14 DAY TRIAL // The recently introduced cybercrime law has sparked a lot of controversy in the Philippines, but the country’s president is determined to keep it just as it is, despite the numerous protests.
President Benigno Aquino claims that the section which focuses on libel should not be removed because it doesn’t matter how or where the defamatory comments are made, they’re just as bad as the ones published in traditional media, SecurityWeek reports.
Aquino has stated that he is committed to respecting the freedom of speech, but he stresses that such freedoms should not be unlimited.
On the other hand, the controversial legislation – which allows the government to monitor citizens’ online activities even without a warrant – is still opposed by many, including the United States’ Freedom House whose representatives fear that even Facebook Likes could be considered as libel.
Numerous petitions have been initiated and even hacktivists have become involved. Earlier this week, they breached and defaced several public websites operated by the Filipino government.