Penalizing The Unauthorized Installation Of Water, Electrical Or Telephone Connections, The Use Of Tampered Water Or Electrical Meters, And Other Acts

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Presidential Decree No. 401

Objective: Penalizing unauthorized installation of water, electrical or telephone connections, use of tampered meters, and other related acts to promote discipline and order.

Prohibited Acts and Penalties:
- Installing water, electrical or telephone connection without authority from the utility company: prision correccional in its minimum period or a fine of 2,000 to 6,000 pesos, or both. (Section 1)
- Tampering or using tampered water or electrical meters, jumpers or devices to steal water or electricity: prision correccional in its minimum period or a fine of 2,000 to 6,000 pesos, or both. (Section 1)
- Stealing or pilfering water and/or electric meters, or water, electric and/or telephone wires: prision correccional in its minimum period or a fine of 2,000 to 6,000 pesos, or both. (Section 1)
- Knowingly possessing stolen or pilfered water and/or electrical meters, or water, electric and/or telephone wires: prision correccional in its minimum period or a fine of 2,000 to 6,000 pesos, or both. (Section 1)
- If the violation is committed with the connivance or permission of a utility employee or officer: penalty one degree lower than prision correccional in its minimum period, dismissal, and perpetual disqualification from employment in any public or private utility or service company. (Section 1)