Escudero files bill decriminalizing libel

Neophyte Senator Francis Joseph Escudero has joined his colleagues at the upper chamber in their call to decriminalize libel, by filing another measure that seeks to scrap the penalty of imprisonment for the said offense. Escudero filed on Tuesday Senate Bill 1403, which not only calls for the removal of imprisonment, but also of fines imposed on violators of the libel law. Senators Jose “Jinggoy" Ejercito, Aquilino “Nene" Pimentel and Manuel “Mar" Roxas II earlier filed measures decriminalizing libel, which they said would protect media practitioners from harassment suits. In a press statement, Escudero said his proposal seeks to accord greater protection to freedom of speech and expression specifically for writers and journalists. "The pressure brought about by libel is not limited to imprisonment but also the threat aside from fine, of having an existing criminal record in law enforcement agencies, and the courts," he said. He noted the restraint of liberty, the threat of harassment and intimidation can be used as a weapon by erring individuals, especially from the government, against journalists. "I have always espoused complete and fearless reporting on the excesses of government in the exercise of its powers and prerogatives thereby making the media a great service to the Filipino people by providing an effective mechanism on this" Escudero said. He, however, said the bill does not completely take away the remedies accorded by law against an abusive and irresponsible media since, like any other criminal offense, civil liability still subsists. Hence, an aggrieved party can always claim damages. The senator added that the need to reform the libel law is long overdue especially in the face of the country's continuous sinking in worldwide standing in press freedom compliance. - GMANews.TV