Decriminalize libel

We condemn the infuriating arrest of anti-mining activist Perlita Garcia. She allegedly posted libelous statements on her Facebook page about the controversial mining activities in her province, Cagayan. We commend Ms. Garcia’s courage for doing so.

Ms. Garcia should never have been arrested.

Libel is an outdated measure that is used and abused by those who are afraid of the people’s inviolable right to communicate and assert ideas. It is nothing more than ideational impunity in addition to the material privileges enjoyed by the economic, political, and cultural elite. Thus, as our democracy deepens and as we aim at closing the gap between the powerful and the marginalized, it is but imperative to repeal our libel laws.

The decriminalization of libel is but a logical conclusion of this century’s innovations in communications technology. As freedom of expression becomes more and more realizable everyday through the Internet, legislators must face the truth: Our generation has become more conscious of our right and responsibility to air our grievances and assert our views on different issues. And any attempt to suppress us into silence will receive due public outrage.

We are in full support of Akbayan Party’s initiative to decriminalize libel by filing a bill in Congress. This should also in effect repeal the cyberlibel provision in RA No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Act. —