Legal Insights

Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.

Showing 1–10 of 10 articles for “actual malice”

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Jan 29, 2023 libel criminal law freedom of speech revised penal code supreme court

Libel in the Philippines: When Posting a Complaint Becomes a Crime

The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of libel, including publication and malice, in a case involving posted criminal complaints.

Jul 4, 2022 legal ethics conflict of interest code of professional responsibility administrative case lawyers

When a Lawyer's Dual Clients Create a Conflict of Interest: Lessons from Marcelo-Salud v. Bolivar

A lawyer who represents tenants while also serving as counsel to the alleged property owner may face discipline for conflicting interests, even if the main complaint fails.

Jul 5, 2017 libel actual malice press freedom public interest qualified privilege supreme court

Protecting Press Freedom: Actual Malice and Libel in Public Interest Reporting

A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on actual malice, qualified privilege, and libel in reporting on public officials' conduct.

Dec 4, 2013 libel privileged-communication civil-liability double-jeopardy revised-penal-code rules-of-court

Libel and Public Interest: When Acquittal Does Not Always Mean Freedom From Civil Liability

Explore the Co v. Muñoz ruling on libel, privileged communication, and when acquittal may still leave room for civil liability claims.

Mar 23, 2011 libel press freedom fair reporting philippine law supreme court criminal law

Protecting Press Freedom Understanding Libel and Fair Reporting in Philippine Media Law

Explore the boundaries of libel and fair reporting in Philippine media law through the Supreme Court's ruling in Angeles v. Gaite.

May 15, 2009 actual malice libel press freedom public figures qualified privilege media law

Actual Malice and Media Responsibility in Reporting on Public Figures

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that public figures must prove actual malice to claim damages for false news reports.

Dec 13, 2005 defamation freedom of press privileged communication civil damages philippine law libel

Defamation vs. Press Freedom: Balancing Rights in Philippine Law

Philippine Journalists v. Thoenen clarifies when media cannot claim privilege for defamatory reports about private individuals.

Sep 15, 1999 libel freedom of expression public officials revised penal code citizen watchdog vasquez case

Citizen Watchdogs and Libel: The Vasquez Standard for Criticizing Public Officials

The Supreme Court acquits a citizen who denounced a barangay chairman, clarifying libel law for public officials in the Philippines.

Jun 1, 1999 criminal law libel republication revised penal code supreme court freedom of expression

Think Before You Share: Understanding Republication Libel in Philippine Law

A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sharing or republishing a news article becomes libel, and the crucial role of malice.

Apr 20, 1999 grave slander defamation criminal law revised penal code supreme court philippines

Grave Slander in the Philippines: Lessons from Artajos v. Court of Appeals

Learn how Philippine law punishes grave slander, the elements prosecutors must prove, and key lessons from the Supreme Court's Artajos ruling.