MANILA, Philippines — Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima is preparing to file a legislative measure aimed at removing criminal penalties for libel and cyberlibel, raising concerns that existing statutes are being exploited to muzzle critics and members of the press.
De Lima asserted that these laws “are being used by powerful and influential people to stifle dissent, attack press freedom, and weaken democracy.”
“Abuse of free speech should be met with accountability, but weaponizing our laws to curtail this right is excessive and unacceptable,” she added.
The lawmaker’s announcement follows the recent arrest of veteran journalist Philip Lustre Jr. over a cyberlibel complaint lodged by Atty. Manases “Mans” Carpio, the husband of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Lustre was taken into custody in Quezon City on October 24 and subsequently freed after posting a ₱48,000 bail.
Addressing the issue further, De Lima challenged those utilizing the legal system against media workers, stating in Filipino: “Huwag na ring magkunwari o magpalusot ‘yung ibang mga nagsasampa ng ganitong kaso para manindak at patahimikin ang mga mamamahayag.”
She also emphasized the distinction between genuine reporting and disinformation, noting: “Alam naman natin kung sino yung mga naninira lang at nagkakalat ng fake news and disinformation, at yung mga lehitimong media, journalists at seryosong nagtataguyod ng katotohanan at pananagutan.”