One-Year Prescriptive Period for Online Libel: House Bill No. 7010

[Full text of House Bill No. 7010, proposing a one-year prescriptive period for online libel, as defined under Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012). Incidentally, this prescriptive period of libel is one of the issues in the criminal case against Maria Ressa and Rappler (see Decision). Perhaps Congress should instead discuss the proposal to DECRIMINALIZE libel.]


House Bill No. 7010

AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10175 ENTITLED “AN ACT DEFINING CYBERCRIME, PRVIDING FOR THE PREVENTION, INVESTIGATION, SUPPRESSION AND THE IMPOSITION OF PENALTIES THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES” BY PROVIIDING FOR PRESCRIPTION PERIOD FOR THE OFFENSES PUNISHABLE BY SAID LAW, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House Representative of the Philippines in Congress assembled.

SECTION 1.  A new Section 8 is hereby added to the Republic Act 10175 to read as follows:

SEC 8. Prescription – The punishable acts as provided for in Chapter II of this act shall prescribe in three (3) years from the commission of the offense except Sec. 4 (c)(4) Libel, which shall prescribe in one (1) year from date of publication.

SECTION 2. The succeeding Sections are hereby renumbered accordingly.

SECTION 3. Repealing Clause – All laws, decrees or rules inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Ssection 4. Effectivity – This Act shall fifteen (15) days after the completion of this publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspaper of general circulation.

House Bill No. 7010, providing for a one-year prescriptive period for online libel
P&L Law

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