Senator Jinggoy Estrada has filed a bill seeking to modernize and toughen the country’s outdated bomb threat law following a surge in fake bomb threats nationwide.
Under Senate Bill No. 1076 or the False Bomb Threat Prohibition Act, Estrada proposes heavier penalties—six to 12 years in jail or fines from P1 million to P5 million—for those who spread false information about bombs, explosives, or incendiary devices in public areas.
The measure updates Presidential Decree No. 1727, which currently imposes only up to five years’ imprisonment or a P40,000 fine. The senator said the law must now cover threats made via social media, messaging apps, and other digital platforms.
“These false threats are deliberate acts of disruption that endanger lives, paralyze institutions, and waste valuable government resources. 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 said.
The bill comes after a string of hoax bomb threats that hit schools and offices in Bulacan, Bicol, Cebu, Caloocan, Manila, and Davao City, forcing evacuations and class suspensions. A 21-year-old woman in Pampanga was even charged for sending online bomb threats to several schools.
Estrada said the proposed law also aims to strengthen enforcement and raise public awareness.
“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,” according to him.
“This is about restoring public trust and ensuring that our communities feel safe. We must send a clear message: those who weaponize fear through false threats will be held accountable.”IMT
