Manicad says he might reconsider stand on decriminalization of libel

MANILA, Philippines — Former broadcast journalist and now senatorial bet Jiggy Manicad on Tuesday said he “might reconsider” his stand on decriminalizing libel.

During a televised senatorial debate on Feb. 18, Manicad said he believes libel should remain a crime.

READ: Let libel remain a crime to prevent abuse – ex-journalist Manicad

“I might reconsider also my position,” Manicad said in an interview over ABS CBN Channel, when asked why he believes libel should remain a crime.

He explained that he is against labelling journalists as criminals.

“A journalist being labeled a criminal would be talagang masamang tingnan eh. Naglalahad ka alng naman ng katotohanan,” he said.

“Ayoko lang bina-brand na isang kriminal ang isang journalist,” Manicad added.

However, he clarified that there should be an internal regulation of the journalists to check abuses.

“Internally, o kaya within the bounds of the law, kailangan natin, meron tayong regulation. We have to have that responsibilty as well,” Manicad said.

“Because hindi ka pupwede na magsusulat ka, magmumura ka, babanatan mo, pero yun yung abuse ng freedom na ginagawa eh,” he added. /muf