MAY 28, 2012 DATE

NR # 2753
REF. NO.

Anti-Obscenity Act pushed

A lawmaker is strongly pushing for the immediate approval of the proposed Anti-Obscenity Act of 2011 to arrest the decline of national morality and the corruption of Filipinos. Lewd and pornographic entertainment in various media including the Internet, movies, magazines, comics, and nightclub entertainment are currently in an upswing. Unabated, these will expedite the deterioration of our societys ethics and values, said Rep. Diosdado Macapagal Arroyo (2nd District, Camarines Sur), who authored House Bill 6129. In filing the bill, Arroyo noted that the easy access to pornographic sites via the worldwide web, films that brazenly display sexual acts and establishments, which show seductive acts, only encounter token censorship hurdles. According to Arroyo, past government efforts against pornography were lacking due to sole dependence on personalities exercising censorship functions and their interpretation of what their duties and responsibilities were as guardians of the countrys moral fiber. Despite their unwavering commitment and display of bravado, Arroyo said their efforts have been hampered by the lack of a comprehensive anti-obscenity and pornographic law. As responsible citizens, we have the primordial duty to be vigilant against the onslaught of such obscene and pornographic materials in the presence of our children, Arroyo said. The bill, co-authored by Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (2nd District, Pampanga) proposes penalties ranging from one to six years imprisonment and/or a fine ranging from P1,000 to P200,000, depending on who the persons violating the provisions of the proposed Act are performer, producer, financier, promoter, importer, author, writer, publisher, editor or painter of any materials. Likewise, the bill proposes a penalty of one year to six years imprisonment and/or a fine ranging from P10,000 to P60,000 be imposed on the owner, lessee, and maintainer of any establishment who shall knowingly allow the commission of any unlawful act enumerated in the measure. The penalty shall be imposed in its maximum if the offender is a public officer or employee who shall suffer perpetual disqualification from holding public office. Second offenders will also be meted the maximum penalties. If the offender is a corporation, partnership or association, the officer/officers shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment, and its business license or permit shall be withdrawn, cancelled or forfeited. The bill has been referred for proper appreciation and action to the Committee on Justice, chaired by Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas Jr. (30) dpt