CHR pushes for decriminalization of libel

Supporters and employees of ABS-CBN, the country's largest broadcast network, hold placards as they join a protest in front of the ABS-CBN building in Manila on Feb. 21, 2020.

AFP / Basilio Sepe

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights called on lawmakers to act on a bill to decriminalize libel as it expressed concern on how the country’s libel laws have been used to clamp down on press freedom.

In a statement Wednesday, the CHR stressed that the Philippine government, as a State party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), has the obligation to protect people’s rights to freedom of opinion and expression.

“When these rights are compromised, especially for journalists and critics, the government also cripples one of its informal feedback mechanisms that serve to inform and improve government policies and decisions,” the commission said.

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/21/2232371/chr-pushes-decriminalization-libel