Reyes vs People 27 SCRA 686 [Case Digest]

65 - Slander

Reyes vs People

27 SCRA 686 [Case Digest]

 

Facts:

            Petitioner Rosauro Reyes was a former civilian employee at the Navy Exchange at Sangley Point whose services were terminated by Agustin Hallare and Frank Nolan.  A month after,he led a group of about 20-30 persons in a demonstration in front of the Naval Station. They carried placards saying “Agustin, mamatay ka na!” “Frank donot be a common funk” etc. The rallyists followed Hallare to his housewherein Reyes shouted “Agustin Putang Ina mo. Mawala ka na. Lumabas ka, papatayin kita!” He was charged with grave threats and grave oral defamation.

Issue:

            Whether or not the accused is guilty of Slander

Held:

            No.

Ratio:

            The words, "Agustin, putang ina mo" is a common enough expression in the dialect that is often employed, not really to slander but rather to express anger or displeasure. In the instant case, it should be viewed as part of the threats voiced by appellant against Agustin Hallare, evidently to make the same more emphatic.

Submitted by: G-one T. Paisones

Submitted to: Atty. Cisco Franz S. Maclang