This refers to the news item in the Inquirer (“Aguirre to file criminal, civil, ethics complaints vs Hontiveros” 9/15/17). Sen. Risa Hontiveros was said to have violated Republic Act No. 4200 aka the “Anti-Wire Tapping Law” for “her deliberate intent to take a photo while he was using his phone; taking the photo; sharing the private message with others; and divulging the text message during her privilege speech.”

The law in question was enacted long before cell phones were invented, now with built-in cameras capable of taking high-definition pictures from the distance. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre was texting in a public place where trimedia cameras and personal cell phones were clicking all over. Being a very visible public figure, he was an easy capture — all of him and the cell phone he held in front of his face at that time. Absolutely no “tapping” as defined by the law was involved there. Zooming in on any of the texts on that cell phone is a cinch in this day and age. That is how HD CCTVs are able to read any vehicle’s plate number despite the distance.

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Engaging in such sleazy conversation in public was a risk Aguirre took. He thus made himself fair game to anyone closely watching him for any newsworthy faux pas. He was either epically naïve or deliberately baiting someone to “violate” the law.

ARNULFO MAGISTRADO EDRALIN,

[email protected]

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