NEWS

Law Advocate: Your future depends on your digital behaviour

Technical Drafting | News Writer

Highlights:

• Dela Cerna reminded students that online actions can impact their future, reputation, and freedom, stressing that social media posts remain visible to teachers, family, and potential employers.

• Cybercrime is a serious and rising concern, with RA 10175 covering offenses like online libel, hacking, cyberbullying, identity theft, and cyber exploitation, which can lead to fines or imprisonment.

• Responsible digital behavior is essential, as every online action has consequences, and the law both protects victims and holds offenders accountable.

SURALLAH, South Cotabato—A law advocate reminded students that their online behavior can directly affect their future, reputation, and freedom, as cybercrime cases continue to rise and digital platforms remain a major part of daily student life.

Atty. Gilbert M. Dela Cerna emphasized that many young users are now exposed to social media, where choices made online can remain visible to teachers, family members, and future employers, during a recent press briefing.

“Your actions online can affect your future, reputation, and even your freedom,” he said.

He explained that cybercrime refers to illegal acts committed through a computer, cellphone, or the internet, noting that technology is often misused through harmful activities.

The advocate urged students to practice digital responsibility and reflect before posting.

“Ask yourself, is this true, is this respectful, is this necessary, and will you be proud of it?” he said.

Dela Cerna emphasized that your digital behavior shapes your future, as every online action can affect your reputation, opportunities, and personal freedom, making responsible and positive conduct essential.

“Your future depends on your digital behaviour,” he added.

The Attorney added that these abuses prompted the government to respond by enforcing Republic Act 10175, with the help of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“These violations are not a joke; they are crimes,” he said.

Dela Cerna outlined that the law covers offenses such as online libel, hacking, cyberbullying, identity theft, and cybersex or online exploitation, all of which may lead to fines or imprisonment.

Read More: Understanding Criminal Liability and Imprisonment for Cyberbullying in the Philippines

“Ako din may ibang gumawa ng acc, ginamit yung picture ko yung pangalan ko so ine-report ko na yun,” he stated, sharing his experience to journalists.

He also mentioned that even widely shared content, including “yung issue kay Gold Medalist na pinost,” may fall under online violations.

“Pwede kang ma-fine, pwede ring makulong,” he added.

Dela cerna also declared that the internet leaves a lasting record, and this law is meant both to protect you and hold wrongdoers accountable.