MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker proposed to ban and penalize the use of cell phones inside banks to prevent them from being exploited for illicit activities.
Bulacan Rep. Gavini Pancho authored House Bill 5033 or "An Act banning the use of cellular phones or similar devices inside banks and providing penalty for violation thereof."
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The bill or "Cell Phone in Banks Prohibition Act of 2014" is intended to avoid exchange of information among criminals inside the bank as what is being practiced in other countries. The provisions of the said bill would apply to all banks operating in the country, including bank employees, customers and persons inside a banking establishment.
Bank employees may use cell phones during lunch or break periods away from clients and work areas. During working hours, phones and other communication devices should be silenced and stored.
"Banking staff that will be observed using their cellular phones within the area of the bank in public view during official working hours must be immediately reported to the manager and security guard on duty for appropriate action of the banking management," the bill said.
Only medical doctors and emergency health care practitioners are allowed to use such devices inside banks in case of medical emergencies.
Persons who will insist on using their cell phones inside a bank will be punished by a fine not exceeding P1,000 and detention in the Barangay or Police station where the establishment is located. Bank employees who will not comply with the act will pay a fine of not less than P2,000 or face suspension.