House passes on final reading bill that outlaws spamming
House of Representatives. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has passed on final reading a bill outlawing the practice of marketing and sales agents who make unwanted calls, texts, and emails to mobile phone subscribers.
On Tuesday, lawmakers voted 209-0-0 to approve on third reading House Bill No. 9608 or the No Call, No Text and No Email Registration System Act.
The bill requires the subscriber’s prior consent before commercial or promotional advertisements or push messages are sent to them, or when the subscriber has specifically opted to receive said messages without additional cost.
Some exemptions include calls or messages in response to an emergency that threatens an individual’s life, health or safety; on delivery goods or services including product updates or upgrades; from duly recognized charities, religious institutions or educational institutions that are not considered to be telemarketers, nonprofit organizations, etc.; among others.
Penalties for violating HB 9608 are hefty fines ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 for each violation of juridical persons or on natural persons.
Officers directly responsible for the violation will be penalized with a fine of P50,000 to P100,000. The imposition of penalties is without prejudice to administrative sanctions to be meted by the National Privacy Commission and other criminal or civil liabilities under existing laws.
