NBI warns vloggers: Freedom of expression is not absolute

Vloggers may be held liable for issuing remarks that potentially incite sedition because the right to freedom of expression is not absolute, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Thursday.

"Gusto ko paalalahanan ang ating mga mamamayan, lalo na 'yung mga vloggers, na ang ating mga right sa freedom of expression ay hindi po absolute, mayroon pong ano 'yan limitation," NBI Director Jaime Santiago said on Super Radyo dzBB.

(I want to remind the public, especially vloggers, that our right to freedom of expression is not absolute. It has limitations.)

"Like, for example, ay nag-i-incite ka na ng sedition or masyado nang paninira 'yung ginagawa mo, wala ka namang basis, eh, puwe-puwede natin 'yang anuhan, imbestigahan at maaari silang makasuhan," he added.

(Like for example, if you are inciting sedition or you are causing too much defamation and you have no basis, we can definitely investigate that for the filing of cases.)

Santiago added that the NBI received Wednesday a letter from Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers, who recently called on investigating agencies to not be passive and act on cybercrimes even before complaints are lodged.

"I am filing my complaint here now and I hope you are listening. We have been targets of these possibly POGO and drug-money sponsored trolls and vloggers," Barbers had said.

The NBI chief did not disclose details regarding the contents of Barbers' letter.

Meanwhile, Santiago said government officials who are being cursed and defamed by vloggers may file a cyber libel complaint.

"Sakop 'yan ng ano eh, ng Cybercrime natin (This is covered by our Anti-Cybercrime Law)," he said.  — VDV, GMA Integrated News