What is slander by deed?

Answer

Slander by deed (Article 359) is committed by performing an act — not by speaking words — that casts dishonor, discredit, or contempt upon another person; a common example is publicly slapping or shaming someone in a way meant to humiliate. It is the "by deed" counterpart of oral and written defamation.

If the act is serious, it is punished by arresto mayor in its maximum period to prisión correccional in its minimum period, or a fine of ₱20,000 to ₱100,000; if not serious, by arresto menor or a fine not exceeding ₱20,000, as adjusted by Republic Act No. 10951.

Sources & further reading

• 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 the penalty for oral defamation?
• Can defamation be both a criminal and a civil case?