Gonzales: Amendments to anti-cybercrime law must be done now

Majority Leader Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — If amendments will be pushed for the Cybercrime Law, it should be done as soon as possible with the limited time left for the 15th Congress, House majority leader Neptali Gonzales II said on Tuesday.

“Anybody who wishes to amend must do it [immediately], but has to contend with the reality that time is fast running out in the 15th Congress,” he said in a text message.

Issues like the lack of quorum and limited time could derail efforts to amend Republic Act No. 10175 if it does not happen soon, Gonzales said.

Various petitions have been created by concerned groups and individuals who are against the cybercrime law, saying it seeks to curtail freedom of speech and over the world wide web. The Kabataan Partylist on Monday filed a petition asking the Supreme Court for prohibition and temporary restraining order against RA 10175.

Asked to comment on Gonzales’ statement, Kabataan Partylist Representative Raymond Palatino said he would file within the day a bill dubbed the “Internet Freedom Act of 2012” at the House of Representatives in an effort to repeal the new law.

“We will file the bill today,” said the partylist lawmaker, adding that he hopes the measure will be supported and certified as urgent by the leadership of the House of Representatives.