Palace: Hacking NHCP website not proper way to relay grievances

Malacañang on Saturday scored the hacking of the website of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, saying this is not the way to exercise the right to freedom of expression.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government cannot condone the hacking of any website, regardless of what message the hackers want to send.

"Whatever the message is, we cannot condone the hacking of any website, hindi ba? The freedom of speech and a citizen’s right to redress his grievances... yung karapatan ng isang mamamayan na itanong sa kanyang pamahalaan kung ano na ba ang nagagawa sa isang bagay ay kailangang na-e-express within the limits provided by the Constitution and within the law," she said on state-run dzRB radio.

On Independence Day on Friday, hackers defaced the NHCP website with a message to President Benigno Aquino III.

Those behind the hacking questioned Aquino on whether he had done enough for the country, and asked him about his pledge to end corruption.

Also, they asked about justice for 44 Special Action Force members slain in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25.

"So kailangan po yung mga ganitong karapatan na-e-exercise natin with responsibility at hindi po doon sa ganitong pamamaraan. Marami naman pong ibang pamamaraan para maabot ang mga taong nasa pamahalaan kaya nga po tayo may mga feedback mechanism na," Valte said.

Besides, she said many government agencies and officials are accessible via social media.

"Kung sila lang po ang gusto talagang magtanong ay madali naman po kaming makausap at mahanap, considering marami po sa amin nasa social media na rin. So hindi po naman tayo mahirap maabot at handa naman po kaming sumagot sa mga ganitong tanong. Huwag lang po nating idaan sa mga ganitong pamamaraan," she said. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News