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Senator Trillanes pursued libel case against Mocha Uson.
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Senator Trillanes filed libel charges against PCOO Asec. Mocha Uson.
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV filed charges of libel against PCCO Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson.
On Friday, September 22, Senator Trillanes went to the Ombudsman to file libel administrative and criminal case against Asec. Mocha Uson. Sen. Trillanes was joined by fellow legislator Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano in filing the libel case at the Ombudsman.
Trillanes’ case is in connection with Mocha Uson’s Facebook post alleging the Senator’s different offshore accounts used to hide ill-gotten wealth.
Mocha Uson on her Facebook page alleged Sen. Trillanes has ill-gotten wealth. She shared a photo of alleged offshore bank accounts from another Duterte supporter Facebook page Davao Breaking News – 2.
Why while Mocha insists that what she said wasn’t libelous because she said it was only “alleged”, Vera Files has something to say.
On their article, Vera Files cleared that the mere use of “alleged” on a published post or article cannot be used as defense in a libel case.
According to the article, “the literal truth or falsity of a libelous statement is immaterial in libel cases.”
In fact, Reuters Handbook of Journalism cautions journalists from using the the word “alleged” before a defamatory statement because it will not provide immunity from libel.
Established court ruling also proved the use of alleged is not a magic word to be free from libel cases.
According to Supreme Court ruling, the question in libel cases is not “what writers mean, but what their words mean to an ordinary reader”.
“Words calculated to induce suspicion are sometimes more effective to destroy reputation than false charges directly made. Ironical and metaphorical language is a favored vehicle for slander.”
Meanwhile, penalties for libel cases includes fine of P40,000 to P1.2 million, or imprisonment of six months to four years and two months, or both, as well as civil action.
