Raffy Tulfo seeks stiffer penalties vs. bomb jokes

Senator Raffy Tulfo has filed a bill seeking to impose stiffer penalties against bomb jokes or dissemination of false information on bomb threats, explosives, or any other life-threatening or destructive materials.

Tulfo, Senate committee on public services chairperson, said Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1727 or Bomb Joke Law that was passed in the year 1980 is no longer up to date. 

"“Sa ilalim ng PD 1727, ang mga taong nasampahan ng kasong may kinalaman sa bomb threat sa civilian courts ay nadi-dismiss lang dahil ang may jurisdiction dito ay ang military tribunal,” he said.

(Under the PD 1727, cases related to bomb threat filed in civilian courts are dismissed because the military tribunal has jurisdiction on the matter.) 

He noted that the Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded a total of six fake bomb threats in train stations while 11 cases of bomb jokes in airports between 2023 and 2024.

In his explanatory note, the senator said bomb threats caused unnecessary disturbances and inconveniences in schools, malls, government offices, trains, airports, and other crowded places as each threat is treated as real. 

"The situation is worsened by the use of modern technology - the threat or joke can be easily transmitted through social media, text messages, calls and e- mails, even from individuals outside the Philippine jurisdiction," he added. 

Under Senate Bill 2768, a maximum penalty of P5 million, or not exceeding six years imprisonment, or both, will be imposed if the bomb joke is directed at high density or sensitive areas and cause evacuation, cancellation or disruption of ay kind of service, or result to death.—Sherylin Untalan/AOL, GMA Integrated News