63
Vasquez vs CA
314 SCRA 460
Facts:
Vasquez is a resident of the Tondo Foreshore Area. He and
some families from the area went to see then National Housing Authority (NHA)
regarding their complaint against their Barangay Chairman, Jaime Olmedo. After
their meeting, he and his companions were interviewed by newspaper reporters.
The next day, the following
news article appeared in the newspaper AngTinigng Mass. The article mentions
that these people are asking for help since their land was stolen from them by
the Olmedo, who had connections with the NHA.
Based on the newspaper
article, Olmedo filed a complaint for libel against Vasquez alleging that
Vasquez’ statements cast aspersions on him and damaged his reputation.
Issue:
Whether or not the accused is guilty
of libel
Held:
No.
Ratio:
Petitioner was able to prove the truth of his charges against
the barangay official while the prosecution failed to prove not only that the
charges made by petitioner were false but also that petitioner made them with knowledge
of their falsity or with reckless disregard of whether they were false or not.
If the defamatory matter either constitutes a crime or concerns the performance
of official duties, and the accused proves the truth of his charge, he should
be acquitted.
Submitted by: G-one T.
Paisones
Submitted to: Atty. Cisco
Franz S. Maclang
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