Estrada pushes for stiffer penalties to address fake bomb threats

Senator Jinggoy Estrada is pushing for stiffer penalties to address the spate of reported hoax bomb threats.

Estrada filed Senate Bill No. 1076, or the proposed "False Bomb Threat Prohibition Act," on the heels of a disturbing series of hoax bomb threats that disrupted operations in schools and government offices in Bulacan, Bicol, Cebu, Caloocan City, and Manila.

He also noted that just last month, four schools in Davao City were targeted within 48 hours, prompting mass evacuations and class suspensions.

In Pampanga, a 21-year-old woman was charged with sending online bomb threats to several schools, while operations at the Office of the Vice President were temporarily halted due to a similar incident earlier this year.

“The safety and security of the public are non-negotiable. These false threats are deliberate acts of disruption that endanger lives, paralyze institutions, and waste valuable government resources,” Estrada stressed.

“They erode public trust in emergency systems that are supposed to respond to real crises. We need a stronger legal deterrent to protect our citizens from these unscrupulous individuals,” he added.

From the current penalty of imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of P40,000, Estrada is proposing heavier sanctions against individuals who maliciously spread false information about bombs, explosives, or incendiary devices in key public areas — a jail term of six to twelve years or a fine ranging from P1 million to P5 million, or both.

According to Estrada, the proposed measure builds upon the existing framework of Presidential Decree No. 1727, which penalizes bomb jokes and hoaxes.

Recognizing the evolution of communication technologies, the bill seeks to expand its scope to include threats made via social media, messaging apps, and other digital platforms. It also designates a lead implementing agency to oversee enforcement and public awareness campaigns.

“The rise of social media and digital communication platforms has made it easier for malicious individuals to spread panic with just a few clicks. It’s time we update our laws to keep up with these realities,” Estrada said.

“This is about restoring public trust and ensuring that our communities feel safe,” he added. “We must send a clear message: Those who weaponize fear through false threats will be held accountable.”