Legislating Good Behavior - Bawal ang Gaya-Gaya/ Manggaya

Granted. An individual has the right to be free from any harm, including remarks that degrade the dignity his dignity.

But a legislation that bans mimicking or any other form of expression that offends the identity of a person will surely be controversial.

The Philippine Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and speech plus conduct must be curtailed only when it is harmful to civil rights guaranteed under by the Philippine Constitution, national security, and the general health and well-being of the national community. The passage of House Bill 948, which makes mimicking illegal, has serious implications when it comes to the right of indivuduals to express their grievances in a manner which they consider appropriate and effective.

Not only can the bill restrict comedians, political commentators or even ordinary citizens to exercise freedom of expression through an informal or even outrageous manner; the bill also seeks to limit the number of ways in which individuals can legally express their opinion.

There is no question that the bill might help alleviate the suffering of individuals caused by prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination based upon outright falsehood.

Nonetheless, one must note that medicine, regardless of whether it is the appropriate medicine, can turn into poison if used in improper dosage.

The disadvantage of legislating good moral behavior is not found in the results, but in its inherent side effects. One must be careful not to infringe upon established constitutional rights of individuals for the sake of conforming to political correctness or acceptable social behavior.

Instead of seeking relief through the laws to punish bad behavior, why not destroy ignorance through education?