Cable Theft Must Have Heavier Penalties – A Call to Action for the Construction Industry

In light of recent events, we, in the construction and infrastructure sector, would like to share an important issue affecting both our industry and the wider public: cable theft. According to CitizenWatch Philippines, a consumer advocacy group, cable theft continues to pose serious economic and operational threats, urging the government to impose stiffer penalties for these criminal acts.

As co-industry professionals, we understand the critical role of infrastructure in supporting various sectors, from residential projects to large-scale telecommunications. Orlando Oxales, co-convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines, described the growing incidents of cable theft as “tantamount to economic sabotage.” These thefts not only disrupt telecommunications but also impede essential services such as internet access, which is vital for businesses, schools, and even government functions.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) reported nearly 1,800 cases of cable theft nationwide in 2024, which resulted in service outages for about 100,000 customers. Repairing the damaged infrastructure costs an estimated ₱2 million per incident. Such costs, combined with the operational delays these outages cause, translate to significant revenue losses and customer dissatisfaction—factors that affect both public services and private enterprises alike.

In rural areas, the impact is even more severe. Telecommunications service providers are left vulnerable, and communities lose access to crucial services and infrastructure, which are key to local economies.

The current penalties for cable theft, outlined in Republic Act No. 10515, range from two to five years of imprisonment and fines between ₱50,000 and ₱100,000. However, Oxales emphasizes the need for these penalties to be much stricter to serve as a more effective deterrent, suggesting the crime should be classified as a serious offense. The potential consequences go beyond financial loss—cable theft also threatens national security by leaving critical infrastructure vulnerable to vandalism or sabotage.

As members of the construction industry, we share this news to raise awareness and encourage collaboration in advocating for stronger measures against cable theft. We rely on secure and stable infrastructure to ensure the success of our projects and the well-being of the communities we serve.

For more information, you can read the full article from MSN News and see how you can help support this cause.