President signs into law Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act

President Aquino has recently signed into law the Republic Act 10639 or the “The Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act,” which mandates telcos to send free SMS alerts to subscribers in the event of disasters and calamities.

text alert

According to the new law, in the event of an impending tropical storm, typhoon, tsunami, or other calamities, “mobile phone service providers are mandated to send out alerts at regular intervals as required by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHTVOLCS) and other relevant agencies.”

The alerts =shall be at no cost to the consumers and shall include contact information of local government units and other agencies required to respond to the situation, other relevant information such as, but not limited to, evacuation areas, relief sites and pick-up points.

The alerts may be in the form of SMS (text messages), MMS, or email, as needed and appropriate.

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Senate passes bill on free text alerts during calamities

The Senate recently passed a bill that requires telecommunications companies in the Philippines to send out free text alerts to their subscribers in the event of impending calamities or disasters.

Twenty senators on Monday approved the House Bill (H.B.) 353, or the “Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act,” which will require local telcos to send out free SMS alerts, early warnings, and other useful information like evacuation areas and relief sites during disaster situations. Telcos which fail or refuse to send free alerts will be fined of up to Php10 million.

text alert

The new bill aims to improve disaster response and preparedness in the country, especially in the events of typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

“We can greatly use the instantaneous, flexible and reliable short message service (SMS) technology as a potent tool during disaster situations – one that is intimately understood and easily accessed by millions of Filipinos who have cellphones,” said Senate President Franklin Drilon.

{source: GMA News} {image source}

The post Senate passes bill on free text alerts during calamities appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Senate passes bill on free text alerts during calamities

The Senate recently passed a bill that requires telecommunications companies in the Philippines to send out free text alerts to their subscribers in the event of impending calamities or disasters.

Twenty senators on Monday approved the House Bill (H.B.) 353, or the “Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act,” which will require local telcos to send out free SMS alerts, early warnings, and other useful information like evacuation areas and relief sites during disaster situations. Telcos which fail or refuse to send free alerts will be fined of up to Php10 million.

text alert

The new bill aims to improve disaster response and preparedness in the country, especially in the events of typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

“We can greatly use the instantaneous, flexible and reliable short message service (SMS) technology as a potent tool during disaster situations – one that is intimately understood and easily accessed by millions of Filipinos who have cellphones,” said Senate President Franklin Drilon.

{source: GMA News} {image source}

The post Senate passes bill on free text alerts during calamities appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.