Aquino signs free disaster alerts law

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno Aquino III said today that he has signed into law a bill which directs telecommunication companies to send free mobile alerts during natural and man-made disaster and calamities.

Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act or Republic Act 10639, which was signed by Aquino on June 20, requires telecommunication companies to send out alerts from several government agencies to warn Filipinos of an impending storm, tsunami or other calamities.

Telecommunication companies were tasked to send the warning directly to mobile phone subscribers located near and within the affected areas and to include contact information of local government units, agencies concerned with disaster relief as well as location of evacuation areas.

Companies that do not comply with the law will be fined a minimum of P1 million ($22,812). Their franchise and other licenses may also be suspended or revoked by the National Telecommunications Commission.