Media groups call for decriminalization of libel

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Press Institute (PPI) and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) called for the immediate decriminalization of libel Thursday.

“The government must act to prevent libel laws from being abused to prevent such violations to happen again, and there is no other way to do so but to review and amend our draconian libel law and push for its decriminalization,” the two groups said in a prepared statement released during a forum at a hotel.

The PPI said Jan. 31 marked a milestone in the campaign for freedom of expression as the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) released a resolution declaring the Philippines’ libel law discordant with the provision in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that upholds free expression as a right.

The UNHRC issued the resolution to answer a complaint filed by Davao-based broadcaster Alexander Adonis. The council ordered the government to provide compensation for the wrongful detention of Adonis, who was jailed for more than two years after being convicted on a libel case by former Speaker Prospero Nograles.

“We wish to discuss the implications of the UNHRC resolution and its impact on Philippine media, given that fellow journalists continue to be vulnerable to intimidation through criminal libel,” the PPI said.

The PPI and the NUJP called on members of media to lobby with Congress and Malacañang and to strengthen accountability mechanisms.