Rights body to issue advisory on cyber law
Rosales questions libel provision, welcomes SC’s order
THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) plans to issue an advisory to the public on its comments on the muchcontested Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
“We hoped to intervene (in the review of the law by the Supreme Court). But the TRO (temporary restraining order) was issued,” said CHR Chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales in a press conference yesterday.
She told reporters that the commission is also critical of the law.
“Because it strengthens and reinforces the question of online libel provision, which was questioned by many,” said Rosales.
The anti-cybercrime law aims to put an end to hacking, identity theft, cybersex and online child pornography.
But, the law was criticized by many sectors for its provision on libel, which Rosales questioned.
“In some countries, libel has been removed or repealed. Libel is usually used to silence media practitioners, especially those who disclose corruption,” she said.
She welcomed the TRO issued by the Supreme Court and noted the unanimous vote of the justices favoring a review.
The order is good for 120 days as oral arguments are scheduled on Jan. 15, 2013. The court also ordered the government to respond within 10 days the 15 petitions filed in court questioning the constitu- tionality of the law.
“This gives us a chance to come up with amendments. We should work for the protection of rights where there is advance information technology available,” the former legislator said.
“The anti-cybercrime law should work to protect the users,” she added.
The hackers who showed their opposition to the law by hacking government websites are themselves violators of people’s rights, she said.
She said the ordinary citizen’s rights to access to government services and information are hampered.