Lawmaker wants emergency hotline prank callers penalized
NO TO PRANK CALLERS. Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon wants to penalize prank callers of the 911 hotline.
MANILA, Philippines – Just a day after the activation of the 911 hotline, Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon filed a bill seeking to penalize prank callers of emergency hotlines in the country.
Biazon filed House Bill (HB) Number 2323 or the Anti-Prank Caller Act on Tuesday, August 2.
In his explanatory note, Biazon said he filed the measure as a reaction to Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa's report that of the 2,475 calls received by the 911 hotline on its first day of implementation, only 75 were "legitimate."
The rest of the phone calls included 1,119 dropped calls and 304 prank calls. (READ: PH-wide 911: Birth pains, long-term dreams)
The lawmaker is thus seeking the following penalties on prank callers:
- First offense: One day up to 30 days in prison, and a P5,000 fine
- Second offense: One month and one day up to 6 months in prison, and a P15,000 fine
- Third offense: 6 months and one day up to 6 years in prison, and a P30,000 fine
- Fourth and subsequent offenses: 6 years and one day up to 12 years in prison, and a P50,000 fine
"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," said Biazon.
"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," he added.
Currently, callers are required to pay P5 to P5.50 per call made to the 911 hotline. (READ: Heeding gov't, Globe to charge P5 for 911 calls)
But Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the Office of the Executive Secretary is "already drafting the Executive Order," which, among other things, will mandate that calls be free. – Rappler.com
