Philippine Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012

The Philippine government has enacted Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 into a law under Republic Act No. 10175. The law, which was introduced by Senator Edgardo Angara and signed by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III last September 12, took effect last week amid protests from Filipino Media and Netizens.

The Netizens’ barrage of noise reverberated in the cyberspace.  Filipino Journalists, bloggers, facebook and twitter users, and even the folks hiding behind “anonymous”  made their protest known not only in the Philippines but all over the world.

But despite the howls, the Philippine government shoved its law down the throat of Netizens, effectively gagging them.

Okay, let’s calm down now.  Breathe.  What really is the problem?

Actually, the Law protects Filipinos from online bullying, sex predators, identity theft, and as well as the unsolicited advertisement.  Simply put, it’s very Good.  Excellent job Senator Angara and President Noy.

However there is a problem —- a huge one.

Yep, it’s really huge, because it affects 28 million internet users, and counting.  That’s approximately 30% of Philippines population (according to the World Bank).  And these Netizens had been enjoying the freedom in their turf, the Internet, until this Cybercrime law under the Libel provision.  If you roam around the Net wielding your sharp words (not sword) haphazardly, you can be prosecuted for libel with punishment of 12-year imprisonment.   Ugh, that’s harsh!

Why on earth the government wanted to silence this humongous crowd, or at least control their online freedom of speech?

The answer is simple. Only 3 words:

Protecting Politicians’ Reputation.

Senator Angara and President Noynoy

It is sad to note that Senator Edgardo Angara is the primary author of Cybercrime law.  He graduated from University of the Philippines (UP) in 1958 and University of Michigan Law School in the United States in 1964.  Later he became UP President from 1981-87.  “He defended the state university’s tradition of dissent and fiscal autonomy, while maintaining its reputation for academic excellence” (Wikipedia).  UP is the most prestigious university in the Philippines, producing intellectuals with highest critical thinking skills.  I thought Senator Angara was a strong proponents of Freedom of Expression.  I guess, I was wrong.

And for President Noynoy, not much I can say.  Instead, I would like to stress out the heroism of his father, the late Ninoy Aquino.  Ninoy was for Freedom and died for Freedom.

Sorry —-  Noynoy  is  Not  Ninoy.

_________________________________________

Update:  As of today, Oct. 9, 2012, Philippines Supreme Court Suspended the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. HuffingtonPost