MANILA, Philippines — Journalists are reiterating the call for the decriminalization of libel in light of a case that has led to the arrest of a high-profile journalist for cyberlibel. The Cybercrime Prevention Act, Republic Act 10175, also includes a provision to punish online libel, as defined by the RPC. Libel law from the 1930sMembers of the Philippine press have long rallied for the decriminalization of libel, a law that has been carried over from 1932. Manicad however refused to comment on Ressa’s case, saying that it is already pending before the court. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, meanwhile, said that in his opinion, a civil suit for a libel case would suffice, but there is a fear that journalists would abuse it.

Source: Philippine Star February 18, 2019 04:36 UTC