THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE CASE OF MARIS RACAL AND ANTHONY JENNINGS
Even before screenshots of text or chat messages between Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings were leaked today, many people - especially those who were cheated on - have always asked me before about the legality of posting and sharing screenshots of private conversations.
I have always told them that there is such a thing called as the right to privacy. Even cheaters have human rights.
The National Privacy Commission (NPC) clarified in a 2020 advisory opinion that the Data Privacy Act applies to screenshots if they reveal the identities of those involved: “It is worthy to note that the processing, i.e. sending out the screenshot to another person, will only come under the scope of the DPA if personal data is indeed involved—if the conversation/screenshot itself allows for the identification of the parties. If it is simply the content of the conversation, with names and other identities redacted or cropped out of the screenshot, it might not be within the scope of the DPA.”
So even if you were the victim of cheating, by posting screenshots of any alleged affair, not only are you exposing yourself to cyberlibel charges but also to charges for violating data privacy - which is punishable by stiffer and harsher penalties than cyberlibel.
And while the Supreme Court just recently said that there is no violation of the right to privacy if screenshots are used in a criminal case, that is the caveat - the screenshots must be used in a criminal case.
So what’s a girl to do?
Well, you should still take screenshots as evidence of cheating or an affair (especially if you’re married).
Then, what you should do is instead of posting on social media is to file a VAW (violence against women) case - psychological violence caused by infidelity.
And if you’re a public figure or celebrity, let the media report or cover it - then you’ll get the publicity you wanted anyway without the legal liabilities for cyberlibel and data privacy.
When you present the screenshots as evidence in court, that’s when the Supreme Court ruling will apply - that taking screenshots of private conversion is not a violation of the right to privacy when used as evidence in a criminal case.
What’s unfortunate and what I find personally wrong in leaking the screenshots of Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings through social media is the slutshaming of Maris Racal because of her supposed “thirst trap/hungry” messages.
Look what statements have gone viral. 3-4 messages from Maris Racal and only 1, barely viral, from Anthony Jennings (about him disgustingly using method acting as justification).
Cheating is bad. But so is misogyny, enabled by violating the right to privacy.
Victims have human rights. But vindicating your rights should not make more victims.
Even cheaters have human rights.
#Law101
#HumanRights
LONDON! Due to popular demand, I have added a second show on May 14. Tickets to both are on sale NOW! 🩵💙 https://t.co/ntiXlbk6RM I cannot wait to see you there xxx
Mula sa lumikha ng Widows' Web at Royal Blood, isang panibagong murder mystery drama series ang handog ng GMA ngayong 2024.
Humanda na sa unang seryeng pagsasamahan ng bigating Kapuso actresses, Bea Alonzo at Carla Abellana. This. is. WIDOWS' WAR!
Ngayong July 1 na sa GMA Prime ❤️🔥
#WidowsWar #BeaAlonzo #CarlaAbellana
Saw this on FB. Sa totoo lang, eh karapatan naman ng bawat tao magyabang, joke lang. 😆😆 Pero seryoso, medyo unnecessary nga yung mga ganito pero malay ba natin ano talaga purpose ni parents. Wala rin naman kasing guidelines sa graduation garland. Your thoughts?
Kahit ano pa man partido nyo, makisaya nalang kayo sa kanya. Nanay sya, grumaduate anak sa HARVARD, syempre, post yan. HELLO!! Proud nga kayo everytime makapasa, kapit pa yung grades, yung maka graduate sa prestigious school pa ba? CONGRATS sa mga grumaduate jan
‘YEAH, I GET IT, GRUMADUATE SI TRICIA SA HARVARD, BUT THE POINT IS NEED PA BA PICTURAN?’ 😅
Tricia Robredo, daughter of former Vice President Leni Robredo, has finally graduated from the prestigious Harvard Medical School, where she pursued a master’s degree in Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery.
The former vice president shared photos of Tricia’s graduation on her Facebook account on Thursday.
“Always proud of the Robredos!” one comment reads. | via John Marwin Elao (@jmarwinelao)
📸 Leni Robredo
Here we go! My new song “Back To Your Heart” is now available to pre-save / pre-add, and comes out August 4th. It marks the beginning of a new era in more ways than one. What an epic way to share it with you all for the first time in a live performance!!💘
https://t.co/WlLwuEbwFY
⚠️⚠️⚠️
Human-induced #ClimateChange is pushing global temperatures into uncharted territory, with far-reaching repercussions for health, food security, water management and the environment - warns @WMO.
We cannot curb humanitarian suffering without tackling the #ClimateCrisis.
15 of the 25 countries that Concern works in are on the African continent.
Africa Day, on 25th May, is an annual worldwide celebration of the people, cultures and potential of the continent.
Find out what events are taking place to mark Africa Day around Ireland ⤵️
It’s a great day to ride your bike to school! 🚲
7-year-old Kavisha got her bike from our Real Gifts Catalog. Now, she always gets to her school in #SriLanka quickly & safely! Give the gift of wheels in our spring catalog: https://t.co/of6aLnx3Gz #NationalRideYourBikeToSchoolDay
Let me Remind everyone that this is #JuliaMontes & #ALDENRichards comeback film after yrs of hiatus. So let's build the excitement by providing FBAAR content ( No BTS) that can pique the public's interest to make this collaboration a success.