What is oral defamation (slander) in the Philippines?

Answer

Oral defamation, also called slander, is the speaking of defamatory words that cast dishonor, discredit, or contempt upon another person (Article 358 of the Revised Penal Code). It is the spoken counterpart of libel, which is defamation in writing or another permanent form.

Slander is classified as either simple or grave (serious and insulting in nature). Grave oral defamation is punished by arresto mayor in its maximum period to prisión correccional in its minimum period; simple slander draws arresto menor or a fine not exceeding ₱20,000, as updated by Republic Act No. 10951.

Sources & further reading

• RPC Art. 358 — slander
• 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 the difference between slander and libel?
• What is the penalty for oral defamation?
• What is slander by deed?
• Can defamation be both a criminal and a civil case?