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Saturday, October 6, 2012

Cybercrime Prevention Act, Unconstitutional?

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A lot had been said and heard from the past few days until now about the Republic Act No. 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act.  From the various protests from the day it was signed and passed, to the various alibis of government officials of casting their votes in approval for this Act.  But why the alibis, isn't it necessary to read every provision thoroughly and question or clear every vague words along the way before you give your approval especially on making a decision on something as crucial as passing a law?  Or is it just their way to secure a place and regain the peoples' votes for the upcoming national election?

Personally, I'm not against crime prevention... rape, murder, robbery, graft and corruption, drug trafficking, all heinous crimes and everything that violates others right to live peacefully and freely... along with most of the people, I'm also against them without any doubt.  But just like a lady senator said recently, “I humbly predict that the Supreme Court will strike down the Cybercrime Act as unconstitutional. Otherwise, it will be a black, black day for freedom of speech...”,  I'm also not in favor of the very vague law.

In everything we do, there will always be those who will oppose no matter how good the intentions maybe.  But as government officials, they should see to it that the greater good must be taken into consideration.  Most of the people are reacting because they see that the new law will hinder their freedom to express their thoughts and speak freely.  Come to think of it, we are still a democratic country, right?  More, we created another law in favor of the rich and not for the poor and those who cannot defend themselves on court since they don't have the resources to do so.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not totally against this law.  There are really cyber crimes that need to be addressed and punished.  But our law makers must revise it and make it more specific, we'd rather have a very thick law as long as it is precise and clear.  And please, don't tell us again, you haven't read or analyzed some of the details or skipped some of the articles, because you are making laws that will govern our country and will affect our lives.  Every word and every detail, you should treat them with importance, it is just like giving importance to your people, to your country.

I hope the government will act on this as quickly as possible, to correct what is needed to be revised in this law, so as to regain the confidence and respect of its people and put everything in order to avoid further chaos... to put a stop to these various protests and to show the international community that our nation still upholds democracy, not just in words but also in action.  And in doing so, may the Lord be in your guidance.  Yahweh bless.

15 comments:



  1. The libel provision was coming from the henyo mind of Tito Sotto the plagiarist...oo pwede hindi...

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  2. very well said. im also not against this law as netizens really need this for crime protection as well but there are things that need to be revised. im pretty sure we can still improve things. great things always start with a small idea afterall.

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  3. They should have really made the law more specific and as things are, it would appear that the senators and even the president have not really read the law before passing it.

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  4. The bottomline is, the law could have been the result of pride and revenge. An emotionally driven law with the failure to let human brain override the heart.

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  5. Very well said, I guess everyone should be cautious enough to take their actions on the cyber crime law. Still democracy exist in our country. So it must be.

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  6. I support cyber law , I've been a victim of cyber harassment just a few months ago and even consulted a lawyer friend what provision of the law will protect me. But the law they passed on needs some polishing, and I hope so they will do it soon.

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  7. I wonder.. I don't know if this is a dumb question or what but, does this law also cover Filipino citizens living abroad? You are right, there really are cybercrimes that must be addressed so i also hope the lawmakers be specific on these.

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  8. It's really good that the Supreme Court has issued a TRO against this bill. Hopefully, they take the libel provision of the bill back to the drawing board.

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  9. My only problem with this bill is the Libel Clause, because it curtails Freedom of Expression. But with everything else, I'm cool. They should either amend it or get rid of it and create a better one.

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  10. I agree with you that this law amy have more advantages than disadvantages but it has to be reviewed and amended for everyone to see the relevance behind this controversial Cybercrime prevention Act.

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  11. One of the goals of cybercrime law is to protect the all citizens to any form of abuse that can be done via the Internet like hackers or spamming. But for me it’s hard to trace the true hackers.

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  12. Like Chilipina, it is the Libel Clause that we should be bothered about, yes it's clearly unconstitutional...other clauses is ok to have a hand at cyberbullying and other matters...

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  13. Laws should be instituted for the protection of everyone or at least the majority which comprises what is "good" in our society. A law however that has gaping holes may just be a venue for abuse.

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  14. True kay dyan Ralph... am not also against the prevention of crime things sana lang malinaw and sobrang disappointed ako about this issue na "overlooked" ang details. My gosh...they our law makers of a country.. it is really saddening and scary...

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  15. Cybercrime lawis one of the biggest issue this year(2012).Their are people who are against and pro cybercrime. But, I think that if this law would be allowed by the Supreme Court, people may get angry. Philippines is a democratic country.We can say what we want, but not to the point that we can hurt other people.

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