Several members of the House of Representatives have expressed support for reviewing Philippine libel laws, following the arrest of veteran journalist Philip Lustre Jr. in connection with a cyber libel complaint. On October 28, Mamamayang Liberal Representative Leila de Lima announced plans to introduce legislation decriminalising libel. Bicol Saro Representative Terry Ridon also supported a legislative review of libel and cyber libel provisions, according to News5.
The proposals seek to address concerns that criminal defamation laws can be used to discourage reporting and criticism. Existing legislation allows criminal penalties for libel, while cyber libel is covered by the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The debate follows Lustre’s arrest over a complaint that his lawyer identified as having been filed by Manases Carpio, the husband of Vice President Sara Duterte. Carpio had not publicly responded to that account at the time of the News5 report. The proposed reforms remain legislative initiatives, not enacted changes, and any revision would require congressional approval and presidential action.
