Binay backs creation of Department of Information

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay is supporting the creation of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) and calling for a refined version of the Anti-Cybercrime Law.

 “Until we can come up with a more refined version of the Anti-Cybercrime Law that clearly defines who are culpable of libel in cyberspace, victims of cyber-bullying can only hope that those who participate in public fora in the net would differentiate facts and black propaganda and be more circumspect and more responsible in their postings,” Binay said in his speech during the Asia Pacific Information Security Leadership Achievements last week.

He said he is for the creation of the DICT, which will not only regulate but also promote the use of new technology.

“Our IT infrastructure has much room for improvement. A separate department for information and communications technology can initiate the improvements in our IT infrastructure and encourage the private sector to be engaged in propagating the technologies such that all our 7,000 islands will be connected,”  Binay said.

The DICT bill, which was identified as a priority measure, has been languishing in Congress for years.

The proposed department will take over the functions of the Information and Communication Technology Office, an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology.

The Senate version of the bill was approved on third and final reading in June, while the House version remains at the committee level.

Binay said he has high hopes in the potential of information technology as an industry.

“Propagating the use of IT to make our lives more efficient is among my goals… IT, particularly BPO (business process outsourcing), is one of the best job creators in our country,” he said. “I aim to tap the full potential of IT to realize inclusive growth and make life more comfortable for every Filipino.”

Cybercrime

On cybercrime, Binay said the current law makes it difficult to differentiate the source of the malicious information and those who are merely sharing it.

“Those who merely quote or forward negative opinions are not as liable for punishment as the sources of these opinions themselves, although these main sources are difficult to trace in cyberspace,” he said.

Binay said he was a victim of cyber bullies, whom he accused of being paid hacks of the administration.

“I am a staunch believer of freedom of expression. That was what sent me to jail during the Marcos dictatorship. But I also believe that freedom carries responsibility with it, and that comments made in public fora should be substantiated with facts and truth,” he said.