Lawmaker seeks 15-year prison term for road sign thieves

MANILA, Philippines - A party-list congressman wants to classify stealing road signs as a special crime, with offenders spending time in prison for up to 15 years.

In Bill 6886, Agham Rep. Angelo Palmones said when people steal road signs, warning devices or barriers, motorists are not warned about possible dangers on the road ahead. The absence of such devices often results in accidents, he said.

He said his proposal not only seeks to deter or prevent persons from stealing or damaging traffic devices but also to save motorists from possible accidents.

“One cause that induces drivers’ error is the absence of road signs warning them of impending sharp curves or slippery road or road repairs. The main reason for the absence of these road signs installed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is that these signs were either stolen, damaged or vandalized,” he added.

Stealing public property such as road signs is now punishable under the Revised Penal Code as plain theft, with a prison term ranging from six years to 12 years.

The DPWH has reported that a total of 42,558 pieces of road signs, warning devices and barriers had been stolen or vandalized as of Jan. 25 this year.

Under Palmones’ proposed bill, a person caught stealing or possessing road signs and warning devices, including manhole covers and their accessories, would be imprisoned for 15 years or fined P300,000. The court may impose both penalties.

A person found guilty of damaging, vandalizing or destroying road signs and warning devices, including manhole covers and their accessories, would face 10 years in prison and a fine of P100,000 to P150,000, or both at the discretion of the court.

The selling or buying of road signs and warning devices, including manhole covers and their accessories, would be punished with a prison term of 12 years or a fine of P200,000 to P300,000, or both.

If the person convicted were a government official or employee, he would lose his job and his retirement benefits, and perpetually barred from entering public service again.