QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 10639)
RA 10639 is known as the “Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act.”
The State must protect citizens during natural or man-made disasters and exhaust possible means to notify and inform constituents to prevent injuries, destruction, and loss of lives and property.
Any person, firm, partnership, or corporation—government or private—granted a legislative franchise by Congress to provide cellular mobile telephone services to the public and issued a CPCN (certificate of public convenience and necessity) by the NTC.
Short messaging service (SMS/text messaging) and voice call services.
It includes balance inquiry, customer support, prepaid reloading services, and emergency alerts.
In the event of an impending tropical storm, typhoon, tsunami, or other calamities.
The alerts must contain up-to-date information from NDRRMC, PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, and other relevant agencies.
They must be sent directly to mobile phone subscribers located near and within the affected areas; the alerts may be in the form of SMS, MMS, or email as needed and appropriate.
They should include contact information of local government units (LGUs) and other agencies required to respond to the situation, and may also include evacuation areas, relief sites, and pick-up points.
Yes. The alerts are at no cost, whether direct or indirect, to consumers, and are included as part of the service providers’ auxiliary service.
Any natural or juridical person may report any alleged violation to the NTC.
Imprisonment of not less than two (2) months but not more than six (6) months, and a fine of not less than P1,000 but not more than P10,000; if the false/misleading information was under oath, the maximum penalty for false testimony or perjury is imposed.
A fine ranging from P1,000,000 to P10,000,000 and/or suspension or revocation of its legislative franchise and other permits/licenses by the NTC; the maximum penalties in Section 6(a) also apply to board and/or management members as applicable.
In addition to the penalty provided, the alien shall be deported after service of sentence and shall not be permitted reentry into the Philippines.
All monetary penalties directly accrue to the National Treasury.
It takes effect immediately after complete publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.