How the Philippines is Fighting Cyber Defamation with RA No. 10175

 

Photo by Odonata Wellnesscenter

Cyber defamation has become a growing concern in the Philippines as more people turn to the internet to express their opinions and thoughts. In response to this trend, the Philippine government has enacted laws to protect individuals and businesses from online defamation.

One of the key laws in the Philippines that deal with cyber defamation is the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 or Republic Act (RA) No. 10175. This law recognizes the importance of protecting individuals and businesses from online defamation and provides a legal framework for prosecuting cybercriminals.

Under RA No. 10175, cyber defamation is defined as "the intentional and malicious distribution of false information through the use of computer systems." The law also specifies that any person found guilty of committing cyber defamation can be punished with imprisonment for up to six years or a fine of up to 200,000 pesos, or both.

In addition to RA No. 10175, the Philippines also has other laws that address cyber defamation, including the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 (RA No. 9995) and the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (RA No. 8792). These laws provide further protection to individuals and businesses by addressing specific types of cyber defamation, such as the distribution of unauthorized photos and videos.

The Philippine government has been actively implementing these laws and takes internet defamation very severely. The government's dedication to punishing cyber criminals who spread false information online was demonstrated in 2020 when a Filipino blogger was given a six-year prison term for internet libel.

As more people continue to use the internet to express their opinions, it is essential to be aware of the laws in the Philippines that address cyber defamation. It is advisable to exercise caution and refrain from posting any defamatory statements online. It is advised to get legal counsel from an experienced attorney if you think you have experienced cyberdefamation or have been accused of doing so.