Online libel to have chilling effect on free speech: lawyer
- 5 years ago
Petitioners against the Anti-Cybercrime Law will ask the Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling on online libel. Lawyer Harry Roque believes the online libel provision will be used by the rich and powerful to curtail freedom of expression. He pointed out freedom of expression paved the way for the public to find out about the pork barrel scam and other scandals. He also decried the higher penalty for online libel. Roque bared that an icon of democracy will soon question the online libel provision before the high court. Meanwhile, Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares said there are existing laws that protect politicians from unfair public opinion without resorting to online libel. Bayan Muna has filed a bill decriminalizing libel. ANC Dateline Philippines, February 19, 2014