Press Release
August 1, 2007

CHIZ' BILL COMPLETELY DECRIMINALIZES LIBEL
All penal provisions removed

Libel by means of writing and other similar means will be reduced into a mere civil case once Senator Chiz Escudero's Senate Bill No. 1403 ( S.B. 1403) is enacted into law. Escudero is pushing for the decriminalization of libel as provided for under the Revised Penal Code.

S.B. 1403 seeks to repeal or modify all laws, executive orders, decrees instructions, rules and regulations treating libel as a criminal offense. While most of the existing proposals against libel simply remove the penalty of imprisonment Escudero on the other hand pitches for the revocation of both imprisonment and fine.

Escudero said his proposal seeks to accord greater protection to freedom of speech and expression specifically those done by writers and journalists.

"The pressure brought about by libel is not limited to imprisonment but also the threat aside from fine, of having an existing criminal record in law enforcement agencies, and the courts;"

Escudero said the restraint of liberty, the threat of harassment and intimidation can be used as a weapon by erring individuals especially from the government against journalists. "I have always espoused complete and fearless reporting on the excesses of government in the exercise of its powers and prerogatives thereby making the media a great service to the Filipino people by providing an effective mechanism on this" Escudero said.

Escudero however said that this bill does not take away completely the remedies accorded by law against an abusive and irresponsible media since, like any other criminal offense, civil liability still subsists. Hence, an aggrieved party can always claim damages.

The senator added that the need to reform our libel laws is long overdue especially in the face of the country's continuous sinking in worldwide standing in press freedom compliance. In 2006 the Reporters Without Borders described it in its Worldwide Press Freedom Index, ranking the Philippines 26th worst violator of press freedom among 168 countries worldwide.

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