Press Release
August 5, 2014

With the passage of RA 10639
Filipinos expect to get disaster warnings via text

Safety is just a text away.

Sen. Grace Poe urged the meaningful implementation of the Free Mobile Disasters Alerts Act (RA 10639) amid the onset of calamities during the rainy season.

"One text alert can save thousands of lives. This prompt warning is indispensable in protecting our people," said Poe, primary sponsor of Republic Act 10639 or the Free Mobile Disasters Alerts Act.

RA 10639, signed on June 20 by the President, requires mobile service providers to send alerts at regular intervals in the event of an imminent disaster. The alerts will be free of cost (both to government and subscribers) and will be sent to mobile subscribers near and within the affected areas.

The law also provides that the alerts shall contain up-to-date information from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and other relevant agencies along with the contact details of local government agencies and the location of evacuation sites, if needed.

Any telecommunications company that fail to observe the law will be fined P1 million to P10 million and/or face suspension or revocation of its legislative franchise.

Spreading of false or misleading information will be met with either imprisonment of not more than six months and a fine ranging from P1,000 to P10,000.

This measure will help Filipinos prepare for the constant barrage of disasters in the Philippines. At least 25 weather disturbances entered the Philippines in 2013 alone, including the devastating typhoon Yolanda (international name: "Haiyan").

"Modern notification systems, such as mobile phone alerts, can be used to augment the existing system. The government can capitalize on wireless emergency alerts to warn and inform the public about local hazards since the Philippines is considered as the texting capital of the world," Poe said in her sponsorship speech of the measure.

News Latest News Feed