1.

Online Publication: Technological Development and the Due Process Requirement

The publication of law is an indispensable requirement for their effectivity and omission would
offend due process insofar as it would deny the public knowledge of the laws that are supposed
to govern it. Article 2 of the Civil Code provides that “laws shall take effect after fifteen days
following the completion of their publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of
general circulation in the Philippines unless it is otherwise provided.” The advent of technology
and the fast-paced development in recent years postulates the flexibility and adaptability of our
laws. The publication in the Online Official Gazette and effectivity date of the Anti-Terrorism
Law of 2020 posed a question on this publication requirement. Is the lack of law or doctrinal
court decision invalidating the publication of statute on online Official Gazette sufficient to make
it valid? Is the internet a new medium for publishing law?

2. Social Media Elections and Data Privacy: How Algorithms Influence Our Right to Suffrage

The advancement of technology integrated new mediums of communication and advancing

social interests effectively and efficiently. In recent years, candidates geared towards social
media to promote themselves and their advocacies bypassing traditional media and connect
directly with supporters. Social media is an echo chamber, more often than not, discussions and
posts that interest and relate to us appear in our newsfeed. Articles we read are dictated by
algorithms that decide what you see based on what you like and dislike, what you comment on
and click on. Rather than getting a diversity of perspectives that contribute to political discourse,
we see an echo chamber. Although social media gives users more direct access to candidates
than ever before, personal data and privacy are at risk from collection without consent to be used
for political advertising. Cambridge Analytica purchased Facebook data on tens of millions of
Americans without their knowledge to build a “psychological warfare tool” which was used to
influence voters across the globe. Considering the pandemic, countless politicians are diverting
from traditional off-line media to social media campaigns. This poses a question on the role of
social media in the dissemination of fake news, Internet censorship, and the use of social media
for surveillance and propaganda. How will the Internet and social media shape politics in
democracies?

3. Digital Currency: Government Regulation and the Rising Need for Cashless Transactions

Cryptocurrencies have been introduced in the 21st century and have since evolved and adapted to
the needs of the market and consumers. Although controversial, there is the capability of the
platform to be used for risk-free financial relations. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the
demand for contactless payments and a shift towards cashless transactions. Millennials point to
convenience as the main reason for veering from cash to contactless payments. In the
Philippines, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recognizes the risks associated with bitcoin
trading and usage. Furthermore, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are not recognized by the
Central Bank as a legitimate currency as “it is neither issued nor guaranteed by a central bank
nor backed by any commodity”. Although not recognized as legal tender, the use purchase of
bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies has been a trend in the past few years anchoring the
argument that crypto is protected from inflation because it is not regulated by central banks and
the government. The government is now placed on deciding whether to allow access to financial
services through cryptocurrencies or prevent the Philippines from becoming a breeding ground
for money laundering, fraud, and terrorism financing.