Source: Public Relations and Information Department

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House passes bill penalizing photo and video voyeurism
06 October 2009 10:11:22 AM
Writer: Fidel Gumawid, MRS-PRIB

The proliferation of videos of private individuals caught unaware in obscene acts has spurred the House of Representatives to give final approval to a bill penalizing video and photo voyeurism.

Under the bill known as the "Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009," violators will be penalized by an imprisonment ranging from six months to six years and a fine of P100,000 to P500,000.

The bill provides that if a violator is a juridical person, it will result in the automatic revocation of his license or franchise and its officers will be deemed liable including the editor and reporter if it is in the print media and the station manager, editor and broadcaster if it is in the broadcast media.

If the offender is a public official or employee, or a professional, he or she will also be held administratively liable.

A foreigner guilty of the act will be subject of deportation proceedings after serving his sentence and payment of fines.

Rep. Monico Puentevella (Lone District, Bacolod City), principal author of the bill, said many individuals have been victimized by photo and video voyeurs who post on the Internet and different media, photos and video showing the victims’ private parts and intimate moments.

"This is a clear violation of the subject individual's dignity and right to privacy," Puentevella said, adding that the approval of the bill is a right step in specifically punishing such dastardly acts.

Rep. Bienvenido Abante, Jr. (6th District, Manila), another author, noted how the recent scandals have put the country and the people in a bad light before the whole world.

Abante said the passage of a law that is clear and stringent enough to deter the recurrence of such act is both relevant and timely.