Netizens are leveling accusations against the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), alleging the misuse of the law to shield influential politicians, as a man faces a complaint for allegedly violating an obscure “fake news” law.
The spotlight has shifted to Commonwealth Avenue, where a viral video captured traffic coming to a standstill – purportedly to accommodate Vice President Sara Duterte. Amidst the ensuing uproar, Janus Munar, accused of uploading the video, now finds himself at the center of a legal maelstrom, charged with violating an arcane law.
The QCPD officially filed the complaint against Munar on October 13, invoking Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and Republic Act No. 7610, in conjunction with RA 10175, better known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The announcement came through Munar’s lawyer, Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, who represents the Free Legal Assistance Group.
Article 154 of the RPC pertains to the “unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances.”
According to Diokno, this seldom-invoked law has left no trace in the annals of the Supreme Court. Ironically, it mirrors the same law the Rodrigo Duterte administration wielded against “more than a dozen people” due to their critical social media posts concerning the government’s COVID-19 response.
In an October 12 letter addressed to the QCPD, Diokno emphasized that Munar merely shared the video, disputing the police’s claim that he was the one who uploaded it. “Mr. Munar is not the person who took the video and is not related or affiliated in any way with that person. He does not even know the name or identity of that person,” Diokno asserted.
Taking to social media, Diokno lamented, “Kontra tayo sa fake news at child abuse, pero mukhang diskriminasyon na ito (We’re against fake news and child abuse, but this looks like discrimination).”
He added, “Janus merely shared the ‘VIP’ video, at malaya syang ipahayag ang kanyang saloobin. Bakit siya pinagiinitan ng QCPD when there are bigger problems to be solved? Went to QC Prosecutors ofc today to assert Janus’ right to participate in preliminary investigation. Lalabanan natin to” (Janus merely shared the ‘VIP’ video, and he’s free to express his opinion. Why is the QCPD singling him out when there are more significant issues to address? We went to the QC Prosecutors’ office today to assert Janus’ right to participate in the preliminary investigation. We will fight this).
Diokno raised concerns over the lack of a subpoena or a copy of the complaint delivered to Munar, fearing an arrest warrant may be issued erroneously, assuming he had waived his right to participate in the preliminary investigation. He assured that Munar fully intends to engage by submitting a counter-affidavit once the necessary documents are received.
Netizens swiftly criticize the QCPD for its use of unjust laws against ordinary citizens.
“This is appalling! We, the citizens, should be protected by the police. Atty @ChelDiokno, I salute you. Let’s continue the fight!” expressed Vincent Cortez, a netizen on X.
“Thank you very much, Atty. Chel. This QCPD charge is riddled with malicious intent, clearly designed to intimidate any private citizen with a cellphone capable of recording incidents,” commented another X user.
“Clearly, it’s a harassment suit that should be dismissed immediately,” remarked Rey Maclang, an X user.
“It’s evident that the police in the Philippines are only for the wealthy and influential. Only VIPs are protected. #ShameOnYouPNP,” another netizen added.
“@QCMayorJoy, what’s happening with the QCPD?” inquired a concerned netizen while tagging QC Mayor Joy Belmonte.
“Akala ko ba dapat hindi onion skin?” asked another netizen.
In an October 6 radio interview on DWPM Radyo 630, Police Lieutenant Colonel May Genio publicly identified Munar as a “staunch critic” of the Vice President based on his Facebook posts. Diokno condemned this act as “uncalled for” and claimed it had recklessly jeopardized Munar’s personal security.
“By publicly identifying him as the one who took the video, the QCPD has defied recently issued PNP guidelines, violated my client’s right to privacy, and put him in harm’s way,” he stated, highlighting the threats Munar received both online and in person, including unidentified individuals visiting his workplace.
In a previous media interview, Munar vehemently refuted any claims that he had recorded the traffic situation along Commonwealth Avenue. He recalled approaching a police officer who explained that the traffic halt was to facilitate Vice President Duterte’s passage.
Munar emphasized, “I am not the one who took the video, and I am not in any way connected to the individual who captured it.”
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Munar clarified that the video had been sent to him by a friend through Facebook Messenger.
He stated, “As a concerned citizen, I shared it because I believed it was important for the public to be aware that stopping traffic for a VIP’s crossing appeared to be somewhat excessive.”
Vice President Sara Duterte vehemently denied any involvement in the traffic disruption, asserting that she was in Mindanao during the incident. Additionally, the QCPD issued an apology for the inconvenience stemming from the traffic closure, attributing it to confusion and a lapse in judgment by the officers involved.
Amidst these developments, tensions persist in the ongoing verbal sparring between the Duterte family and their critics.
On Wednesday, October 25, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte offered advice to ACT Teachers Representative France Castro, urging her not to be “onion-skinned” after she filed a complaint against his father, former President Duterte, over a public death threat.
The elder Duterte made the threat following the House of Representatives’ decision to strip five government agencies of their proposed confidential funds in the 2024 budget, including the Department of Education and the Office of the Vice President, both headed by his daughter.
The Daily Netizen 