Palace: No provision in new anti-terror law to regulate social media

There is no provision in the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 that will allow authorities to regulate social media, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay earlier suggested to include provisions to regulate social media in the implementing rules and regulations of the new law, arguing the platform is being used by terrorists to radicalize people and even plan terrorist acts.

“Opinyon po ‘yan ni General Gapay,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, a lawyer, said in a televised briefing when asked to comment on the new military chief’s suggestion.

“Binasa ko naman po ang anti-terror law, wala pong probisyon doon na magagamit laban sa social media. Ang meron po diyan ‘yung ating cybercrimes law. May probisyon po diyan pero subject po ‘yan sa authority na ibibigay ng ating hukuman.”

Some lawmakers also said Gapay’s proposal had no basis under Republic Act 11479.

Muntinlupa City Representative Ruffy Biazon said that it is not the intention of Congress “to cross the line of protecting freedom of expression and right to privacy.”

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, who voted in favor of the measure, said the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and Gapay’s suggestion will go beyond the real intent of the law.

According to Biazon, Section 16 of the law already allows authorities to go after terrorists who use social media for their propaganda through surveillance of suspects and interception and recording of communications.

He said that upon order of the Court of Appeals, law enforcement or investigators can have access to data and information that they can use in case building which could lead to the filing of charges against suspected terrorists. — RSJ, GMA News