Sotto defends cybercrime prevention law

 CEBU, Philippines - Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III assured the media that Cybercrime Prevention Act or Republic Act 10175 is not meant to suppress freedom of the press.

 "Contrary to the claims of my critics,  it was not meant to curtail press freedom, and I repeat, it is in no way meant to curtail press freedom, but to provide ordinary people who are victims of online attacks, character assassination and the like from people who do not observe the standards of journalism," he said.

Sotto was the speaker of the forum "2013: The Challenges Facing the Nation" organized by The Freeman and Megaworld at the Marcelo Fernan Press Center yesterday. 

The forum is part of the activities of the Press Freedom Week celebration.

He said there are no laws or few laws that protect victims of online harassments and attacks.

"If the mainstream media is bound by the rules to be accountable for what they air or print, then this levels the playing field for those who are non-journalists. Reputation, to most of us, is the only thing we've got. We should not allow just anyone to take it away from us," he said.

Sotto also explained that the insertions were not done because of his issues with bloggers and that online libel was already passed in the committee level in the last quarter of 2011.

He also clarified that he had no participation in the crafting of the anti-cyber crime law.

He only participated in the plenary discussions and the issue he raised was about cyber squatting, where he is also a victim.

Sotto also expressed support for the decriminalization of libel.

"Our libel laws are a reminder for us to be aware of our responsibilities and accountability, to exercise your awesome power prudently. I support moves to decriminalize libel, if only to promote a press that is free from harassment and intimidation.  Unfortunately, our laws still treat libel as a criminal offense and not as a civil offense-- the trend in other countries, which penalizes libel with fine and not imprisonment," he added.

Also during yesterday's forum, Sotto III assured the Cebu media that his bill, SB 41, which seeks to amend the Sotto Law to conform to the changing times will become a law.

"This bill is going to be a law.In that proposed measure, I sought to include radio and TV managers, producers, news producers, including those in the cable and online media, exemption from revealing their confidential sources. I filed the bill immediately after returning to the Senate after a three year hiatus," he said.

The Sotto Law or the Republic Act 53, which was authored by his great grandfather, the late Senator Vicente Yap Sotto, protects journalists from revealing their sources of news and information unless it involves national security.

 "I've always believed that a free media is best for democracy…I would be the first to oppose any measure or attempt to curtail press freedom. A free press is essential to a vibrant democracy, for without it, democracy is farce, like our experience during the Marcos regime," he said.  --- /MBG (FREEMAN)