CEBU, Philippines— Social media has become a platform for us to express ourselves, communicate with people around the world, to share experiences and thoughts.
Since anyone can use this tool to express their freedom of speech, netizens sometimes use this platform to express their negative thoughts on issues they see online.
Take for example the case of Reyvan Olan-olan Guirog, a 28-year-old cyclist from Mandaue City who works as a bike mechanic.
Guirog, who goes by the name Arbot Yohoo on Facebook, recently went viral for the wrong reasons.
It all started when he commented on a photo of him by one street photographer, locally known as “mamitikay,” saying he didn’t like how the photo of him biking along the highway in Barangay Lugo in Borbon, northern Cebu was taken.
Everything went downhill after that comment.
Check out some of the bashing he got:
The photographer was furious in his reply to the Guirog’s comment and we understand why. But then he took a screenshot of the comment and shared it on his page. Then everyone else followed.
Next thing you know it, his photo–there’s even one showing his face–was shared by a lot of netizens, most of them making fun of him.
Guirog dealt with public scrutiny as he received a wave of bashing and insult from netizens who criticized him for his comment.
“It was supposed to be a joke. I even apologized to the one who took the photo. But he took it seriously. He didn’t accept my apology,” Guirog said in Bisaya.
Guirog said he didn’t expect this issue to get out of hand.
“I really didn’t expect they’d share my photo that much, [much more] being bullied. I was really greatly affected by this,” he said.
But there were some netizens who were kind enough to point out the wrongdoing of those who spread negative comments about Guirog. This might be the reason why some comments, photos, posts, and screenshots of the viral post have already been deleted.
Here’s one who stood up for Guirog:
Here’s another who made quite a point:
CDN Digital tried to reach out to the street photographer involved but did not receive a response as of this posting.
So what can we learn from this?
Social media limitations
While the Constitution of the Philippines guarantees the freedom of speech and expression, this right is not absolute or it has its limitations.
“The right of free speech, while it is considered as one of the most cherished freedoms that we have in the Philippines, cannot be used to abuse people,” said Cebu-based criminal lawyer King Anthony Perez.
“We have to remember that freedom has its limits and that includes free speech. The limitations to our rights will help us make better social media users. If we acknowledge that there are limits of the right to post, right to express, and essentially the right to free speech,” he said.
What can you do if you are a victim of malicious and defamatory remarks online?
According to Atty. Perez, the Anti-Cyber Crime Group of Philippine National Police, a specialized unit that is expected to cater to concerns involving cybercrime offenses and that includes online libel, helps in cases of cybercrime and other cyber-related crimes.
“So that people who are posting malicious defamatory statement will have a lesson to avoid doing the mistake and that it will also serve as an example for everyone that the law that we have in the Philippines, especially those that are regulating free speech, are actually working,” Perez said.
A reminder for a responsible netizen
“Social media was not designed to be a disadvantage to this modern civilization. However, if we use it improperly, then it would be an unsafe space for every Filipinos. A responsible social media user should ensure the proper use of language, to avoid ridicule, and to minimize people becoming subject of attack and unwarranted scrutiny,” Perez added.
For Guirog, he said he may just let this pass since he doesn’t know and have much to go after those who bashed him online.
“I really don’t have any idea about filing cases. A lot would have wanted to help but I really don’t have much,” he said.
/bmjo
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