Under the Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code, Libel
is a public and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice
or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status, or circumstance tending to cause the dishonor, discredit, or contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is dead. And to explain how this act is committed, let me cite Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code, Libel is committed by means of writing, printing, lithography, engraving, radio, phonograph, painting, theatrical exhibition, cinematographic exhibition, or any similar means. It provided the elements of defemation: a) the statement must be defamatory; b) it must be malicious; c) it must be given publicity; and d) the victim must be identifiable. Malicious means the defendant knows that what he or she is publishing is false, or has reckless regard of whether it is in fact true or false, because of the intent to injure a persons or an entitys reputation. Any person who shall publish, exhibit, or cause the publication or exhibition of any defamation in writing thru newspapers or technological means, shall be responsible for the same. Also under the Article 26 of the Civil Code which have the same nature of offense states that: Every person shall respect the dignity, personality, privacy and peace of mind of his neighbors and other persons. The following and similar acts, though they may not constitute a criminal offense, shall produce a cause of action for damages, prevention and other relief: (1) Prying into the privacy of anothers residence:
(2) Meddling with or disturbing the private life or family
relations of another; (3) Intriguing to cause another to be alienated from his friends; (4) Vexing or humiliating another on account of his religious beliefs, lowly station in life, place of birth, physical defect, or other personal condition. "A reputation once broken may possibly be repaired, but the world will always keep their eyes on the spot where the crack was." Joseph Hall Loss of reputation eventually means loss of income, endangered safety, loss of ethical standards, which may ultimately lead to suicide, or loss of life. No amount of money can compensate to damaged reputation. The enjoyment of a private reputation is as much a constitutional right as the possession of life, liberty or property. It is one of those rights necessary to human society that underlie the whole scheme of civilization. The law recognizes the value of such reputation and imposes upon him who attacks it, by slanderous words or libelous publication, the liability to make full compensation for the damages done. (Worcester vs. Ocampo, 22 Phil. 42). In light of this matter, the Constitutional provision under Section 4, Article 3 of the 1987 Constitution which states that No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances is not absolutely lodge in the capacity of an individual to exercise such rights and the same is true that all these rights are subject to restrictions and limitations as may be provided by law or by the government.