Facebook posts result in filing of libel charges

CEBU CITY – Facebook messages alleging immoral practices against a woman have led to the filing of libel cases in court.

Some of the messages read, “She is even the one who pays for her men” and “Even if a lot of people have seen your favorite niece with her man kissing lips to lips inside her car.”

Other messages read, “You seem to be a perfect woman even if you slept with another man. You don’t know that you are notorious here. Hahahahahahah,” and “Those who sleep with other men (not her husband), the reputation will stick forever with you.”

These messages posted by Melanie (not her real name) on her Facebook account last year forced a relative of hers to file a libel case against her.

In her affidavit, Thea (not her real name) said Melanie’s statements were “highly defamatory.”

As a result, Melanie will face trial after the Talisay City Prosecutor’s Office found evidence to charge her with libel in court.

Bail

A P10,000 bail was set for her.

Melanie was not able to submit her counter-affidavit because she is in another country.

All the elements of libel are present in the case, according to Prosecutor Floralil Lucero-Albert. These are accusation of a discreditable act or condition to another, publication of the accusation, identity of the person defamed and existence of malice.

Thea said two other relatives were the ones who first read the messages in Facebook, a social networking site.

She said Melanie texted their uncle to accuse her of having an affair with a policeman.

The respondent has 522 online friends who can possibly read the messages on the respondent’s account, said Thea.

“She was referring to me in her Facebook wall comments because she referred to me as the ‘favorite niece’ of (my uncle), as is known in my family,” said Thea.

“What she published about me is libelous in nature and she should be punished,” she said. (KAL of Sun.Star Cebu)