Fate of Cybercrime Law in DOJ hands –Palace

With the seventh petition against the controversial Cybercrime Prevention Act filed on Tuesday, a palace official said the Department of Justice (DOJ) is well aware of the rights of every Filipino.

 

Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte assured the public that the Justice Department will continue to protect the rights of online citizens.

 

“[The] DOJ is very well aware of the rights of every citizen and we can assure you that those rights will be protected when it comes to matters that are raised under this particular law,” Valte said.

 

In spite of Justice Secretary Leila De Lima’s position that she finds some of the law’s provisions questionable, Valte made the statement, noting it is up to the Justice secretary to act on her personal opinions of the law.

 

“[It] will be up to Secretary Leila also if she will make those reservations known to the President,” the Palace official said.

 

De Lima’s made position on the law public after Senator Chiz Escudero noted the insertion of the online libel clause was a mistake.

 

However, according to the Palace official, the President was able to study the recommendations transmitted to him in the face of a looming deadline.

 

“Well, from what I understand there was a recommendation that was given to the President and that the President signed it. You have to remember that we’re also time-bound, 30 days ‘yan from transmittal,” Valte said.

 

Meanwhile, Valte also welcomed the petitions before the Supreme Court seeking to stop the implementation of the bill on October 3, saying there are proper venuse to air grievances.

 

“Some other netizens have resorted to engaging their legislators to file, and encouraging them to file amendments to the national Cybercrime Protection Act. So ‘yon po ‘yung mga venues na hindi counter-productive... so, at least ngayon nag kaka-engagement po,” Valte said.

 

Valte also reminded the public that any amendment to the law will have to go through the legislative process. “[We] will have to see. That is part of the legislative process that we will have to follow,” she said. — TJD, GMA News