposes. Under the proposed measures, violators could face imprisonment from two to five years and fines ranging from P100,000 to P1 million.
Guarding Against False Alerts
Estrada explained, “This proposed measure seeks to prevent any form of abuse and retain the public’s trust in our disaster alert systems and ensure that in times of crisis, each alert will be full of essence and importance.”
The bill was prompted by warnings from the Office of Civil Defense about fraudulent text messages claiming to offer government aid while impersonating the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). These scams could cause confusion and endanger public safety during emergencies.
Safeguarding Filipino Lives Through Accountability
By strengthening penalties, the government aims to protect the disaster alert system’s purpose: to provide timely, accurate information that can save lives. The senator’s proposal reflects a commitment to uphold the system’s integrity and shield Filipinos from deceptive schemes.
For more news and updates on Free Mobile Disaster Alerts, visit Filipinokami.com.
