With the Philippine House of Representatives getting ready to deliberate on House Bill 6794 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2009, Filipino Netizens are being urged to read and critique the bill.

As I previously blogged, one of the worries of Filipino Internet users was that the controversy generated by online scandals in the Philippines, such as the Katrina Halili-Hayden Kho sex video, might be used to justify passing new cyberlaws or imposing Internet censorship in the Philippines.

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Here’s an excerpt:

Almost two weeks after the Philippine Senate hearing, the latest chapter in the sordid tale of the Katrina Halili-Hayden Kho sex scandal is now being written.

Halili filed charges on Monday against four individuals suspected of being involved in spreading the sex video–including Dr Kho’s  former girlfriend, Dr Vicki Belo, the most well-known cosmetic surgeon in the Philippines. The National Bureau of Investigation has also reportedly identified the website on which the sex video was first uploaded, after seeking the help of a US-based web host.

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The blog Give Hayden A Chance! was launched today, apparently by a supporter of the controversial Dr Hayden Kho, who has been embroiled in a sex video scandal with Filipina actress Katrina Halili.

As the title of the blog states, the author is calling on people to give Kho a chance, even quoting the Bible by saying that only those who are without sin should cast the first stone.

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Check out my CNET Asia blog post and watch the ongoing live video stream.

Unfortunately, the Katrina Halili-Hayden Kho sex video scandal, which has launched thousands of pirated DVDs and generated even more online views, is still the talk of the town in the Philippines.

And with the twists and turns this sordid tale has taken, you might find yourself wondering if you’re watching a B-movie–not to make light, though, of the real-life pain that Halili is enduring. Oh yeah, and Kho apparently thinks he’s also a victim in all this.

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Blogged about this issue for CNET Asia. Here’s an excerpt:

As you might expect, the Katrina Halili-Hayden Kho sex video scandal is one of the hottest topics on the Philippine blogosphere. After all, this latest video that has been leaked online involves one of the most popular Filipina sexy actresses and the beauty doctor/model Kho, who has seen his own share of the limelight as the former beau of the country’s most well-known cosmetic and dermatologic surgeon, Vicki Belo, whose clients include showbiz personalities, politicians and members of high society.

Not surprisingly, this sex scandal has also attracted the attention of Philippine legislators and government officials, with the Palace itself declaring it wants to “go hard” on Kho, according to Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, who said the videos “affect the morals of society”. Earlier, Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. (a former actor, by the way) demanded the revocation of Kho’s medical license in a privilege speech. The National Bureau of Investigation is now conducting a probe on Kho, who has been placed on the Bureau of Immigration watch list to prevent him from leaving the country. Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez has said Kho could be jailed for six years if found guilty. Amazing, isn’t it, how a “sexy issue” like this causes the Philippine Government to immediately spring into action? Unlike, say, issues such as the Philippine Book Blockade of 2009.

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