A lawyer reminded the celebrities who supported ABS-CBN to ensure that what they’re posting on social media about the government would not be against the law.
In a Facebook post, Attorney Trixie Cruz-Angeles said that after the House of Representatives decided to junk ABS-CBN franchise application, celebrities, and Kapamilya supporters would surely become vocal on social media to criticize the government.
She then reminded the Kapamilyas about ‘inciting to sedition’ and posted valuable information about the said law.
“Eto po ang mga examples ng inciting to sedition:”
“1. paghihikayat na saktan o maghiganti laban sa opisyales ng gobyerno.
Ex: Yung manawagan na sunugin ang bahay ni Congressman X dahil bumoto siya laban sa isang batas”
“2. magkalat ng libelong kamumuhian ang isang opisyales ng gobyerno lalo na kung ang libelong ito ay magiging dahilan sa hind pagtupad ng mga tunkulin ng nasabing opisyales
Ex: Yung pag tag bilang drug lord sa isang opisyal,”
“3. Yung paghihikayat na manggulo o wasakin ang katahimikan ng bayan,”
In another post, she said that celebrities should avoid being carried away by their feelings and still check if what they’re posting on social media would not be against the law.
“Dear artistas: Make sure your meltdowns don’t amount to inciting to sedition or inciting to rebellion or libel. Especially scurrilous libels (see Revised Penal Code art 142 on inciting to sedition). Also mind the safe spaces act as well,” she said.
“Otherwise, carry on. The amount of information you reveal about your character, such as a lust for vengeance, capacity for hate, shallow appreciation of people and overall anger management issues, is utterly fascinating,” she added.
A few months ago, several private individuals were arrested for posting bounties and threats against President Rodrigo Duterte.
Teacher Ronnel Mas was arrested by the members of NBI after he offered a bounty on President Duterte’s head.
“I will give 50-M reward kung sino ang makakap*tay kay Duterte #NoToABSCBNShutDown,” Mas said.
The court, however, cleared Mas of the charge of inciting to sedition due to extrajudicial confession.
Even former actress Mystica was charged by inciting to sedition for her online statements against President Duterte.