De Lima filing bill to decriminalize libel: Laws must not be weaponized

MANILA, Philippines — Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima said on Wednesday that she and other lawmakers are set to file a bill that will decriminalize libel, to prevent the use of such laws to attack journalists and stifle press freedom.

In a statement on Wednesday, de Lima said they support the call to decriminalize libel, which came after veteran journalist Philip Lustre Jr. was arrested over cyberlibel charges against him.

“We support this call, and we intend to file a measure to decriminalize libel and cyber libel, which are being used by powerful and influential people to stifle dissent, attack press freedom, and weaken democracy,” de Lima said.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Sara Duterte’s husband Mans Carpio behind cyberlibel case vs Lustre 

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

“Abuse of free speech should be met with accountability, but weaponizing our laws to curtail this right is excessive and unacceptable,” she added.

According to de Lima, people behind the cases should not pretend that their cause is just as it is aimed at harassing and threatening journalists.

“Huwag na ring magkunwari o magpalusot ‘yung ibang mga nagsasampa ng ganitong kaso para manindak at patahimikin ang mga mamamahayag,” the lawmaker said.

(Those who file such cases should not pretend or use this as an alibi to intimidate or silence journalists.)

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Philip Lustre feels unsafe in Davao; seeks transfer of cyberlibel case 

“Alam naman natin kung sino yung mga naninira lang at nagkakalat ng fake news and disinformation, at yung mga lehitimong media, journalists at seryosong nagtataguyod ng katotohanan at pananagutan,” she added.

Article continues after this advertisement

(We know who only seeks to destroy people’s reputation by spreading fake news and disinformation, and the legitimate media workers, journalists, who seriously uphold the truth and accountability.)

Lustre was arrested on Saturday morning over a cyberlibel case against him before a Davao City court.  He was eventually released on Saturday night after posting a bail of P48,000, after his friends in the media pooled funds for his release.

Eventually, it was revealed that the cyberlibel case stemmed from a complaint filed by Vice President Sara Duterte’s husband, lawyer Manases Carpio.

Lustre has been a vocal critic of the Duterte family.  According to Lustre’s counsel, human rights lawyer Dino de Leon, the case stemmed from a Facebook post published on March 6, 2026, through an account named “Philip Jr Lustre.”

In a press briefing earlier, de Leon reiterated the need to decriminalize libel and cyberlibel, claiming that the arrest order was issued even if Lustre had not received a copy of the complaint or even a subpoena that would have given him the chance to answer the allegations, before the case reached the court.

De Leon also urged the Department of Justice to investigate how the complaint was handled and determine whether proper procedures were followed.

However, Carpio’s spokesperson told Lustre not to play the victim, saying that there would be no cyberlibel case had he not made “malicious” and “baseless” remarks against the Duterte family.

“If he hadn’t posted something malicious and baseless, he wouldn’t be facing a lawsuit,” said Atty. Neil Abayon, Carpio’s spokesman.  “So don’t play the victim.”

De Lima is not the only lawmaker who has called for a revisit of libel laws in the country.  Earlier too, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said that Congress must check the said laws to ensure a balance between protecting reputations and allowing press freedom.

Ridon said that while he agrees with the need to protect people’s reputations, it should not come at the expense of press freedom, noting that journalists should not be barred from asking tough questions.

“Protect reputations, yes. Silence the press, no,” Ridon said.  “Journalists should not be afraid to ask tough questions.

“People have the right to seek justice. But the public also has the right to know,” he added.

Last Monday, Ridon had already called out members of the Duterte family for the cyberlibel cases against members of the media, saying that current lawmakers will not allow it to happen again.

The lawmaker was referring to the case against Lustre and broadcast network GMA-7.

GMA-7 was sued by Vice President Duterte’s brother, Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, over allegations of bribery that he said were “untrue” and meant to destroy his reputation.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Ridon said there is a precedent in how the Dutertes treat the media, broadcast giant ABS-CBN was shut down and Rappler reporters were harassed under the term of the former president. /mr