SC: Sans malice, no slander of public execs

Statements against public officers concerning the discharge of their official duties are not considered oral defamation or slander – unless done maliciously, according to the Supreme Court.

- By DAPHNE GALVEZ

The SC emphasized this in a ruling penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen where the high court's Second Division acquitted a resident of Barangay Muntay, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte of grave oral defamation. Argelyn Labargan was convicted of grave oral defamation over her statements against Aileen Macabangon by the Court of Appeals, which was reversed by the SC.

In acquitting Labargan, the SC ruled that offensive remarks against public officers do not constitute defamation if they relate to their discharge of official duties, unless actual malice is proved.