I Hope Not To Be Jailed For This

The hottest topic in the Philippines at the moment is the controversial RA 10175 also called the "Anti-Cyber Crime Law". Social networking sites are flooded with opinions and rants against this law. I have read what other people thought about the cyber-crime law. But I have yet to read the full text of the law, so I suspend any judgment yet. (I will be finished, at this rate, tomorrow. I hope not to be jailed for a following post about assessing the said law.)

But a few observations and reflections on this current situation:

1. What's good in this whole situation is that the Filipino people are educating themselves and voicing their opinion. News programs are even handing out their opinions about the law. The full-text of the law is also available online so that people have proper access. The Philippines ranks high above in the global list of active social media users. I am hoping that people use the Internet to learn more about what they are voicing out against.

2. Most of the opinions that I have read so far are negative. From my observation, the flak is against the provision on libel. From the Revised Penal Code (Title 13, Chapter 1, Art. 353 || c/o ChanRobles.com):

Art. 353. Definition of libel. — A libel is public and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status, or circumstance tending to cause the dishonor, discredit, or contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is dead.

Art. 355. Libel means by writings or similar means. — A libel committed by means of writing, printing, lithography, engraving, radio, phonograph, painting, theatrical exhibition, cinematographic exhibition, or any similar means, shall be punished by prision correccional in its minimum and medium periods or a fine ranging from 200 to 6,000 pesos, or both, in addition to the civil action which may be brought by the offended party.

(A simple search of the term "libel" in the full text of RA 10175 yields only two results. It appeals to the definition of libel in the Revised Penal Code Art. 355. I posted Art. 353 because it goes together with Art. 355 but the whole chapter on libel is a necessary read.)

Pwede namang umangal. But let's be responsible and reasonable. Part of being responsible for what we say, with regards to libel, is to bring evidence and facts against the person incited against. Unchecked motives are the worst. Freedom of expression is not a license for the irresponsible use of words or actions.

[ADDENDUM: A friend observed, "Cybercrime simply put is bawal na officially ang hacking and libel online. Nothing new really." I share her sentiment.]

3. Everything can be misread, or misunderstood. To correct this, we must properly understand the context of what we read. So I will read the full text of the Anti-Cyber Crime Law before I voice any opinion against or for it. Not because I feel that I am better than everyone else, but this is the responsible thing to do.

But reading alone does not guarantee anything. A person who has the ability to read may not have the ability to properly comprehend what he is reading. He may read it aloud beautifully, but he may never come to understanding what he has just said. We must be able to put two propositions together. (I remember the reading comprehension exercises I had during high school. My thanks to my MaSci English teachers.)

But I fear that even with proper context, even with good reading comprehension skills, may mga magrereklamo pa rin talaga. Well and good, if they are convinced of the correctness of their position. But some people berate something just because they feel like it. Or specifically, they feel strongly against anything they do not like, regardless of its truth and benefit. (Further reflections soon.)