Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 16) — A number of lawmakers reacted to President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to veto the proposed SIM Card Registration Bill, with some welcoming the move while others denouncing it.
Valenzuela City Rep. Wes Gatchalian said he agrees with Duterte’s decision even though he was the principal author of the bill.
He said the provision Sen. Franklin Drilon added to the latest version goes against the essence of the measure and warrants further study.
“Unfortunately, the last-minute insertion of [Sen. Drilon] to include the registration of social media providers is totally not in line with the essence of this bill,” said Gatchalian in a statement on Saturday. “There is nothing in the bill specifying clear guidelines and how to register in such a broad environment (internet).”
Drilon disputed Gatchalian’s claim that it was a last-minute insertion.
“We studied it and introduced it in the Senate plenary…” Drilon said. “Twenty-two senators voted in favor of the measure on third reading last December. The House of Representatives adopted our version with little modification.
Drilon stressed that the veto was a “win for trolls.” The law if approved, would have unmasked those involved in troll farms or bullies online who choose to remain anonymous, he said.
He also said that as long as the anonymity in the social media exists, political trolling, troll armies and fake news will continue to succeed in sowing discord and division among Filipinos.
He likewise defended his provision, saying there were enough safeguards to ensure privacy and free speech.
“This veto is meant to protect trolls,” said the Senate Minority Leader. “To say that I am disappointed by the President’s veto is an understatement.”
Meanwhile, Sen, Grace Poe confirmed that there were no protests among the senators when they tackled the bill in plenary. The measure received 22 affirmative votes without negative votes or abstentions, she noted.
Sen. Ping Lacson also mentioned the lack of guidelines, and that the law could violate the “one subject, one title rule” of the Constitution. However, he admitted that he overlooked this detail which is why he did not object it previously.
“I admit that I and my legislative staff overlooked it,” Lacson said. “Normally, as in the other measures being deliberated and amended on the floor, I would rise to question it upon consultation with my staff.”
On the other hand, Sen. Tito Sotto gave a sarcastic comment implying that crimes using sims would still continue.
“Ayos! Tuloy ang mga bombings and blackmail and scams using prepaid sims,” said Sotto, reacting to the veto.
[Translation: Good! Bombings and blackmail and scams using prepaid sims will still go on.]
