Senator Jinggoy: No prison term for libel
by Karl John C. Reyes, InterAksyon.com
February 2, 2012

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada seeks the abolition of the penalty of imprisonment in libel cases, saying that such a stiff penalty curtails freedom of expression and threatens journalists and other media personnel who criticize or expose erroneous acts.

In Senate Bill 83, one of his priority measures, Estrada said that while a newsman may share his views publicly on controversial issues and individuals, he remains unprotected from the risk of imprisonment if convicted of libel.

Under the Revised Penal Code, one count of libel is punishable with imprisonment of up to six years and one day, and a fine of up to P6,000.

“This loophole is in direct opposition to the freedom of speech and should warrant necessary revisions,” the lawmaker states in the bill’s explanatory note.

“It is an irony that we call our country a land of democracy and yet we have the highest ratings of media killings and intimidation in Asia. Why should a reporter be penalized when he only speaks of the truth or when he voices out his just opinion to the masses who need to know what is going on?” Sen. Estrada said.

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