The Cybercrime law in 2014

MANILA, Philippines – Rappler talked to University of the Philippines law professor JJ Disini.

Disini is one of the lawyers who petitioned against the Cybercrime law in the Supreme Court (SC) in January of 2013. A year later, the SC has yet to come out with a verdict. (READ: SC oral arguments on #CybercrimeLaw)

First filed in Congress in 2001 as the Anti-Cybercrime Act of 2001, the law, with various amendments, was passed in 2012. (READ: The road to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012)

Its provisions raised alarms among netizens, the media, and government officials. Rappler was among the groups that took a stand against the law. (WATCH: We stand against the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012)

A total of 15 petitioners approached the High Court questioning the law’s constitutionality, including Section 19, the takedown clause. The controversial clause would give the Department of Justice (DOJ) the right to issue an order asking service providers to block access to content based on prima facie evidence. The law would also facilitate government surveillance and punish online libel with up to 12 years imprisonment.

What are the implications of a positive or negative decision from the Supreme Court? How will the cybercrime law protect Filipinos and address the growing problem of online sex trade and cyber bullying? (READ: NBI: Online sex trade cottage industry in PH)

Disini, a top technology law expert, helped lobby for the eCommerce Act, drafting its Implementing Rules and Regulations under the supervision of the Department of Trade & Industry, Department of Budget and Management of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. He is a founding partner of the Disini and Disini law office, also specializing in corporate law, litigation and intellectual property.

Watch the interview below.

– Rappler.com