Prohibited Acts
- Unauthorized installation of water, electrical, or telephone connections without prior approval from authorized utility companies.
- Tampering or use of tampered water or electrical meters, including the use of jumpers or other devices to steal water or electricity.
- Theft or pilferage of water and electric meters, as well as water, electric, and telephone wires.
- Possession of stolen or pilfered meters or wires with knowledge of their illegal origin.
Penal Provisions for Violators
- Individuals found guilty of these violations face imprisonment (prision correccional) in its minimum period.
- Alternatively, offenders may be fined an amount ranging from Php 2,000 to Php 6,000.
- Penalty can include both imprisonment and fine.
Enhanced Penalties and Sanctions for Complicit Employees or Officers
- If violations involve connivance or permission of employees or officers of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, Manila Electric Company, or Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company:
- The employee or officer shall be punished by a penalty one degree lower than prision correccional in its minimum period.
- Such employee or officer shall be dismissed immediately.
- They shall be perpetually disqualified from employment in any public or private utility or service company.
Legal Authority
- The decree is issued under the powers vested by the Constitution, specifically pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081 and General Order No. 1.
- The President of the Philippines enforces this law to promote discipline, order, and protection of the national economic resources.
Enforcement Location and Effectivity
- Decree was promulgated in Manila on March 1, 1974.
- Applies nationwide to all persons and entities involved in water, electrical, and telephone service operations or use.