Presidential Spokesman Ricardo Saludo said Sunday that Malacañang is leaving up to the next Congress to consider legislation that would decriminalize libel in the country.

The Palace pronouncement came as the Vatican underscored Sunday the importance of media on the occasion of the 44th World Communications Day.

“The next Congress can consider legislation to formally remove penal sanctions,” Saludo said when asked if the Palace is amenable to
a measure decriminalizing libel in the country.

Malacañang has often declared its respect for press freedom under a democracy despite constant attacks by some groups in the  media supposedly resulting in the President’s low popularity rating.

Saludo, however, declined to comment on a High Court's decision junking a petition made by First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo to  stop a local court from hearing a P12.5 million suit filed against him by some journalists.

The journalists had sought damages from the First Gentleman after the flurry of libel cases he filed against them since 2007.

“Palace has no comment on case in deference to Supreme Court,” he said.