Section 11Sec./Art. 11

Penalties. - The water utility concerned shall have the right and authority to disconnect the water services, five (5) days after service of written notice to that effect, except on Sundays and holidays, without need of a court or administrative order, and deny restoration of the same, when a prima facie evidence of theft or pilferage shall have been established in accordance with Section 8 hereof: Provided, That a notice shall have been issued even upon discovery for the first time of the presence of any of the circumstances herein enumerated: Provided, further, That the water service shall not be disconnected or shall be immediately restored upon deposit, by the person concerned, of the difference in the billing made by the water utility concerned: Provided, finally, That the deposit shall be credited against future billings, with legal interest thereon where the alleged theft, pilferage or current diversion has not been committed, without prejudice to being indemnified for damages in accordance with the Civil Code and other existing laws.

A written notice of seventy-two (72) hours is necessary to effect water service disconnection upon the discovery for the second time of any of the circumstances enumerated in Section 8 hereof.

Any person who shall violate Section 8 hereof shall be punished by imprisonment of six (6) months to two (2) years and a fine not exceeding double the amount of the value of the water stolen or the value of the damaged facilities: Provided, however, That if the offender is assisted in the commission of the crime by a plumber, officer or employee of the water utility concerned, the said employee, officer or plumber shall be punished by imprisonment of two (2) years to six (6) years: Provided, further, That if the water is stolen for profit or resale, the offender shall be punished imprisonment from six (6) to twelve (12) years.

If the offender is a juridical person, the penalty shall be imposed on the chairman, president, general manager, administrator, and the officers thereof who shall have knowingly permitted, or are otherwise responsible for the commission of the offense.