Some lawmakers hopeful there is enough time to amend cyberlaw

Rep. Raymond Palatino. Photo taken from congress.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines– As the Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a temporary restraining order on the Cybercrime Prevention Act, some lawmakers are hopeful that four months will be enough time for Congress to amend the much disputed provisions in the said law.

Kabataan Rep. Raymond Palatino said that Congress should take the 120-day TRO as its “cue” to expedite the approval of repealing or amendatory bills to the cybercrime law.

“There is material time to amend the law. What is needed is support of congress leadership,” said Palatino.

“It’s possible if certified by the President as urgent, or if the House leadership considers it a priority measure,” said ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio.

Quezon Rep. Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III said that there should be enough time if both chambers act on it immediately.

Tañada, however, noted that the proposed changes might not be necessary if the magistrates act on the public complaints on their own. “There is a possibility that those particular sections that are being questioned may be declared unconstitutional by the SC. Hence, amendment may not be necessary,” he said.