What is the penalty for oral defamation?

Answer

The penalty depends on whether the slander is grave or simple. Grave oral defamation — serious and insulting in nature — is punished by arresto mayor in its maximum period to prisión correccional in its minimum period. Simple oral defamation is punished by arresto menor or a fine not exceeding ₱20,000 (Article 358, as adjusted by Republic Act No. 10951).

Whether a statement is grave or simple depends on the words used, the relationship of the parties, and the circumstances. An act (rather than words) that casts dishonor is separately punished as slander by deed under Article 359.

Sources & further reading

• RPC Art. 358 — slander
• RPC Art. 359 — slander by deed
• Full report: oral defamation & slander

Cases on this topic

• Amado B. Teodoro v. Court of Appeals
• Bienvenido T. Canlapan v. Department of Justice
• Canal, Sr. v. People
• Consolacion P. Mangila v. Judge Lantin
• Narcisa Tul-id v. People
• Niña Oclarit Ido v. People
• Noel Villanueva v. People
• People v. Isauro Santiago

Related questions

• What is oral defamation (slander) in the Philippines?
• What is the difference between slander and libel?
• What is slander by deed?
• Can defamation be both a criminal and a civil case?