An Overview of the Cybercrime Law of the Philippines

The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, officially recorded as Republic Act No. 10175, is a law in the Philippines approved on 12 September 2012. It aims to address legal issues concerning online interactions and the Internet in the Philippines. Among the cybercrime offenses included in the bill are cybersquatting,cybersex, child pornography, identity theft, illegal access to data and libel.[1]

Republic Act (RA 10175) was approved by PNOY last September 12, 2012. It is an act defining cyber crime, providing for prevention, investigation, suppression and the imposition of penalties therefore and for other purposes.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) shall be responsible for efficient and effective law enforcement of the provisions of this Act. The NBI and PNP shall organize a cyber crime unit or centre manned by special investigators to exclusively handle cases involving violations of this Act.

Benefits and Advantages of RA 10175

1. Business on the internet are protected with this law.
2. Cyber Sex and Cyber Bullying is now a crime and punishable. 3. Tech knowledge for government will be lift up to combat cyber crimes such as hacking and theft.

Pros and cons
* While hailed for penalizing illegal acts done via the internet that were not covered by old laws, the act has been criticized for its provision on criminalizing libel, which is perceived to be a curtailment in freedom of expression. * The local business process outsourcing industry has received the new law well, citing an increase in the confidence of investors due to measures for the protection of electronic devices and online data. * Media organizations and legal institutions though have criticized the Act for extending the definition of libel as defined in the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, which has been criticized by international organizations as being outdated:[6]the United Nations for one has remarked that the current definition of libel as defined in the Revised Penal Code is inconsistent with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and therefore violates the respect of freedom of expression

* Senator Edgardo Angara, the main proponent of the Act, defended the law by saying that it is a legal framework to protect freedoms such as the freedom of expression. He asked the Act’s critics to wait for the bill’s implementing rules and regulations to see if the issues were addressed. * Senator Teofisto Guingona III criticized the bill, calling it a prior restraint to the freedom of speech and freedom of expression. * The Electronic Frontier Foundation has also expressed concern about the Act,[11] supporting local media and journalist groups which are opposed to it.