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Concern over internet law in Philippines

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Floyd Whaley, Manila – A new internet law has come into effect in the Philippines that critics say could lead to imprisonment for sharing Facebook and Twitter posts.

"The Philippines has been a leader in internet freedom," said Harry Roque, a law professor at the University of the Philippines and the president of Media Defence South-East Asia. "This law makes the Philippines at par with other oppressive regimes in south-east Asia that imprison and intimidate bloggers."

The Cybercrime Prevention Act sets penalties for a range of computer-related crimes including child pornography and identity theft.

But critics are concerned about the law's provisions related to libel, which in the Philippines is a criminal offence that can result in imprisonment.

Professor Roque said the law applied the existing legal definition of libel to the online activities of individuals. "It exposes internet users to prosecution," he said. "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."

At least nine petitions have been filed with the Supreme Court seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent the prosecution of anyone under the law. The court has said it will rule on the matter next week.