With numerous challenges against certain provisions of the Cybercrime Prevention Act, the Supreme Court has extended the suspension of the implementation of the controversial law. Several groups have raised questions about the constitutionality of certain provisions in Republic Act 10175. This case should not be allowed to drag on, like numerous others pending in court.
The nation needs a law against cybercrimes. Advances in information and communication technology have been a boon to terrorists, organized crime gangs as well as purveyors of pornography including child sex rings. Computer hacking, theft and the unlawful use of corporate and personal data in cyberspace have also flourished, with no specific laws to protect victims.
Critics of RA 10175 have expressed concern about libel provisions in the law as well as other potential threats to freedom of expression, with several provisions believed inserted at the last minute by certain lawmakers. Eleventh-hour insertions have doomed other laws in the past, including the Human Security Act that most law enforcers dare not implement.
If the questioned provisions are struck down by the high tribunal, the task of amending RA 10175 will likely be left to the next Congress. Deliberations will have to start from scratch, which means those waging the campaign against cybercrimes may have to wait a year or two at best before they can have the legal weapon to go after offenders. While waiting for the issues to be settled, authorities will have to find other ways of deterring cybercrimes. And parties involved should prevent unnecessary delays in resolving the controversies.