‘Since both camps are intransigent in their respective positions, the owners of the closed websites may just go to court…’
AT the request of outgoing National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) blocked online access to at least 25 websites that are linked to the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front.
NSA Esperon explained his move, which later became controversial as netizens either slammed or praised it, thus: “Upholding and promoting the truth is a national security responsibility imbued with public interest. My letter, addressed to NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, dated June 06, 2022, expressed our concern for the welfare of the Filipino people who continually use digital resources as means by which to be informed and educated.”
It was the security adviser’s contention that websites that advocate the armed revolution against the state, dish out wrong information and biased commentary all in pursuance of their objective to see the downfall of the government, should be taken down, at least in that part of cyberspace that is under the jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines.
“The right to free speech is protected, even under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 – and should be used responsibly and for a good cause. Hate speech, unjust propaganda, and seeking support for CTG-affiliated organizations should be seen as separate offenses that need to be limited, especially in our country where misinformation remains to be addressed with care and consistency,” Esperon noted.
It is understandable that the usual critics of the government will call out Esperon and the NTC for this move. Some of the websites closed were even identified by the Communist Party as their own, such as NDFP, NDF, Jose Maria Sison, Philippine Revolution Web Central, Hiyaw, PRWC Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions, Compatriots-Revolutionary Organization of Overseas Filipinos and their Families, Save our Schools Network, Pamalakaya, AMIHAN National Federation of Peasant Women, Bayan, International League of Peoples Struggle, etc. Others on the list such as Bulatlat and Pinoy Weekly assailed the charge that they were publishing anti-government propaganda and asked to be delisted from the NTC order.
Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) condemned the inclusion of what it called “independent media groups,” saying it was an attack on press freedom and freedom of expression. “Blocking access to these sites leave a gap in discourse and in the flow of information, and highlights the threats posed by the Anti-Terrorism Law on the freedom of expression and on freedom of the press,” the NUJP said.
As more and more so-called experts are joining the fray in the continuing debate on the legality and righteousness of the Esperon-NTC restrictions, the authorities cited excerpts from the online posts that fell under the Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
Since both camps are intransigent in their respective positions, the owners of the closed websites may just go to court, as advised by retired Justice Antonio Carpio, and once again assail before the justices this latest implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
