SIXTEENTH CONGHESS OF THE) 
HEPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 
First Hegular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. B. NO. 11 
'13 
.JUL-) 
A8:')3 
Introduced by SENATOR FERDINAND R. MAR~~~,'~~~j'T . 
Explanatory Note 
This bill amends Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, otherwise known as the 
Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. 
One of the pillars of a democratic country is the exercise of the freedom of 
expression. This constitutionally guaranteed right is an essential vehicle to articulate 
one's thoughts and sentirnents. 
Any form of expression, however, is adrnittedly, not an absolute right There are 
limitations in the law that should to be observed in expressing one's opinion so as not to 
violate another person's rights and dignity. 
And this is especially true when it comes to the cyberspace. 
Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 aims to effectively 
"protect and safeguard the integrity of computer and cornmunications systems, 
networks, and databases, and the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information 
and data stored therein, from all forms of misuse, abuse, and illegal access by making 
punishable under the law such conduct or conducts", (section 2, RA 10175). 
Internet usage therefore, should be coupled with the highest degree of 
responsibility and accountability. 
Thus, any form of abuse or misuse should be 
addressed according to the principles of fairness and due process. 
With the far reaching effects of the cyberspace, almost everything could be 
committed through the Lise of inforrnation and communications technologies. 
Such 
broad nature of the internet however, should not serve as a blanket authority on the part 
of the Government to transgress the rights of its citizens. Advance technology should 
not be considered as a threat or bane that should be avoided. Instead, it should be 
utilized as an instrument in reaching out to a greater nurnber of people for a common 
welfare. 
Imposing a higher penalty on crimes defined under the Revised Penal Code and 
specials laws committed through the internet is not in accordance with the principle of 
justice and equality, and sound public policy. 
If a crime is committed by, through and 
with the use of information and communications technologies, then the penalties 
provided under the present laws should be imposed accordingly and should not be 
increased solely on the ground that the crime was perpetrated through the use of the 
cyberspace. 
This bill seeks to remove this distinction under the present law. 
In view thereof, approval of this bill is eamestly requested. 
I 
FERDINAND . MARCOS, JR. 


'. 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 
First Regular Session 
) 
S"lUltl' 
t;JH-f:t "J l:1;i' ~)1 .",piJi(lj 
'13 
JUL -1 
A8 :54 
AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 6 OF REPUBLIC ACT 10175 OTHERWISE KNOWN 
AS AN ACT DEFINING CYBERCRIME, PROVIDING FOR THE PREVENTION, 
INVESTIGATION AND IMPOSITION OF PENALTIES THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES. 
Be it enacted by t.he Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
Section 1, Section 6 of R.epublic Act No.1 0175 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"All crimes defined and penalized by the Revised Penal Code, as 
amended, and special laws, if committed by, through and with the use of 
information and communications technologies shall be covered by the 
relevant provisions of this Act.[: Provided, That the penalty to be imposed 
shall be onEl (1) degree higher than that provided for by the Revised Penal 
Code, as amended, and special laws, as the case may be.] 
Section 2. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is held invalid, the other 
provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect. 
Section 3. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, or rules inconsistent with this Act are 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
Section 4. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the completion of 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
Approved.