Militant groups rejoice over 'people power' vs Cybercrime Law

Rejoicing militants on Tuesday noon credited "offline and online people power" for the Supreme Court's (SC's) as-yet unverified decision to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

 

As of 1 p.m., the SC is still deliberating en banc and has not yet released any official statement on the matter.

 

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said credit for the TRO goes to all Filipinos who showed unity against the measure.

 

"Credit for SC TRO goes to all Filipinos who showed people power online and offline. Mabuhay kayo!" he said on his Twitter account.

 

Several groups held a program outside the Supreme Court Tuesday morning to protest the law, whose provision on online libel they said is a threat to freedom of expression.

 

On the other hand, Kabataan secretary general Vencer Crisostomo called on the Department of Justice to immediately heed the TRO.

 

"We welcome the SC TRO and call on DOJ to immediately follow the order. This is a strong message vs those who want to curtail civil liberties," he said.

 

Earlier Tuesday, hackers opposing the law had called on the people to mount protests both online and offline before the high court.

 

Since the law took effect Oct. 3, many groups had filed petitions before the high court seeking to repeal or at least amend the measure.

 

Hackers' groups targeted some government sites but stopped their attacks after learning some government sites that provided critical information were also attacked. — TJD, GMA News