Practice question
A defendant asserts that every defamatory statement is automatically immune from libel liability whenever some part is true, regardless of motive or legal context. Is that a correct statement of Article 361?
- Yes, truth alone invariably resolves every libel prosecution.
- No; the provision's truth defense includes good motives and justifiable ends, and its governing conditions must be examined.
- Yes, if the defendant repeats the statement often.
- Yes, if it was published anonymously.
- No, because truth is never legally relevant.
Legal references
- Revised Penal Code, Act No. 3815, specified articles, as amended: https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/28/20426; Articles 353–355, 358–359 and 361.
- RA 10951, current amended RPC provisions and monetary thresholds: https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2017/ra_10951_2017.html; amended honor-offense fines.
- Orillo v People, G.R. No. 206905, January 30, 2023, main decision, libel and qualified privilege: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2023/jan2023/gr_206905_2023.html
- Causing v People, G.R. No. 258524, April 8, 2026, en banc main resolution on reconsideration, cyberlibel prescription and discovery: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2026/apr2026/gr_258524_2026.html
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