Press Release
November 6, 2007

SENATE APPROVED GORDON'S ANTI-CELLPHONE SNATCHING BILL

The Senate passed on third reading Committee Report No. 13, entitled "An Act Providing Stiffer Penalties for the Crime of Theft and Robbery of Portable Telecommunication Devices."

Senator Richard Gordon said that the passage of the Anti-Cellphone Snatching Bill by the Senate is an important piece of legislation to protect people from cell phone and computer snatchers.

"Our cellular phones and our personal computers are important tools we carry around everyday. Vital, private and even confidential information are stored in these devices. With this bill, we seek to discourage or eliminate altogether the high incidence of thievery of portable mobile devices. We hope to restore confidence and enhance personal safety of our people while punishing the snatchers and thieves," Gordon added.

Gordon also explains that "the law imposes a penalty one degree higher than those prescribed by the Revised Penal Code to the crimes of Robbery and Theft when the object stolen is a portable telecommunication device. Cellphones, digital assistants, laptops, portable radios and other portable telecommunication devices are covered by the bill."

Under the approved bill, any cell phone theft resulting in death shall be punishable by life imprisonment.

"With this bill, we hope to trump the snatchers and increase personal security, Gordon emphasized.

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