Panelo says he’s in favor of decriminalizing libel

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said on Monday that he is in favor of decriminalizing libel.

Panelo made the remark in light of the arrest of Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa for a cyberlibel case.

“Personally, kung ako lang ha, personal not the Palace’s view, sa akin puwede na iyong civil suit (Personally, if it’s only up to me — not the Palace view — I think a civil suit will do),” Panelo said.

He pointed out that some members of the media prefer libel to remain a crime as a means to check the abuses of the press.

He cited the opinion of former TV journalist and now senatorial candidate Jiggy Manicad who that libel should remain a crime.

READ: Let libel remain a crime to prevent abuse – ex-journalist Manicad

Panelo, who is also the chief presidential legal counsel, said it is difficult to file a libel charge as one has to prove malice.

“Mahirap magdemanda nga ng libel dahil baka wala kaagad probable cause, lalong mahirap magpruba. Kaya tell me, sino na ba ang alam ninyo na na-convict ng libel na peryodista?” he said.

(It’s hard to file a case of libel because there may be no probable cause. It is also hard to prove. So tell me, do you know of any journalist convicted of libel?)

“In fact, kaya nga iyong mga media, hindi ba they are saying – iyong mga naririnig ko noon – it’s a badge of honor when you sue me for libel, ibig sabihin okay ang aking mga artikulo, nayayanig ka,” he added.

(In fact, media people are saying — that’s what I’ve heard — that it’s a badge of honor when you libel because it means my article is OK and you should be afraid.)/ee