“The Buzz!” (of ABS-CBN Channel 2) in a short segment today takes up Facebook, and the nature of the “social media”, using as illustration the Facebook accounts of movie stars and their shoutbox, in particular the Facebook shoutbox entry of movie star and film director Gina Alajar on Jinkee Pacquiao, Manny Pacquiao, and Krista Ranillo; in other words, Facebook entries by public figures discussing public figures.
There are no laws in the Philippines on the “social media”, so the interview raised issues. Abangan! it’s on ABS-CBN Channel 2, 4:00pm to 6:00 pm, the legal discussion is there, not here.
The issues (legal) are: What is the nature of the “social media”? Is it a form of media (public) rather than a form of private communication [i.e. private communication in contemplation of our Hispanic Civil Code (of Spanish colonial era vintage) which contemplated sealed letters (paper, print) in its provisions on private communication] ? If the social media were a form of media rather than private communication, is it then covered by media law rather than by the laws on private communication? the legal opinion is in the interview, abangan. All Facebook users, whether using the “privacy settings” or not — and, as i understand it, there are about four billion owners and users of Facebook account worldwide (you could say Barack Obama was catapulted to power through Facebook…..okay, i’m exaggerating, but he had millions and millions of friends in his Facebook account during the campaign) –- watch out for the short segment. The interview basically raises legal issues not yet addressed by jurisprudence in this country.
The Buzz is hosted by Boy Abunda, Kris Aquino, and Ruffa Gutierrez.
(be back in a bit i’m out for a run before people start coming out i’ll be back to polish this in a little while)
