AIJC's Dr. Braid on the controversial Cybercrime Law

In line with the big protests against the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, the Asian Institute of  Journalism and Communication is reposting Dr. Florangel Rosario Braid's column, first published by the Manila Bulletin. 

To read the original entry, click here. 

Students oppose the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. (Photo by Janess Ann J. Ellao / Bulatlat.com)

Pagbabago
Florangel Rosario Braid

A threat to freedom of expression

At first glance, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 or RA No.10175 seems innocuous. Who would not support a law that would regulate cyberspace for the purpose of eliminating hacking, child pornography, and scams?  Several friends including myself who had been victimized by hackers engaged in identity theft would welcome a law that would clean up the Internet. But what we had not foreseen was the stealth, the sneakiness in the process – that it was passed without due consultation and that it allowed at least a certain legislator to insert sinister provisions which would undermine the Constitution. Criminalizing online libel certainly negates the provisions on freedom of expression and of the press.

Section 4 of Article 4 of the bill which was reportedly inserted by Senator Sotto is considered a threat to all civil rights advocates as it includes “the unlawful or prohibited acts of libel as defined in Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended through a computer system or any other similar means which may be devised in the future”. As lawyer Mel Sta. Maria of News 5 explains, libel is a content-related offense which can be committed by anybody using the computer. A blogger or commentator in Facebook or Twitter who now enjoys considerable freedom may now be constrained from expressing his or her thoughts in the social media.

Article 355 of the current Revised Penal Code prohibits libel in various channels of communication – writing, lithography, engraving, radio, phonograph, painting, theatrical and cinematographic exhibitions. It is based on the libel law which is now 80 years old, one described by the UN Human Rights Council as “excessive.” In fact, sometime last year, right after the UNHRC decriminalized libel, ordered a local journalist immediately released, and sent a delegation to the country to meet with the President and other officials, we thought that our government had agreed to move towards the direction taken by the UN agency. But, we were mistaken. A perusal of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights would show that it is incompatible with the Cybercrime law provision on libel.

This new law, including the recent passage of the Data Privacy Law last August saddens local civil rights advocates especially since these two bills were passed into law ahead of the Freedom of Information Act which had been bypassed by the past 13^th and 14^th Congress – a period of over 12 years.

The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility fears that this law may arm an unscrupulous regime with tools to suppress freedom of expression. CMFR also believes that the Aquino administrative is now more “restrictive”: rather than expansive when it comes to enshrining principles of accountability, transparency, and press freedom, the hallmarks of P-Noy’s “daan na matuwid”. NUJP (National Union of Journalists in the Philippines) says it even broadens the scope the “antiquated” libel law.

But what appears most bothersome, according to Kabataan Party List president, James Ridon is the provision found in Section 6 - where all offenses defined under the Revised Penal Code and special laws committed through information communication technology (ICT) shall be imposed with a penalty one degree higher than that provided for in the Code of ethics There is no definition of ICT, and thus, it can be inferred that it includes all platforms – blogs, networking sites, and websites.

Critics say the law could justify the shutdown of websites critical to the government even without a court warrant. An international advocacy group for the defense of digital freedom – the Electronic Frontier Foundation, had joined our local advocates in expressing concern on the law’s effect on freedom of expression.

The agencies mandated to implement the law – the Departments of Science and Technology, Justice, and Interior and Local Government must delay action towards its implementation as the voices of the people must be heard. We still have to await action on Senator TG Guingona’s plan to have either to have the law amended or to question it before the Supreme Court.

Now is the time for the community of citizen journalists and netizens to come together and protest the unconstitutionality of the Cybercrime Prevention Law of 2012. 

Tañada continues support for Freedom of Information bill

The Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication welcomes Deputy Speaker Erin Tañada's continuing commitment to the Freedom of Information bill. 

In the lawmaker's statement, he said he is not going to give up on his support for his pet bill and advocacy, the controversial Freedom of Information bill for the 15th Congress of the House of Representatives.

"Aside from the 117 solon-signatories willing to see this bill towards its eventual passage, the grassroots clamor led by the 'Right to Know' coalition is picking up.  Lawmakers are genuinely committed
to see this through and there are others who would have signed the manifesto but just didn’t make it to printer.  There is definitely still time after the budget bill is taken up," Tañada said. 

“Concerns about media abuse may be addressed as long as a committee hearing is conducted.  We are the lawmakers here, not the press. Safeguard provisions are already drafted for everyone’s
consideration," he added 

"Let us not create demons in our own minds as we have full control of the final language of the law.  Let’s all
keep our eye on the ball -  focus on the fundamentals that this bill stands for – transparency, accountability and participatory governance,” Tañada said.

Graduate students attend talk on comm planning

Graduate students of the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication attended the recent discussion of AIJC President Ramon Tuazon on communication planning. Here are some of the thoughts of the students after the talk:

"Today's session is very helpful for my current job. It helps me to further develop my skill for communication and media relations." -- Cha Capili

"It was already halfway when I thought of getting my notebook to take down notes because Mr. Tuazon's tips on how to make objectives was so relevant and important. I learned that when the objective is right, the whole communication plan is also right and complete." -- Kim Lineses

"C4D is essential especially to a communication specialist in order to address issues and concerns in an organization and on local and national issues. Communication planning is an important tool which will direct issues to solutions to prevent or avoid complexity of the problem. Monitoring and evaluation is vital in assessing and measure the efficiency of the communication plan." -- Patti Morales

Local govt encouraged to do GHG inventory -- PLLENRO

Interested applicants on the upcoming “Pioneering Local Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory and Management to Address Climate Change” in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on August 8-12, 2012 may now contact the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication for a slot.

The convention is a project of the Philippine League of Local Environment and Natural Resources Officers, Inc. and the USAID-Clean Energy Project to provide a venue where local government units who have already started their greenhouse gas inventory to share their experiences with other places and as well as with nongovernment organizations.

“All cities and municipal LGUs are encouraged to do their GHG inventory as a means of mitigating climate change. I urge these LGUs to send their environment officers to participate in this important event,” PLLENRO President Danilo Villas said in a statement.

A greenhouse gas inventory, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, is an accounting of greenhouse gases emitted to or removed from the atmosphere over a period of time. Policy makers use inventories to establish a baseline for tracking emission trends, developing mitigation strategies and policies, and assessing progress. An inventory is usually the first step taken by entities that want to reduce their GHG emissions.

An inventory can help local governments identify the greatest sources of GHG emissions within their jurisdiction, understand emission trends, quantify the benefits of activities that reduce emissions, establish a basis for developing a local action plan, track progress in reducing emissions, and set goals and targets for future reductions.

 International experts will discuss GHG Inventory and Management to help members prepare their respective Local Climate Change Action Plans.

Interested participants may contact AIJC’s, Mae Lubid or Imelda Samson at (02) 740-0396 or text Ms. Bing Germino at telefax no. (049) 530-0015 or Ms. Linda Creencia at tel. no. (049)530-0015 loc.4401 or mobile no. 0916-378-1289 or e-mail pllenrotagumgenass@yahoo.com.ph.

FOI Update: Senate tackles Freedom of Information Bill

Media groups and advocates have been pushing for the Freedom of Information bill for some 15 years already. Finally, the senate is set to tackle the much awaited and highly anticipated bill. Below are some of the latest news clips on the update:

FOI bill reaches Senate plenary 


MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Teofisto Guingona on Monday vowed full support for the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill because he believes that people can work with government for reforms and accountability only if they are armed with relevant information.


“If we want people to effectively participate in government, transparent and accessible information are vital. An FOI law is both a blessing and a challenge to good governance. If people have the right information, they must learn to use the same to contribute to nation-building,” Guingona said.

Guingona’s full support for the FOI law stems largely from his belief that access to information must not depend on the absolute discretion or even on the whims and caprices of heads of government agencies. (Click here to read more)



Information bill gains ground as Senate starts plenary talks


"Government is an instrument owned by the people, and all information in the custody of the State should be available for the people to access," Senator Gregorio B. Honasan, public information and mass media committee chairman, said in his sponsorship speech, recommending approval on second reading of the Freedom of Information (FoI) bill. Senate Bill (SB) No. 3183 or the proposed People’s Ownership of Government Information (POGI) Act of 2012, mainly adopted the Executive’s proposal that was transmitted to Congress in January. (Click here to read more)


22 senators endorse FOI bill; House move awaited

Twenty-two senators have signed a committee report submitted by Sen. Gregorio Honasan endorsing plenary approval of the long-awaited Freedom of Information bill, a move seen to put pressure on the House of Representatives, which has yet to hold hearings on its counterpart version of the bill.

“Only when the people are empowered with information and the truth can there be genuine democracy and ownership,” Honasan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, said in sponsoring the bill for plenary deliberations at yesterday’s session. (Click here to read more)

AIJC mourns death of Isagani Yambot, a passionate teacher

The Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) has lost a committed and valuable teacher in the passing of Isagani “Gani” Yambot.

Gani was passionate in sharing his skills with young journalists and communicators inside and outside the newsroom. He was among the pioneer teachers of the AIJC. He was an easy favorite among our graduate students because of his expertise, humor, and humility. We fondly recall his early teaching days when he would read his jokes from a written script. Much later, his lectures and jokes would come spontaneously. 

The lessons the “students” learned from Gani in the classrooms and newsrooms will continue to guide them in pursuing the noble profession of journalism. This is one way of honoring Isagani Yambot - teacher, journalist, friend.

*Speech delivered by AIJC President Ramon Tuazon on Isagani Yambot's wake. 
*Photo by Janess Ann J. Ellao / Bulatlat.com

AIJC graduate and her thoughts after earning her Masters degree

The Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication handed for the first time to Therese Patricia C. San Diego the highest recognition given to graduates during its Pearl Graduation last January 30, 2012.  San Diego garnered a GPA of 1.23.

In this blog, San Diego shares some of her thoughts now she's finished with the degree, the importance of taking up continuing studies, her memorable experiences during her stay with the AIJC Graduate School and her future plans.

Therese Patricia C. San Diego accepts the challenge of being
an artist of encouragement (Photo by Paul Anthony Alaras)

1. Why is it important to take up continuing studies?

Continuing studies, particularly in Communication and Journalism, are crucial in equipping communicators and journalists with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond to the ever-evolving society’s communication needs.

With the influx of new and emerging communication technologies, we now have a number of options for information exchange and collaboration, such as participatory journalism, social networking, and peer-to-peer file sharing, among many others. We need to learn how to maximize these innovations and use them responsibly. But more importantly, we need to learn how to bridge the digital divide, which these new technologies continue to widen.

Thus, our education does not end with an MA. It does not end with a PhD. We need to continue learning and sharing to keep up with the world, and to keep the world going.

2. What were your memorable moments, both good and bad, during your stay in AIJC Graduate School? 

One of the most memorable moments I’ve had at AIJC was the Cross-Cultural Communication class trip to Bangkok, Thailand, which I wrote about on my blog. We witnessed a monk’s ordination, visited the biggest pagoda in Thailand and sampled the incredible food (the Miang was my favorite!) My classmate Louise Lizano and I even got to ride an elephant and an ox cart and visit the Naew Narok Waterfall on our free day!

My writing assignments in my other classes were also very memorable. I really allotted time to do my papers, whether they were weekly assignments or final reports, because I enjoyed the process and learned so much during my research. Some people assumed I had a lot more extra time since I also worked for AIJC, but my job actually requires me to work long hours with our tight deadlines and overlapping projects. It was just about time management. Plus, my love for both work and school helped me meet my deadlines.

How do you feel now that you have finally earned your MA?

Ecstatic! I was not aware that honors were given in graduate school. I was already very happy about graduating early, but the award was definitely an awesome bonus!

Why did you decide to take up a Master's degree at AIJC? 

AIJC is one of the pioneers in communication education in the Philippines. Its track record in communication research and impressive clientele of multinational organizations and national government agencies give the institute a highly competitive edge over other communication schools. There are only a few others in the country, and based on its record of accomplishment and reputation, AIJC is, I believe, one of the best. True enough, the classes did not disappoint. I won’t mention favorites but most if not all of my professors’ knowledge and expertise were unquestionable. Each class was a treat!

What are your future plans?

In terms of career and academics, I will continue doing communication research, writing freelance for magazines and websites, and maintaining my blog. My mentors are urging me to pursue a doctorate degree and teach as well, but since my plate has gotten fuller at work, those will have to wait—but not too long, I hope! (AIJC)