Cybercrime Law implementing rules out next month

MANILA, Philippines - Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, will take effect next month after the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) are signed.

In a statement, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said the IRR will be signed on May 16.

“We want to ensure that dialogue and transparency are the hallmarks in the passage and implementation of any and all laws,” Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said.

The first round of public consultations with stakeholders from business, media, academe and civil society organizations was held yesterday, the DOJ said.

During the consultation, the Technical Working Group (TWG) tasked to formulate the IRR   presented the draft guidelines.

Justice Assistant Secretary Geronimo Sy, Office of Cybercrime head, said they are ready to engage with other partners after three government consultations.

They will spend the entire month of April holding consultations with members of the legal profession, foreign missions for international best practices, bloggers, and technology companies, Sy said.

The Cybercrime Prevention Act gives the government 90 days from the time it has become final to promulgate the IRR.