A letter from a soon-to-be-cyber-criminal

The Republic act 10175 will take effect tomorrow. As a normal Filipino, I am nothing but happy that computer-related crimes such as fraud, defamation, threat and child porn should be prevented but as a blogger and nationalist , I am honestly not happy about the insertion of this specific clause - Section 19 or the libel clause, a part responsible why people tagged RA 10175 as "cyber martial law" . I am no political person, but me and my family are true-blooded Aquino supporters. Mr. President, you are a living testament of freedom - a freedom that has caused your fathers death. A freedom that has rewarded you the highest position in this country. The people loved you as you are. Internet has been a very helpful device for us to show our support and encourage people to vote for you. Yes, there may have been cases that you became a victim of netizens bashing offensive comments but it never degraded you as a person nor diminished your supporters' respect in you . So why use this clause as a "prevention". We are all entitled to know the truth. And the truth is not always good. Being responsible is always best. Shutting up is not always lawful. There are times that the people who cry for help are the ones who deserve to know the truth. Do we bury the saying "This is a free country?" The libel clause itself is a crime, a crime that we will commit to our future generation because this is deprivation of freedom - to know the truth because of the fear to be libellous. Definitely, I will not. I respect the law but I will still exercise my right to freedom of expression. Mr. President, your parents are the founders of freedom in this country. I was born after the death of your father, but I am fully aware of his legacy. The legacy to speak the truth and the right to say NO. Whatever happens tomorrow, I just want to let you know that the people who will soon commit the cyber crime - intentionally or not, are the same people who love the country with full confidence of the constitution. They were the first one who got disappointed. Again, the truth is not always good. Obstructing people to speak the truth is a mere representation that democracy is dead. I may have a little knowledge about law but I am sure, RA 10175 is still amendable. Come on Mr. President. Save your people. We are the children of democracy. Don't let another selfish law maker rule and destroy our liberty. Before writing this, my father said to me" Don't do it. Just focus about looking for a job. Any way, you are here in Australia and you are least affected unless you will commit it." He may be right, publishing this blog may not help me in that case but I am still a citizen of the Philippines and I still count as one voice. Mr. president, just like tonight, there will always come a time that you will not abide your father but I am very confident, that you, as the father of this nation will not in a way destroy your father's name. Gob Bless the Philippines!

happy mother's day!

Kudos NTC!!! :)

Last May 2, 2012, while he was about to get out of LRT 1, my younger brother's phone (HTC sensation) was stolen. He wasn't sure about who actually snatched it from him, but he suspected that more than 2 men did the crime. He recalled that he got hit by one of the suspect's elbow, then when he checked his phone in his pocket, it's gone and so are they. That same day, we report the incident to the police assigned in the station. And also to LRT authority. We requested for the CCTV recording copy of the 9:25am arriving train inside UN station. On May 4, 2012

, I went to National Telecommunications Commission located at BIR road, eliptical road, Diliman Quezon City. I reported the incident. Presented the receipt of the purchase, the box (with IMEI number), my valid IDs, and I requested them to block the phone's usage and so as the mobile number of my brother. After 3 days, I made a follow up call, and they assured me that the phone and the number can no longer be used. I am pretty amazed by their assistance when I was there. And now that they have done a good job, they do deserve a good review and people should know good government offices still exist. My only suggestion is for them to have a tracking device, maybe it would cost a fortune but cases like this will be easier to address if only they have complete and accurate devices. But nevertheless, I am very thankful for the positive outcome of my complain. On the other hand, I went back to LRTA ro recover the CCTV footage, but unfortunately, the man in-charge was on his day off but they made an assurance that the exact train that arrived 9:45am in their station was captured and recorded to a mobile phone (from the CCTV). I am still waiting for their response as to when I can get the copy. The only reason why we need to get this, is for public awareness. we may or may not identify them, surely my brother will be able to recall what really happened in the train, and people will be reminded to be more conscious and alert when riding a public transportation. Kudos National Telecommunications Commission. NTC, DIliman, BIR Road, Quezon City, 1101 9244048/ 926-7722 ntc@ntc.gov.ph