Government won’t restrain free expression – Palace

Malacañang assured on Tuesday the government will not suppress the right to free speech of citizens online.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that if AFP Chief Gilbert Gapay has mentioned social media regulation, it is merely the latter’s personal opinion. This is not mentioned under the Anti-Terrorism Law.

Meanwhile, Sec. Roque assured that Tiktok will not be prohibited in the country, following the reported plan of the United States of America to ban the popular mobile application alleging that China could possibility use it for espionage.

“Wala pong ganoon sa mga nagsasabi na nanunupil si Presidente ng karapatan ng malayang pananalita, wala pong kahit anong website na bina-ban ng Presidente. At wala pong dahilang nakikita para i-ban ang Tiktok dito sa Pilipinas (There is nothing stated that refers to the President suppressing freedom of expression. He is not banning any website. There is no reason to ban Tiktok in the Philippines),” he added.

– Report from Mela Lesmoras

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