PNoy: Nothing wrong with online libel

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III believes that the Cybercrime Prevention Act's provision on internet libel does not curtail freedom of expression.

"Pipigilin ba ang freedom of expression? Hindi naman yata 'yun ang layunin," Aquino said at the sidelines of the presentation of a medium-rise building for informal settlers in Manila on Wednesday.

The President, who signed the law in 2012, said exempting those in the internet from being held liable for libel will violate the equal protection clause in the Constitution since there are already laws for traditional forms of media.

Aquino also reminded reporters that there are limits to the rights of citizens, including journalists.

"Ang turo sa atin noong tayo ay nag-aaral, your rights end where they impinge on the rights of others," Aquino said at a televised interview with media.

He said citizens should not fear online libel if they do nothing wrong.

"Kung tama naman ang sinasabi mo, bakit ka kakabahan dun sa libel na issue?" the President said.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court declared that Section 4 (c) (4) of the Republic Act No. 10175 or Cybercrime Prevention Act is constitutional.

The said provision penalizes acts of libel as defined in Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) committed through a computer system.

According to the high court's decision, only the "original author of the post" on a website of social media will be penalized and not those who simply receive the post and react to it.

The President said he has yet to read the Supreme Court decision in its entirety.

Lawyer Harry Roque, who represents one of the petitioners against the Cybercrime Prevention Act, said online libel infringes freedom of expression and may send discourage netizens from criticizing polticians and government officials.

Roque said they will asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling.

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