Few days ago, someone called me up and asked me to delete some contents from my Pinoy Bloggers Directory site because according to him the content is libelous. I asked him about the content and he gave me the link to the Yahoo! archived page.
I then checked the archived page and I found out that the content is not really the Pinoy Bloggers directory content but of one of the listed blog. It only happens that the directory site is linking into that said blog. So, to help him I deleted the blog on the directory.
The Lesson
When I was still blogging as Ka Webspy, I always write blogposts that attack politicians and religious teachers. But after realizing that I could be sued by them for libel, I immediately stopped the attack including the blog.
Well, it might be true that I have the right to attack them. Usually this right is called the freedom of speech. But did you know that the attacked persons have the right to sue you for libel? Yes! And I really scared of this kind of lawsuit because it will not only waste your time but it will drain your pocket too.
What to do?
If you can avoid attacking someone, then avoid it. It’s better to stay safe than trying a risky but not valuable thing.
But it doesn’t mean that you will not write posts that will contain your negative comments about a man, a company, a service or a product. Describing anything negatively is not really libelous as long as you don’t accuse someone for doing a thing. If you see him ugly, then you can tell your readers about him honestly.
What I really mean is: Just be honest and don’t accuse someone.
| 2.8 |
SELaplana, 8 August 2007 at 
August 8th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
true. If you have something to say, and are backed up with facts, say it. Accusing is a whole different thing…
Example Smart’s service most of the time irritates me.. kaya yun, napost ko tuloy… Naku teka, ma-Libel kaya ako?
No one reads that anyway, ok lang yun.>
August 9th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Yeah, the Internet, in a way, is a medium of little crimes. It could be really scary sometimes.
BTW, thanks for passing by and for adding me in the Pinoy Blogger directory. See ya!
August 9th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
If you post your negative experience about a service like SMART Bro or Globelines or any services, it’s not really libelous as long as you’re writing your complaints honestly. However, some still consider it as libelous so you should always be ready for it.
September 6th, 2007 at 7:12 am
as far as i know libel is only applicable if the said libelous words came from your mouth ,, if somebody testify that he heard and he saw that the suspected person said the libelous words..
In terms of libel with internet it is another story and i cant find any article discussing about libelous content
correct me if im wrong
December 19th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
i was a victim of a friendster message. He uses his own account to send messages to all my co-workers to ruin my name & reputation at work & at home. He also stated his full name in every message he sent. when he knows that i will file a libel case he deleted his account. can i use those messages that he sent to my co-workers plus the fact that they know also this person personally bec. he is also one of my co-workers before. He is working abroad when this happens. He also text me saying he was the one who spread those things in the internet. will i used this as evidence to file libel case to him. ty. god bless
December 19th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Ann: the best way po na dapat gawin para masiguro natin kung ano ang dapat mong gawin in legal battle is to collect all those ebidensya and mga saksi, then talk a lawyer who is expert on this. Yan po muna ang mapapayo ko.
January 29th, 2008 at 12:51 am
hello frineds…i’d like to ask about your opinion.i need your help.someone is using my own name maricel millares to ruin my reputation…i have my own friendster account and the other person was using my own name and photos and made a new friendster account…how can i delete that degrading account?
February 18th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Can somesone sue you for libel if you wrote a question? not statement.
example: Is gerard gay?
You wrote something in public but with question mark in the end. Is This libelous?