Decriminalizing Libel in the Cybercrime Law and Revised Penal Code

Janette Toral got quoted in news articles by PCIJ and Interaksyon for having a different view on moves to decriminalize libel. She shared insights at the Cybercrime Law hearing last March 3, 2014 at the Senate. (Thank you Arpee Lazaro for the photo.)

Snippets of her quote includes:

While most supported moves to amend the cybercrime law and enact a Magna Carta for Philippine Internet freedom, Janette Toral of Digitalfilipino defended the controversial statute and said government should be given a chance to prove its effectiveness before changing it.

“We cannot just amend the law immediately. It has to pass the test of time, prove its intention. There should be jurisprudence to prove that it is not working,” she said.

She said, “no amount of money can compensate the integrity of a person and if a person destroys the integrity of another individual it is only fair to send that person in jail.” (Interaksyon)

“Ako ay naniniwala pa rin na ang dangal ng tao ay hindi nababayaran. Pag sinira mo ang dangal ng tao, kelangan makulong ka,” Toral told the committee. (PCIJ)