DATA A DAY: Legislators and
their ‘freedom of expression’

MEDIA GROUPS have complained about increasing government restrictions on Freedom of Expression even as the government itself goes slow on the passage of a Freedom of Information Act.

Recently, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the cyberlibel provision of the Cybercrime Prevention Act, thereby expanding the coverage of the country’s libel laws into cyberspace.

However, Congress has its own set of rules when it comes to how its members express themselves. No mere mortals, legislators are given special privileges when they speak while Congress is in session.

For today’s Data a Day:

TRUE OR FALSE: The use of offensive or improper language by legislators in speeches or debates in Congress or its committees is legally actionable.

For the answer to that question, visit the PCIJ’s Data a Day website, or go directly to our MoneyPolitics Online database for other relevant pieces of information.