‘SC might take down controversial provisions of cyber law’–constitutionalist

MANILA, Philippines—A constitutionalist and former chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday said he believed that the Supreme Court would strike out controversial provisions in the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The Supreme Court building in Manila. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

“Palagay ko ang decision ng SC diyan ay tanggalin na yung mga provisions na controversial. I think finally yun ang mangyayari dyan,” Christian Monsod said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer’s Erwin Aguillon.

On Tuesday, the SC issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) suspending implementation of the said act for 120 days.

It has met various protests from militants, students, journalists, bloggers and netizens, who questioned its provisions, particularly the provisions on the increased penalty for libel, online libel, and the Department of Justice’s powers to block and restrict access to websites.

The groups have deemed the controversial provisions as violations to the rights to freedom of speech and expression.

Monsod, in the interview, cited world-wide movements to decriminalize libel, maintaining that civil cases for damages could be filed but not penal sanctions or prison penalties.

“Sa atin po merong mga batas na ganoon din. It’s about decriminalizing libel. Palagay ko in the end mawawala yang mga controversial and disputed provisions,” Monsod added.

For more on the interview listen to the attached audio clip from Radyo Inquirer 990 AM.