Prominent lawyer Jesus Falcis took to social media to address the legal aspects surrounding the leaked screenshots of alleged private conversations between celebrities Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings. The incident has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the ethical and legal boundaries of sharing private communications online, even in cases involving infidelity.
The Right to Privacy
Falcis emphasized that the right to privacy, enshrined in Philippine law, applies to all individuals—including those accused of cheating. The Data Privacy Act (DPA) prohibits the unauthorized sharing of personal data, including private conversations, if such disclosures reveal the identities of those involved.
According to the National Privacy Commission’s 2020 advisory, the act of sharing screenshots falls under the scope of the DPA only when the content includes identifiable information about the parties involved. The DPA does not cover Redacted or anonymized conversations, offering some leeway for individuals seeking to share content without legal repercussions.
However, the lawyer cautioned that victims of infidelity risk facing cyber libel and data privacy violations by publicly posting unedited screenshots. The penalties under the DPA are significantly harsher than those for cyberlibels, making it a crucial legal concern.
Supreme Court Clarification on Privacy
In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court clarified that using screenshots as evidence in criminal cases does not violate privacy. However, Falcis pointed out a critical caveat: the screenshots must be presented within the legal framework of a court proceeding, not on social media.
For individuals like Maris Racal or her accuser, this distinction is essential. Falcis advised that victims of cheating should document evidence through screenshots but avoid sharing them publicly. Instead, he recommended filing appropriate legal cases, such as those under the Violence Against Women (VAW) framework for psychological violence caused by infidelity.
Slut-shaming and Misogyny
Falcis expressed concern over the misogynistic tone of online discussions surrounding the leaked messages. He noted that while both parties were implicated in the leaked exchange, the backlash disproportionately targeted Racal. Messages perceived as “thirst traps” from Racal garnered significant negative attention, while Jennings’ justification using “method acting” received comparatively less scrutiny.
“Cheating is bad. But so is misogyny, enabled by violating the right to privacy,” Falcis stated, emphasizing the harm caused by slut-shaming narratives.
Balancing Rights and Accountability
The lawyer underscored the importance of handling such cases responsibly. While victims of infidelity have every right to seek justice, he urged them to pursue legal avenues rather than resorting to social media. “Vindicating your rights should not make more victims,” he stressed, reminding the public that even those accused of wrongdoing retain basic human rights, including privacy.
Celebrity Cases and Media Involvement
For public figures like Racal and Jennings, Falcis suggested letting the media cover the incident rather than personally leaking sensitive materials. Such an approach could achieve public awareness without exposing individuals to legal liabilities.
As the case continues to unfold, Falcis’ insights offer a valuable legal and ethical perspective, urging all parties to prioritize respect for privacy and fairness while navigating complex interpersonal disputes.
THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE CASE OF MARIS RACAL AND ANTHONY JENNINGS
— Jesus Falcis 🇵🇭 (@jesusfalcis) December 4, 2024
Even before screenshots of text or chat messages between Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings were leaked today, many people – especially those who were cheated on – have always asked me before about the legality of… pic.twitter.com/5SQdC318hU