Nancy Binay propose bill to criminalize internet meme

Internet is a vast form of communication, we easily express what we see and criticize what seems differs to us. Most of us does not think or rather give the ef of our own actions of how we affect other people. I don't think its being insensitive but rather a pleasure of knowing that we affect other people of what we do, whether it is bad or good. Its seemingly some of us has a low tolerance over amoral action and since she has the power to do something about it, its likely she will pour her devoted attention over this matter.


Newly-elected Senator Nancy Binay's proposed bill amending Republic Act 9262 may contain provisions aimed to criminalize humorous (maybe even hilarious) internet memes.

Section 2 (E5) of Binay's proposed Electronic Violence Against Women (E-VAW) bill mentions the unauthorized use of a picture, video, voice, name, or identity that will put someone in a bad light or injure the victim's reputation.

According to the bill, "electronic violence" refers to acts done through information communications technology, such as computers and the internet, "that will cause mental, emotional or psychological suffering to the victim."

If it becomes law, those found guilty of causing "electronic violence" can be imprisoned for up to 6 years, pay up to P500,000 to their victim, fined an additional P300,000, and will be made to undergo psychological counseling.

ABS-CBNNews.com tried to get Binay's side to explain if she is particularly referring to memes, but the lawmaker has yet to respond.

Memes, according to the Oxford Dictionaries, are humorous images, videos, or pieces of text that are copied and spread rapidly by Internet users.

Binay was the subject of memes during the the election campaign period.

Women's rights activist Elizabeth Angsioco, meanwhile, believes that Binay's bill is limited to violence against women and children done through electronic means.

"It aims to amend [Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (VAWC)]. Thus, a previous or current relationship bw parties a must," she said.

"Thus, application limited to persons that have or had at least a dating relationship. It doesn't apply to all tweeps," Angsioco said. " We have to take amendments within context of VAWC."

Binay earlier told reporters that the the bill she filed is not related to the flak she received during the election campaign.

She said the perpetrator and the victim need to have "personal relationship" for a crime to qualify under the bill.

"Kaya naka-specify doon kung ex-husband, ex-boyfriend..basta kailangang may personal relationship," Binay said.

She added that the proposed bill, if passed into law, will complement Republic Act 9262.

"Ito ay another protection para sa ating mga kababaihan. Nakita ninyo naman yung mga nangyari these past years, yung mga posts sa Internet ng mga sex videos. So ito yung protection nila, so they can have a way na makapagreklamo,” Binay said.--Source: ABS-CBN News

I think she could have said better than that. She's a bit feminist approach are we not entitled to have equality here? lol