THE NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS of the Philippines supports the call to once again demand the scrapping of the Cybercrime Prevention Act, as the Supreme Court hears the oral arguments against the repressive law today, January 15, 2013.
Traditional, online, and social media operate under constitutional guarantees to free speech and free expression. We remain firm in believing that if executed, the law—with provisions stifling the very rights under which we function—puts journalists, free expression advocates and even the general public in danger of being criminally punished for doing our jobs and for exercising our rights.
We believe the law also threatens our rights to privacy, due process and equal protection.
We encourage reporters, editors, columnists and other colleagues in the media to join online and offline protests. Please change your Facebook and Twitter avatars to black. Wear black in solidarity; or go to the Supreme Court and physically register your defiance at the ongoing mass action.
At this crucial time, to stand up for free expression and free press is the only way to go. Say no to Cybercrime Law!
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