Major problems like poverty, the lack of education or the continuous downfall of the economy were still waiting. Relevant issues like the R.H. Bill or the Divorce Bill were still pending and taking forever to be debated by the senate over and over again. All these, once again were ignored. Meanwhile, the government chose to pay more attention in creating turmoil over the internet. And this one, oh, only took a blink of an eye to be implemented.
I admit that I do not have enough information on current events or news lately, but when the internet is threatened; I am all for it. Today, all I did was sat in front of my computer and tried my best in any way I can (in that context, I mean through the internet) to support the protest against the Cybercrime Law and protect my rights.
Republic Act No. 10175 or The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 aka Cybercrime Law happens to exist because of our supposedly trustworthy lawmakers. When you read those words joined together 'Cybercrime Prevention', you will instantly think it is one of the greatest amendments of today. It's like music to your ears because you know there are cybercrimes and we know for a fact that we need new laws to prevent it. It covers address hacking, cracking, identity theft and spamming. It also indicates cybersex, pornography and (sucks, even) file-sharing. All these actually make sense, but then (purportedly) Sotto had to add online libel. Now, it appears as if the prevention act is just another front to hide the sole purpose of this law: silencing our voices. Clearly, Sotto is threatened by the power of the netizens after his plagiarism scandal. After shamelessly denying all accusations about his plagiarism act, he wants to take away the only medium we have to voice out our opinions in a way they can be easily heard.
I am no expert in law but I know our right for freedom of speech. The last time I checked we are living in a democratic society. However, the Cybercrime Law does not say so. It fails to benefit any Filipino citizens when freedom of expression and right to privacy are on the line. Only but the government profits from this. This is oppressive. And it is happening. Anything you post, tweet, share, comment or even like can be used against you. It has a punishment of a monstrously unjust 12-year imprisonment. Imagine twelve years in prison for stating a thought that the government did not happen to like. Or worse, simply liking a photo on Facebook about how pretty PNoy's bald head is.
This law's restrictions and parameters are not made clear enough. To our dismay, it seems as if it was not discussed thoroughly as it was passed and signed by Mister President and his senators in no time. Only two senators think there is something wrong with this law. For the love of God, what kind of senators do we actually have? What kind of President do we have? There are far more important problems the Philippine government is facing and they chose to focus on the internet right which should not be a problem at all in the first place.
Petitions and protests were not the only defiance happening against the law. Yesterday, every social media were flooded with outrage by Filipinos trying to protect their rights. I supported the bandwagon because I care. Because I have the right. Because it was our freedom we were talking about. It saddened and angered me to see that some people think so shallow and petty about the whole viral protest online. At least some people tried to participate and do something about it. Yet, the Cybercrime Law still took effect today, October 3rd. It was like a countdown to new year's. Only this time, it was a countdown to a new beginning of oppression.
The internet is powerful. Taking away the internet is taking away our freedom. Implementing this law is giving the administration more control over its people. I cannot stress enough how technology has changed our lives and given us easier access on everything. Which yes, may bring harm along the way, but everything has risks and dangers. BUT this law is not the answer. In a democratic country, suppressing freedom and silencing people will never be an answer. IT SHOULD BE AMENDED TO PROTECT, NOT TO OPPRESS. Internet has become a necessity. Of course, people will go berserk when you take ALL that away. I hope revisions will be done in the soonest possible time. Because this is like Martial Law -- Cyber Martial Law.
I admit this with shame, I voted for some of the senators who signed the said bill. Let us stop repeating these mistakes over again and vote for a truly deserving candidate. Let us not vote for the famous one. Let us vote for the one who makes a difference.
photo: in the city // Sony A300 (c)
The internet is powerful. Taking away the internet is taking away our freedom. Implementing this law is giving the administration more control over its people. I cannot stress enough how technology has changed our lives and given us easier access on everything. Which yes, may bring harm along the way, but everything has risks and dangers. BUT this law is not the answer. In a democratic country, suppressing freedom and silencing people will never be an answer. IT SHOULD BE AMENDED TO PROTECT, NOT TO OPPRESS. Internet has become a necessity. Of course, people will go berserk when you take ALL that away. I hope revisions will be done in the soonest possible time. Because this is like Martial Law -- Cyber Martial Law.
I admit this with shame, I voted for some of the senators who signed the said bill. Let us stop repeating these mistakes over again and vote for a truly deserving candidate. Let us not vote for the famous one. Let us vote for the one who makes a difference.
photo: in the city // Sony A300 (c)
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