Bill banning broadcast, publication of images of crime, suicide victims filed

A bill prohibiting the broadcast and publication of images and information of crime and accident victims, as well as those who committed suicide, without the consent of the victim or the victim’s family, was proposed at the House of Representatives.

Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo filed the proposal under his House Bill 10277 or the Victims’ Privacy Protection Act.

Under the measure, it would be illegal for any person to broadcast by any means, without consent of the victim or the victim’s family, the image, video, or details of a person who is a victim of any crime or accident, or of any person who has committed suicide.

Romualdo said the proliferation of digital media and the ease content can be shared on social media platforms have led to a significant rise in privacy concerns, especially for individuals in sensitive situations.

“The unauthorized dissemination of images or videos of such victims not only violates the privacy and dignity of the individuals depicted but can also cause undue stress to their families,” the lawmaker said.

The Camiguin lawmaker cited a United States law that criminalizes the unauthorized capture and dissemination of images of persons receiving medical assistance from first responders dubbed as Cathy's law.

Cathy's law was enacted in New Jersey after a photograph of an accident victim was posted on Facebook by a first responder before her family had been notified.

Romualdo said that his bill balances the right to information and freedom of expression with the right to privacy.

“This is for ensuring that the dignity of victims and their families is preserved,” he added.

Aside from the unauthorized use of any image, video, or details of any victim, Romualdo’s proposal also makes it “unlawful for any person to use such image or video in any manner that may be deemed as disrespectful, derogatory, or prejudicial to the honor, dignity, and privacy of the victim.”

Those found in violation of the measure will face jail time of three to seven years, a fine of P100,000 to P500,000, or both at the discretion of the court.

If the offender is a public officer, he or she will also be facing administrative charges.

If the offender is a foreigner, the person will be deported immediately after service of sentence or payment of fine.

Lastly, Romualdo’s proposal also provides that the victim, their next of kin, may institute a separate civil action against an offender. — DVM, GMA Integrated News