Question & AnswerQ&A (DOST)
The short title of Republic Act No. 10344 is the "Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act".
The State's policy is to protect the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology, ensuring productive and enjoyable harmony between man and nature. It mandates government agencies to ensure citizen safety through installation of data and information gathering devices and networks for risk reduction warnings.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in coordination with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) provide the list.
Items include radars, weather forecasting equipment, flood monitoring instruments, seismographs, tsunami warning systems, automated weather systems, or any part thereof that gather, store, archive, or monitor meteorological and seismological data used to warn the public about natural calamities.
Prohibited acts include stealing, taking, or possessing such equipment without authority; selling or buying stolen equipment; tampering, dismantling, or disassembling the equipment; attempting these acts; and benefiting from proceeds derived from these offenses.
Possession or custody of any government risk reduction and preparedness equipment, or parts thereof, without proper authority is prima facie evidence that the item is the fruit of the offense.
They face imprisonment of 12 to 15 years, a fine of 1 million to 3 million pesos, or both at the court's discretion.
Penalties include imprisonment of 6 to 10 years, a fine of 500,000 to 1 million pesos, or both, at the court's discretion.
They suffer the same penalties as the perpetrator, plus administrative dismissal, forfeiture of government benefits, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
Yes. Prosecution under this Act bars any prosecution arising from the same act under Articles 308, 309, 310, and 311 of the Revised Penal Code.
At least once a year, they must disseminate information and conduct continuing education about the law through media and other lawful means, in coordination with local governments and NGOs, to raise public awareness and encourage protection of the equipment.
It takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two national newspapers of general circulation.