Watch out paparazzi: Arroyos file bill vs intrusive photographers

MANILA, Philippines - Former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo has re-filed a bill against photographers and videographers who trespass properties to capture images or other reproductions of people’s private lives for commercial purposes.

The former chief executive and her son, Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado Arroyo, said some people take the act of trespassing to a whole new and different level by using available high-tech gadgets with very intrusive modern visual or auditory enhancement devices, such as powerful telephoto lenses and hyperbolic microphones that enable invasion of private properties.

"Due to these developments, harassment and trespassing threaten not only public persons and their families, but also private persons and their families whose personal tragedies or circumstances beyond their control create media interest," the lawmakers said in the proposed House Bill 1390.

The Arroyos said with their measure, "adequate protection" will be given to public or private individuals, from personal intrusions due to activities done for commercial purposes and reproduction and broadcast of their private activities.

Any act of intrusion that causes death shall be penalized with a fine of P50,000 and reclusion temporal, or imprisonment of 12 years and one day to 20 years.

If such act results in serious body injury, the penalty shall be fine of P20,000 and prision mayor, or imprisonment from six years and one day to 12 years.

If the act of intrusion causes neither death nor body injury, the penalty shall be a fine of P1,000 and arresto mayor, or imprisonment from one month to one day to months.

Arroyo remains under hospital arrest on electoral sabotage charges. She and her son have also filed a bill against necrophilia.

Related story: Sex with the dead? Arroyos want it criminalized