Lawmakers push decriminalization of libel

Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Manuel Roxas II are seeking the decriminalization of libel because it is allegedly being used by some influential people in harassing journalists.

Roxas wants to strike off from the statute books all criminal liabilities attached to libel and guarantee public access to information to advance freedom of the press and democratic governance.

Estrada said he would push for the approval of his bill decriminalizing libel and abolishing its penalty of imprisonment.