Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10515)
Republic Act No. 10515 shall be known as the 'Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013'.
The primary policy objective is to protect the Cable Television and Cable Internet Industries from cable pilferage, recognizing the indispensable role of private enterprise and providing incentives for necessary investments.
Cable Television (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.
Cable Internet Service refers to the transmission or delivery of electronic signals for a fee, to provide and facilitate access to the worldwide web, through a CATV transmission or delivery system/network.
They are any natural or juridical persons, public or private, granted a Certificate of Authority or Provisional Authority under existing laws to install, operate, and maintain a CATV System/Network and actually providing service to subscribers.
It is unlawful to: (a) intercept or receive signals without authority, (b) record, reproduce, distribute or sell intercepted signals for commercial purposes without authority, (c) use or receive benefits knowing the signals are unauthorized, and (d) maliciously damage or remove cable facilities of authorized providers.
Violators shall face imprisonment of not less than two (2) years but not more than five (5) years, or a fine ranging from Fifty thousand pesos (₱50,000) to One hundred thousand pesos (₱100,000), or both, at the court's discretion.
The president, manager, managing partner, or any officer who directly participated in the violation shall be held liable.
The NTC is tasked to conduct an information dissemination campaign within 60 days after the Act's effectivity to inform the public and to issue implementing rules and regulations within 60 days after public hearings to ensure effective implementation.
The Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.