PNP to enforce Anti-Cybercrime Law pending implementation rules

Almost two weeks after President Benigno Aquino III signed it into law, the new Anti-Cybercrime Act still cannot be implemented for now, the Philippine National Police (PNP) admitted.

 

PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) head Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said they are still waiting for the law's implementing rules and regulations, radio dzBB reported.

Implementing rules, more teeth for PNP  

The dzBB report on Wednesday quoted Pagdilao, a lawyer, as saying that without the implementing rules, they cannot implement the law for now lest they run into possible legal gray areas.

 

But he maintained that, once the implementing rules are out, they will give the PNP and other law enforcement agencies more teeth in going after cybercrimes.

 

Last September 12, Aquino signed the Anti-Cybercrime Act into law as Republic Act 10175. The law covers offenses ranging from hacking to child pornography. Criticism of the law

 

However, it also gained criticism from various groups due to its provision penalizing online libel. Critics claim it could be used to stifle free speech.

 

Under Chapter VIII, Sec. 29 of the law, the implementing rules are to be formulated within 90 days or three months after the approval of the Act.

 

Pagdilao said many of the cyber-related complaints the CIDG is handling include cyberscams, "libel," threats, hacking, and online pornography.

 

In the meantime, he advised victims, particularly of hacking, to keep their passwords private and not to give them even to relatives and close friends.

Recent arrest  

The last advice stemmed from the CIDG's recent arrest of a man who harassed his ex-girlfriend after hacking into her Facebook and email accounts.

 

Charged with 100 counts of hacking and anti-violence against women was Joewell Santos Chan, 28, who was arrested Sept. 18 for allegedly hacking into his ex's accounts and using it to threaten her.

 

However, a CIDG news release indicated the police had not charged Chan with the new Anti-Cybercrime Act yet. — TJD, GMA News