CHR backs decriminalization of libel and cyber libel
Published Jan 28, 2026 04:34 pm
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urged Congress to expedite the passage of legislation that would decriminalize libel and cyber libel to empower communities, protect watchdogs, and “ensure that civic participation remains free from fear.”
The CHR said that imposing imprisonment for libel and cyber libel undermines freedom of expression, weakens press freedom, and enables legal harassment against journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens.
It noted that in the 20th Congress several legislations have been filed to remove imprisonment for either libel, cyber libel, or both, and replace them with proportionate civil remedies.
It said that in the House of Representatives there are three measures -- House Bill No. 1188 by Rep. Brian Poe Llamanzares, House Bill No. 441 by Reps. Antonio Tinio and Renee Co, and House Bill No. 6187 by Reps. Rufus Rodriguez and Maximo Rodriguez.
It also said that in the Senate, there are three proposed legislations --- Senate Bill No. 810 by Sen. Loren Legarda, Senate Bill No. 476 by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, and Senate Bill No. 250 by Sen. Erwin Tulfo.
The CHR said: "The Commission urges both chambers of Congress to consolidate and prioritize these legislative initiatives consistent with international human rights standards."
To support the reforms, the CHR has recommended the amendment of Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code and Section 4(c)(4) of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 to remove imprisonment as a penalty for libel and cyber libel while retaining the imposition of civil liability for proven defamatory statements.
It said the reforms will ensure that remedies for reputational damage remain while adopting civil remedies for defamation, providing human rights–based training for law enforcers and the judiciary, enhancing protections for media workers and human rights defenders, and facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations to revisit defamation laws.
It also said: "Ultimately, this issue goes beyond law and policy. It affects the ability of every Filipino to speak, participate, and hold power to account.”