Libel is a false publication, as in writing, print, signs, or pictures, that damages a person's reputation. The act of presenting such material to the public. Libel defined under Philippine laws, Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code defines libel as "a public and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice or detect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status or circumstances tending to cause the dishonor, discredit or contempt pf a natural or juridicial person, or to blacken the memory of one who is dead". In this case that the reported filing of a libel suit by Mayor Nasser Pangandaman, Jr. against Bambee De la Paz before the Lanao del Sur Prosecutor’s Office in Marawi City. It was Bambee’s blog which brought public attention to the mauling incident at the Valley Golf Club, for which Mayor Pangandaman and his companions, including his father DAR Secretary Nasser Pangandaman, Sr., are allegedly responsible.
In my opinion of this case, I think Bambee was just telling what she know about the issue through writing it on a blogspot. Just hoping that the judge that would handle the case down in Lanao Del Sur will exercise fairness and not let himself/herself fall for any corrupting influence from powerful politicians in that province. It is better, however, for his own reputation that the story-teller should risk a few actions for libel on account of these unfortunate coincidences than that he should adopt the melancholy device of using blanks or asterisks. The only rules comedy can tolerate are those of taste, and the only limitations those of libel.
