Roque urges public to join petition versus online libel

CEBU, Philippines - University of the Philippines College of Law professor Harry Roque yesterday urged the public to take part in scrapping the online libel provision of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Roque made the call in front of college students and other participants of the forum organized by The Freeman as part of the activities in the weeklong celebration of Cebu Press Freedom.

Despite being a victim of cyber bullying himself, Roque still believes that there shall be no limit and restrictions in the usage of Internet and social media and that he still banks on the people’s intelligence in discerning on matters to post online.

He then advised the youth of today to maximize and use the Internet as the platform for airing out one’s opinion especially in crushing corruption in the government coffers and service.

“I have always been on the side of the millenials. I wish this (Internet) were available during our time. The solution is not to curtail it. I told myself, ‘you have been in the spotlight for years.’ People are intelligent enough to discern what to post. Let the marketplace flourish,” Roque said.

He also called on to broadcasters and print media practitioners to join and affix their signatures in the petition for mandamus in lieu of the Freedom of Information Bill, which has not been certified urgent by President Benigno Aquino III despite earlier verbal pronouncement.

A petition for mandamus, once approved by the court, directs every agency or office to disclose the information that the public needs.

Apart from teaching and practicing law, Roque also writes a newspaper column.

The “Online Libel: Freedom versus Responsibility” forum at the Marcelo Fernan Press Center was attended by students from UP Cebu, Saint Theresa’s College, Benedicto College, and University of the Visayas.

Partnering with The Freeman and Banat News in organizing the 2014 Cebu Press Freedom Week forum are GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation and Carmen Copper Corporation. — /FPL (FREEMAN)