According to BBC News and Internet World Stats, there were 44.2 million internet users in the Philippines by the end of 2013. Laws like the cyber crime law were developed in order for the government to prevent cybersex, online child pornography, spamming and identity theft. The law also allows the government to seize any kind of information from an online account if online libel is suspected.
Philippines is one of the many countries that prosecutes its people under the offense of defamation. Press freedom is guaranteed under the constitution yet violence against media workers is growing. VPN Creative writer Paul Nash states:
"It could have been a great law penalizing cybercrimes and other illegal acts circulating all over the Internet if it wasn’t for the online/internet libel law that is deemed to limit the things that netizens can post on various online platforms."
The law rightfully charges those who participate in illegal internet practices like spamming and cybersex but it also restricts freedom of expression. Libel being part of the Cybercrime Law is the most controversial aspect of the law causing much debate and petitions against it. Filipino Senator Ed Angara speaking out in defense of the law said:
"Hitting the 'Like' button on Facebook does not make you commit the act of libel... Posting a comment where you get to share your thoughts is covered under 'protected expression.'"
At the same time, circumstances were seen where users were sued for posting negatively about the government or any public figure. "Liking" or commenting on a post like this can be used against them. Ironically, the Philippines is one of the social networking capitals of the world with 93.9 percent of the nation signed up to Facebook. In a country with such a large social media presence, it's hard to imagine laws prohibiting a users freedom of speech. These networks are set up on the premise of speaking your mind without any consequence but the Cybercrime Law definitely contradicts that.