Blocked websites can appeal with DOJ
-A A +ATuesday, October 9, 2012
MANILA -- A senior official of the Department of Justice Tuesday shot down criticisms that the agency can arbitrarily use its power to block or restrict access to websites allegedly in violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Facing representatives from information technology industry and online users in a forum on the Cybercrime Prevention Law of 2012 Tuesday, Assistant Secretary Geronimo Sy said the intent of Section 19 may have been misinterpreted.
He said the government will only invoke the provision to rein in cybersex operations and terrorism.
"There is also a process of appeal so we can check our own authority," Sy said once a website has been blocked.
Sy is the head of the newly-created Office of Cybercrime under the DOJ.
All 15 petitions that have been lodged with the Supreme Court wanted Section 19 to be declared unconstitutional since it allegedly threatens the right against unreasonable searches and seizures.
The petitioners said such action can only be made through a court order. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)
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