Revilla wants to outlaw discriminatory tagging vs. religious, ethnic groups

Highlighting affiliation of suspects and convicts to religious, regional, or ethnic groups in broadcast media must be punishable under the law, according to Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. on Wednesday.

Senate Bill No. 448 seeks to declare as unlawful to use — in print, radio, television, and other forms — words that would denote affiliation to these groups when referring to any person suspected of or convicted of a crime.

"Marahil ay nakarinig na kayo ng mga balitang naglalaman ng mga ganitong pagturing — Muslim na terorista, mandurukot na Mangyan, Tausug na pirata. Ang mga ganitong pagbabalita sa media ay hindi nakakatulong sa pagpapalaganap ng national healing at national unity," Revilla said during his sponsorship speech.

"Ang mga ganitong negative tagging at diskriminasyon ang nais nating iwasan sa ilalim ng isinusulong nating panukalang batas na ito," he added.

Violators of the proposed measure may face one month and one day to six months of imprisonment or a fine ranging from P1,000 to P10,000, depending on the discretion of the court.

Revilla said he filed similar measures in 2004, 2007, 2010, and 2013 but were left languishing in the legislative mill.

Senator Manny Pacquiao and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri manifested their intention to be made co-authors of the new bill. -- BAP, GMA News