Outcry has erupted in the Philippines over a recently passed internet freedom law that exposes users to prosecution related to libel.
The new law deems that even posts on social networking sites that have been deemed libellous can be taken to court, curbing freedom of expression.
Harry S. Roque, president of Media Defense South East Asiaamd law professor at the University of Philippines commented,
“It exposes Internet users to prosecution ... You can be sued. You can be forced to post a bond. You will need to get a lawyer. You can imagine the mayhem this can cause.”
“The Philippines has been a leader in Internet freedom... This law makes the Philippines at par with other oppressive regimes in Southeast Asia that imprison and intimidate bloggers.”
The law has sparked a barrage of protests, bloggers blanking out their photos online and at least 9 petitions filed in the Supreme Court calling for a temporary restraining order preventing the prosecution of anyone under the law.
Philippines was recently ranked 6th in the world for Internet freedom, by the US-based NGO, Freedom House.
