Query: Are negative comments on Facebook considered cyberbullying under Philippine law?

In the context of Philippine law, the determination of whether a negative comment on Facebook constitutes cyberbullying hinges on several factors. Cyberbullying is defined under the "Anti-Bullying Act of 2013" (Republic Act No. 10627), which primarily applies to educational settings but sets a precedent for behavior online. Additionally, the "Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012" (Republic Act No. 10175) addresses broader cybercrimes, including online harassment.

Key Points:

Definition of Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying involves the use of electronic means to harass, threaten, or harm another individual repeatedly. A single negative comment might not constitute cyberbullying unless it is part of a pattern of repeated behavior.
Context and Content: The severity, context, and content of the comment play crucial roles. Comments that are threatening, severely harassing, or part of a pattern of behavior could be considered under cyberbullying or cyber harassment.
Legal Framework: Under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, online libel is also a punishable offense. If a comment is not only negative but also defamatory, it could be subject to libel charges.
Complaint Process: Victims of online harassment or cyberbullying can lodge a complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) or the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime units.

Steps to Take:

Documentation: Keep records of all communications that could be considered bullying or harassment.
Reporting: Report the behavior to the platform (e.g., Facebook) to take advantage of their mechanisms for handling harassment.
Legal Action: Consult with a legal professional to understand the viability of pursuing legal action under the current laws.

Conclusion: Negative comments on Facebook can potentially be considered cyberbullying in the Philippines if they are part of repeated, harmful behavior towards an individual. Users should be aware of the legal boundaries and the potential consequences of online interactions. Engaging in or being the victim of such behaviors can lead to legal investigations and possible charges under Philippine law.