Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque reminded Ruby Villanueva, more popularly known as ‘Mystica’ that there’s a law that could punish her for publishing hate messages against President Rodrigo Duterte.
On April 16, Roque said that while President Duterte respects the right to freedom of expression, the newly-appointed spokesperson reminded that free speech also has limitations even in international laws.
“Hindi po absolute ang freedom of expression, meron pong hangganan po yan, at nakasaad po sa international covenant on civil and political rights na a state can derogate among others dito po sa freedom of expression kapag mayroon pong national emergency,” Roque said.
“Alam po natin na ang COVID ay hindi lang national emergency, it is an international emergency, pu-pwede po tayong magkaroon ng derogation, pwede po nating limitahan ang freedom of expression at yun po ang ginawa natin sa bayanihan act,” he added.
Roque then mentioned the Bayanihan Act Section 6 (f) that illegalizing the spread of false information and other messages that only ‘geared’ to destabilize the government.
“So Mystica, may batas po na pu-pwedeng gamitin para parusahan ka,” Roque said.
A lawyer already said that Mystica could face ‘inciting to sedition’ charges because of allegedly encouraging the people to go out and fight the government.
“Sumasang-ayon na talaga ako kung ano yung mga prinsipyo ni Vice President Leni (Robredo). Dati rati, never ako nagbanggit about Leni Robredo. But right now sumusuporta na ako sa kanila. All the way. Sumusuporta ako sa kanila,” Mystica said on her video published last month.
“Kaya kung sino ang sumusuporta kay Vice President Leni Robredo, let’s get out there and be in full foce, labanan natin itong gobyerno na ito, lalong lalo na ang ating Presidente,” she added.
Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles said that the statement of Mystica could put her in trouble and face inciting to sedition charges.
If proven, Mystica could face six years in detention.
Mystica then apologized to Duterte citing that she’s also a supporter of the President who’s only frustrated on what’s currently happening in the country.
“I’m sure na mapapatawad ako ni Presidente, dahil alam niya na ang isang tao kapag frustrated masasabi niya lahat, katulad din niya nasasabi niya rin kung ano yung frustration niya,” she said.
“Bilang anak, alam ko na hindi tama yun, inaadmit ko, kaya kung yun man ang dahilan na ako ay huhusgahan na ng mundo, ako kakastiguhin na wala akong puso, wala akong ginawa kundi reklamo ng reklamo, siguro niyo naman ay maintindihan niyo ang bakit,” she added.