Law Summary

SECTION 1: Amendment to Republic Act No. 53

• Legal Principle/Provision: This section amends Section 1 of Republic Act No. 53, enhancing protections for media practitioners against compulsory disclosure of confidential information sources.
• Key Definitions Introduced:
  • Publishers, Owners, and Journalists: Includes individuals such as publishers, editors, reporters, contributors, opinion writers, and media practitioners involved in news dissemination across various media formats including print, broadcast, wire services, and electronic media.
• Important Requirements or Procedures:
  • Media practitioners cannot be compelled to disclose the source of news or information obtained in confidence unless:
    • A court, the House of Representatives, the Senate, or any Congressional committee determines that such disclosure is necessary for state security.
• Relevant Timeframes, Deadlines, or Expiration Details: No specific timeframes or deadlines are mentioned in this section regarding the application of the law.
• Penalties, Liabilities, or Consequences:
  • Acknowledges that media practitioners remain liable under civil and criminal laws, notwithstanding the protections offered by this act.

• Protects journalists from revealing confidential sources. • Only allows disclosure under specific conditions related to state security. • Reinforces the liability of media practitioners under existing civil and criminal laws.

SEC. 2: Repealing Clause

• Legal Principle/Provision: This clause allows for the repeal or modification of any existing laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, or regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this act.
• Key Definitions Introduced: None.
• Important Requirements or Procedures:
  • Explicitly states that laws contrary to this act are nullified.
• Relevant Timeframes, Deadlines, or Expiration Details: No specific timeframes are provided for the repeal process.
• Penalties, Liabilities, or Consequences: Not applicable as this section pertains to the repeal of inconsistent laws.

• Repeals conflicting laws and regulations. • Ensures legislative consistency with the new provisions.

SEC. 3: Effectivity

• Legal Principle/Provision: Establishes when the act will take effect.
• Key Definitions Introduced: None.
• Important Requirements or Procedures: The act shall become effective:
  • Fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.
• Relevant Timeframes, Deadlines, or Expiration Details:
  • 15-day period for effectivity post-publication.
• Penalties, Liabilities, or Consequences: Not applicable as this section merely outlines the act's effectivity.

• Act takes effect 15 days after publication. • Requires publication in the Official Gazette or newspapers.

Legislative Process

• Legal Principle/Provision: This section summarizes the legislative journey of the act.
• Key Definitions Introduced: None.
• Important Requirements or Procedures:
  • The act is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 1255 and House Bill No. 684, passed by both legislative chambers on June 3, 2019.
• Relevant Timeframes, Deadlines, or Expiration Details: Date of approval noted as August 30, 2019.
• Penalties, Liabilities, or Consequences: Not applicable as this section pertains to the legislative process.

• Consolidation of Senate and House bills. • Approved on August 30, 2019.

Key Takeaways

• Republic Act No. 11458 expands protections for journalists against disclosing confidential sources, only permitting such disclosures under state security conditions.
• It repeals inconsistent laws, ensuring alignment with the new provisions.
• The act takes effect 15 days after publication, emphasizing the importance of legislative clarity and protection for media practitioners in the Philippines.