DZRH broadcaster arrested over alleged violation of Data Privacy Act

MANILA, Philippines – The Manila Police District (MPD) has arrested DZRH broadcaster Misael Boy Gonzales Jr. on Wednesday, March 11, over alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012, DZRH said in a report.

According to the radio station, Gonzales was nabbed by police authorities at around 10:50 am outside the Department of Justice in Padre Faura street, Manila.

Gonzales remains under police custody as of writing, according to MPD spokesperson Police Major Philipp Ines. The broadcaster’s case is bailable.

The warrant stemmed from a complaint filed by Manila 1st District Councilor Rosalino Ibay Jr. who alleged that Gonzales violated section 25 of the Data Privacy Act for supposedly publishing a copy of Ibay’s warrant, the broadcaster’s lawyer Rhina Seco told DZRH.

According to the National Press Club (NPC), Ibay’s warrant was for “allegations of lascivious conduct involving a minor.”

“It is worth noting that a related complaint filed under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 had earlier been dismissed by the court for lack of sufficient evidence, affirming that Mr. Gonzales aired his reports based on court records,” the NPC added.

The NPC said Gonzales’ arrest, triggered by reporting on official documents, may cause a “potential chilling effect” on media rights in the country.

“The NPC calls on authorities to ensure that due process is strictly observed and that the constitutional guarantees protecting freedom of the press are upheld. Journalists must be able to perform their duty of informing the public without fear of intimidation or undue legal harassment, particularly when reporting on issues of legitimate public interest,” the organization said. – Rappler.com