Mikey Arroyo debates with Rep. Risa Hontiveros over Facebook

Published: October 5, 2009

Presidential son and Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo debated with Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros when she proposed that Internet social networking sites should not be covered by libel laws, reports Manila Bulletin.
Hontiveros reacted to Arroyo saying that he wanted restrictions on the use of social networking sites. This was after a photo of a man buying liquor at the height of typhoon Ondoy, alleged to be Arroyo, circulated on Facebook.
According to Hontiveros, users of Internet sites are merely exercising freedom of expression and should be exempted from libel. Arroyo reacted to Hontiveros’ statement, saying that he believed this was an effort by Hontiveros to “hug the limelight.”
“The problem with a senatoriable like her is that she is too quick to jump on the gun without understanding fully well what the issue is all about,” Arroyo said. “She is saying that Facebook is being used for Bayanihan purposes and I believe that’s good.
“Either she is myopic or she is too hungry for media exposure,” continues Arroyo. “What I said was I hope Facebook would be regulated, not I want or seek any regulation for Facebook.”