Authorities can tap online accounts via the "Cybercrime Law"

A Philippine Computer Society directed admitted that the Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 powers authorities tap someone's email, skype or any other online accounts.

Al Vitangcol, said that once someone filed a complaint against you and warrant is up, authorities can go into your account.

There's a complaint against you, and a court warrant was secured. Then NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and PNP (Philippine National Police) authorities can tap your online access.Your e-mail (exchanges) they can monitor, your conversations. They are allowed to do that.

But, Vitangcol said that this is a little conflicting with the Anti-wiretapping law which prohibits the recording of private conversations.

He cited section 2 of the definition of terms which says "all types of computer-related equipment including but not limited to computers and mobile phones." He explained that this law protects equipment that are electronic in nature.

He also cited the Section 6 which cover crimes "defined and penalized by the Revised Penal Code, if committed through and with the use of information and communications technologies".

Cybercrime law imposes a much harsher punishment for e-libel rather than the published one. E-libel cases can bring someone to imprisonment from 6 years and 1 day to 12 years.