PHILIPPINE SC SUSPENDS CONTENTIOUS CYBERCRIME LAW; ORAL
ARGUMENTS JAN 15
[PHOTOS:
OFFICIAL LOGO &THE SUPREME COURT OF THE PHILIPPINES]
MANILA, OCTOBER , 2012 (NEW YORK TIMES) By FLOYD WHALEY - The Supreme Court of the Philippines
on Tuesday suspended a new Internet law that critics had said could lead to
imprisonment for sharing posts on social media.
"We respect and will abide by it," Justice Secretary Leila de Lima wrote
Tuesday in a text message to reporters, referring to the court's unanimous
decision to suspend enforcement of the law for 120 days. "Our advocacy for a
safe cyberspace and interdiction of organized crime will continue."
Fifteen petitions had been filed with the court opposing the Cybercrime
Prevention Act of 2012, which took effect on Oct. 3. A spokeswoman for the high
court, Maria Victoria Gleoresty Guerra, said the government had 10 days to file
an initial response to the petitions. Oral arguments are scheduled for Jan. 15,
she said.
The law establishes penalties for various computer-related crimes, including
child pornography, identity theft, online fraud and illegally accessing computer
networks. It also makes online libel punishable by imprisonment, which critics
said could result in the criminalization of common activities like sharing
Facebook and Twitter posts.
Critics also said that the law gives the government wide-ranging powers to
access information on Internet users and to block Web sites. The law's passage
was followed by a public outcry, including street protests, social media
campaigns and the hacking of government Web sites.
Senator Edgardo J. Angara, the author of the legislation in the Senate, said
he welcomed the suspension so that the law could be publicly debated and better
understood.
"I'm not disappointed," Mr. Angara said. He added later: "What the Cybercrime
Prevention Act does is only to regulate socially destructive acts, because you
cannot enjoy your right fully and confidently if others have an equal right to
interfere with your right."
Others pledged to fight until the law is repealed or struck down by the
Supreme Court. "A temporary restraining order, unanimously issued, is the first
victory in our battle to defend our freedom and right of expression," said
Senator Teofisto D. Guingona III, who had voted against the measure. "For a
court to issue a T.R.O. unanimously is a strong message of its belief that the
dangers and fears of the people are real and must be addressed."
Human Rights Watch on Tuesday called for the high court to strike down the
law and for any new Internet legislation to be debated in a transparent manner.
"All provisions in Philippine law that allow for imprisonment for peaceful
expression should be repealed," said Brad Adams, the advocacy organization's
Asia director.
Chief News Editor: Sol
Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE
NEWS ONLINE
All rights reserved
PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS
ONLINE [PHNO] WEBSITE
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