by pna
In view of the controversy on the implementation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 that took effect Wednesday, Malacanang has urged stakeholders to participate in the dialogue with the Department of Justice for the drafting of its implementing rules and regulation (IRR) of the law.
Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda, in a press briefing, said the Cybercrime Prevention Act was enacted by Congress to address legitimate concerns about criminal behavior on the Internet and the effects of abusive behavior.
"Questions have been raised about the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Act. We recognize and respect efforts not only to raise these issues in court, but to propose amendments to the law in accordance with constitutional processes," he said.
"We believe there is an opportunity for reasonable discourse between concerned stakeholders and the Department of Justice. This dialogue can address stakeholder concerns as the implementing rules and regulations are drafted. We urge the fullest and widest participation of stakeholders in this process," he added.
Lacierda noted that a law passed by Congress cannot supplant Constitutional guarantees on civil liberties.
"Let us bear in mind the law that binds us all: the Constitution. Our Constitution is clear and uncompromising in the civil liberties it guarantees all our people. As the basic law, its guarantees cannot, and will not, be diminished or reduced by any law passed by Congress," he said.
The Palace official, however, assured netizens that civil liberties, including freedom of speech and of expression, would be protected.
"The administration is equally adamant in upholding these liberties, which were regained at such high cost by our people. As the President said on September 27, the vigorous exchange of ideas that is the hallmark of a vibrant democracy, requires those who disagree not to oppress others," he said.
Lacierda pointed out that "no government entity has moved to deprive anyone of access to the Internet or to suppress civil liberties as exercised online."
In fact, he said, "what has taken place is that hackers who claim to be aligned with critics of the Cybercrime Act are the ones who have engaged in online vandalism, depriving the broader public of access to much needed government information and services online."
Lacierda has called on critics of the Cybercrime Act "to speak out against online vandalism and bullying with as much vigor and passion as they have expressed in their objections to certain provisions of this law."
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=55475.0
Topic: Abolish Cybercrime Law of the Philippines (Read 2647 times)