Question & AnswerQ&A (NTC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 04-10-2013)
The title is the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) promulgated the Implementing Rules and Regulations for RA 10515.
CATV Service refers to the transmission or delivery of video and audio signals and programming for a fee through fiber optics, coaxial cable, and other technological means, including digital or analog receiver-decoder boxes, set-top and converter boxes, and other similar equipment or technologies.
Cable Internet Service refers to the transmission or delivery of electronic signals to provide and facilitate access to the World Wide Web for a fee through a Cable Internet System or Network.
A CATV Service Provider is any person, natural or juridical, public or private, granted a Certificate of Authority or Provisional Authority to install, operate, and maintain a CATV System/Network and is actually providing CATV Service to its subscribers.
It is unlawful to intercept or assist in intercepting CATV or Cable Internet signals without authority, record or distribute intercepted signals without authority, use or receive benefit from illegal connections, or maliciously damage CATV or Cable Internet facilities.
For non-subscribers, the presence of cables or devices connected to CATV or Cable Internet service provider facilities at non-subscriber premises. For subscribers, unregistered or unauthorized CATV or Cable Internet extensions or unauthorized connections to neighboring tenements.
Penalties include imprisonment from two (2) to five (5) years or a fine from PhP 50,000 to PhP 100,000 or both, at court discretion. Corporate officers who participated or authorized the violation are liable.
The State aims to protect the public and legitimate operators from unauthorized connections or tapping through wired, wireless, electromagnetic, and other means of cable pilferage.
The Rules take effect fifteen (15) days after filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register and publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.