By Eugene Uy June 16, 2020 The Rappler CEO, Maria Ressa has been found guilty of violating Republic Act 10175 or better known as the Cyber...
June 16, 2020
The Rappler CEO, Maria Ressa has been found guilty of violating Republic Act 10175 or better known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act (Cyber Libel). Is it not ironic that the verdict has just been released a day or two after the documentary entitled “A thousand cuts” has premiered here in the Philippines last June 12 and 13.
The very subject of the cyber libel case was a 2012 article written by one of his researchers, Reynaldo Santos Jr. claiming that businessman Wilfredo Keng lent his SUV to former Justice Renato Corona. Yes, a private individual has filed a complaint but let us not forget that the Department of Justice is under the jurisdiction of the Executive Body. This not to imply that the judge might have been impartial with the verdict though.
Going back to “a thousand cuts”, the story talks about the freedom of expression. The documentary tells about the previous election, the Duterte administration’s war on drugs and how the internet affects our views and opinions. Anyone who would have the chance to watch it tells that there is no partiality created between the candidates of the administration and the “Otso Derecho” particularly Samira Gutoc who lost the senatorial bid. However, if we would take a closer look at the interpretation of the film, it would show that the administration promotes masculinity and berates the capability of women.
Yes, there would be a question of freedom of expression but most of all, there is a question of how some people particularly men made degrading comments about a woman who stands still and critic the administration, comments such as “Rapin na yang si Ressa”, “Igangbang na yan”.
Where does the issue of freedom lies? What is the limit? Isn’t it stated in the Section 4 of 1987 The constitution that “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances”. The term peaceably denotes that we should not deny the cause of peace. Section 7 states that “The right of the people to information on matters of public access shall be recognized. Access to official records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as the government research data used as a basis for policy development, shall be afforded, the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by the law. The news presented by Maria Ressa and her researcher is just to inform the public that a government official in the judiciary may have abused his power, which is subject for investigation. But why is she being condemned?
What is the difference then, between freedom of speech and freedom of expression? It is to note that the, Freedom of Expression get curtailed on the basis of it being hurtful without better reasoning or rationality. But, Freedom of Speech, which is based on logic, rationality and explanation, is generally taken seriously, even if it is curtailed by various countries or individuals.
Let us not forget then that we are human beings and we are created with logic and the right to think critically. So, before we speak we should think first because it might have certain negative implications and impacts. But, how will the young people understand it when one of the highest officials in our country degrades the capability of women and immorally talks lustfully about them. We then should not question the many rape cases that is happening because we clearly have the answer.
Moreover, we value the efforts of the government to stop illegal activities and prevent crimes. However, we should not forget that in this society there is a man and a woman that makes it whole.
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