Restriction on Publication and Transmission of Telegraph Messages
- Messages received for publication by any person, association, or corporation cannot be printed, published, or transmitted by another entity without written consent.
- A waiting period is mandated: publication by others is prohibited until 40 days after the first publication or within 60 hours from receipt if unpublished.
- Prior lawful publication of a similar message by a different receiver does not constitute a violation.
Required Heading and Evidentiary Effect of Publication
- Protected telegraphic messages must be published with the heading "By telegraph."
- The publication must include the name of the receiver claiming protection, original telegram details such as hour and date of receipt, address, origin, word count, and hour of publication.
- These details serve as prima facie evidence that the message was received at the specified time from the stated place and indicate the number of words.
Offense of Forgery and Alteration
- It is unlawful to willfully forge or substantially alter a telegram.
- Uttering a forged telegram or knowingly passing off a non-telegram communication as a telegram is punishable.
- Conviction carries a fine of up to one hundred pesos.
Definitions of Key Terms
- "Telegram" means a written or printed message sent to or delivered at a post-office or telegraph office for transmission or dispatch by telegraph.
- "Telegraph company" includes all persons, associations, or corporations engaged in sending and receiving telegrams for hire.
- The Act applies to telegraph lines owned or operated by the Government of the Philippine Islands or U.S. military authorities opened to the public.
Penalties for Improper Disclosure by Employees
- Telegraph company officers or employees who improperly divulge telegram contents can be fined up to two hundred pesos, imprisoned up to six months, or both.
Penalties for Unauthorized Publication by Associations or Corporations
- Associations or corporations publishing telegrams in violation of this Act can be fined up to five hundred pesos per offense.
- Individuals involved in such unauthorized printing or publication may face imprisonment up to six months, a fine up to two hundred pesos, or both.
Effectivity
- The Act took effect immediately upon passage on June 9, 1908.