Nonan, Carlos Dave M.

2AR-8 Republic act 10175: CYBERCRIME LAW

Technologys rapid development during the late 90s was a landmark in history that has changed the world, and until now it still continues to rapidly develop. Among the many inventions and changes that came along with the phenomena, the Internet has been one of the most iconic and famous development to ever touch the lives of everyone. It, in general, is a lot of things cramped up into one; a resource, a connection, a forum, a recreational activity, and an instrument, all with easy accessibility. It is considered a universe of sorts, as most, if not everything, is found here and it gives everyone equal opportunities to utilize it. As such, it is basically public property, as nobody owns it, yet everybody does. To take it away would be unfair for everyone. Today, the Philippines is faced with something that could endanger the Internet as a part of our lives. His Excellency, President Benigno Aquino III is considering the passing of a bill named Republic act 10175 or more commonly known as the Cybercrime Law, which encompasses any criminal act dealing with computers and networks, labeled as cybercrime. Additionally, cybercrime also includes traditional crimes conducted through the Internet. Examples of these are hate crimes, telemarketing and Internet fraud, identity theft, and credit card account thefts are considered to be cybercrimes when the illegal activities are committed through the use of a computer and the Internet. Basically, the Philippine government has extended the scope of the law to the Internet, and because of this, it is considered a major controversy and is now a hot topic in

the media and the public. One of the reasons why it is notorious is because it hinders our freedom of speech because of cyber bullying, which is the act of oppressing an individual through harsh text and words through social networking. Also, since the Philippines is a third world country, it is plagued with piracy, which the Internet is a catalyst of. In my opinion, the Cybercrime law is both good and bad because of one specific reason: it is an extension of the world. And in our world, both good and bad things are born in it. It hinders our freedom of speech and privacy in a more harmful way because of the advanced technology and the nature of the Internet, unlike the real world where everything is tangible and ungraspable because of its vastness. On another note, it is considered another aspect of the world, and in all aspects of it, justice and equality is a reality we all want to achieve. To not extend the law to the worlds cyber counterpart would provide an outlet for evildoers and criminals and their acts. In my opinion, the risks outweigh the benefits in the passing of this bill, yet that doesnt mean its passing is unjustifiable and wrong. Cyber bullying is a problem in its own right, as it has led to numerous casualties, and is morally wrong so to speak. I have no problem with the passing of this bill from my point of view, yet I am just a normal, law abiding student who respects the opinion of others, especially the ones who are affected greatly by this bill.