Saturday, January 26, 2008 Official doubts if journalists convicted of libel can pay fines
CHIEF Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Antonio Apostol said it maybe difficult to limit the penalties of libel to fines as majority of the members of the media are "not rich."
Apostol said Malacañang, however, is leaving it to legislative and judicial branches to sort out and settle after Chief Justice Reynato Puno issued an administrative circular that advises judges to consider imposing fines instead of prison term for libel cases.
He said he expects some sectors to oppose the circular, which they could raise at the proper venue.
"Malacañang isn't going to do anything. The Palace will not do anything. Let the aggrieved parties file the case questioning it," he said.
Apostol felt that "responsible journalists" would not have any problem with libel as they adhere to the journalism ethics and do not abuse their "power."
Presidential Management Staff director general Cerge Remonde, who is a former president of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, said as a journalist he welcomes the limiting of penalties for libel to fines.
Remonde said he also welcome proposals to decriminalize libel but they are leaving it to the appropriate branch of government to handle.
He said even members of the media industry have mixed feelings with the proposed decriminalizing of libel wherein those who oppose it felt that the present status serves as a guide to avoid abuse of press freedom while those who favor decriminalizing it felt that it has been used a tool to harass the media.
Senate Bill (SB) 1403, which was authored by Senators Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada, Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Loren Legarda, proposes to decriminalize libel and makes it punishable only by a fine ranging from P200 to P6,000, in addition to the civil action, which may be initiated by the offended party.
Under the criminal libel at present, a convicted person faces up to six years in prison and a fine of up to P6,000. (JMR/Sunnex)
