Cyber jitters

Despite all the hullabaloo that has arisen since the time it was passed, the CyberCrime Law (its nickname) took effect yesterday, and let us hope we do not get a test case soon. This was because the Supreme Court has not granted the temporary restraining order sought by the objectors, and the Justice Department keeps on assuring that it is not dangerous and nobody need be afraid.

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I am afraid, though, that some of those who are working against this law may be worsening matters by the way they are posting messages through social media berating the law and those who passed it. The Supreme Court Justices might just come to think that they, too, could be victims of such attacks on cyberspace. In the meantime, I know of print and broadcast journalists who are of the thinking that if they are subject to the laws on libel, then other media should also be governed by laws, as that would only be fair.

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Meanwhile, “plunder” seems to be the operative word, now that elections are set, and candidates have filed their certificates affirming their desire to run for public office. There is former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is questioning the indictment in the plunder charge against her – actually, only one of those she is facing – filed by a former party list representative in connection with the alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds. The former president is asking the SandiganBayan to review what the Ombudsman has charged her with.

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And there is also the plunder case filed by the Ombudsman against the auditor of former President Joseph Estrada, the woman who was supposed to be taking charge of the jueteng payola for Erap. Well, Erap did get convicted for that and had to suffer detention in a hospital, and later at his own resthouse, but he got pardoned and is now scot-free, while the auditor, Yolanda Ricarforte, still has to face the SandiganBayan. Who will pardon her?

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With the present concentration of the Ombudsman on plunder cases, other respondents to similar charges must be tossing in their sleep now, especially those who are running for public office. Plunder is nothing to sniff at, it is an unbailable offense and how can one campaign if one is arrested for it? By the way, Erap is now running for mayor of Manila and wants to unseat Mayor Fred Lim. But one cannot discount Erap’s campaigning power, more so because he is paired with another former movie actor, and a good-looking one at that, Isko Moreno, who has cast Lim off to join Erap.

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While Filipino voters are now palpitating in anticipation of the coming elections, a lot of Americans seem not to care less for them, as shown by their attitude during election time. I was told that they do not even have a holiday to cast their votes, and it is just business as usual. In fact, many ignore the elections and just leave the voting to those interested, and that naturalized citizens are more law-abiding when it comes to voting.

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That is probably why show business personalities, especially movie stars, have taken it upon themselves to start a campaign for their people to “go out and vote.” Among those spearheading the campaign is the popular star of Titanic, Leonardo diCaprio who is being joined by TV host Ellen Degeneres and other big stars. The group does not mention a candidate, but seems very intent on calling out their people to share in the election of their officials who will lead them in these trying times for their country.

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Bacolod admirers of talented musician, Bagguer Villaluz, will be elated to know that he has qualified for the Manila round of the “Pinoy Got Talent” contest, the latest elimination of which was held in Cebu recently. So it will be off to Manila in December for Bagguer who is asking his kasimanwas to pray for his success. Bagguer, as most of us know, has gallantly survived cancer of the throat and has completely lost his voice, but, thank God, not his exceptional talent for music. Let us hope he makes it in Manila. Good luck, Bagguer!*

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