Nullify NTC order blocking websites, court urged

MANILA, Philippines — The National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) yesterday asked the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to nullify a memorandum of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) blocking the websites of cause-oriented groups and independent media organizations.

The NUPL filed an 11-page civil case asking the court to invalidate the NTC’s order on June 8, which blocked several websites, including that of Alipato Media Center Inc., which owns bulatlat.com.

Also named respondent is former national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., whose recommendation was the basis of the NTC’s order.

The NUPL said the NTC’s directive has no basis as there is no provision in Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which empowers the agency to block cybertraffic or content data, more so if based on “reckless suspicions of terrorist activities.”

“In fact, there is no express or implied power in any law authorizing the NTC to block, much less immediately and without notice and hearing, websites without judicial imprimatur,” the group said.

The NUPL added that even Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act does not permit such state action.

The NUPL pointed out that the groups behind the websites are not among the organizations and individuals designated as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council.

The NUPL also scored Esperon for his actions, which the group said exposed the previous administration’s attempt to control the public narrative with the spread of false and unvetted information.