Practice question
A citizen peacefully describes a budget policy as foolish and urges voters to oppose it. Officials identify no defamatory false factual assertion, threat or incitement and seek punishment solely because the criticism is harsh. Does harshness alone remove constitutional protection?
- Yes, public officials may punish every unpleasant opinion.
- No; sharp political criticism is not unprotected merely because officials find it offensive.
- Yes, all policy criticism is commercial fraud.
- Yes, only praise contributes to public deliberation.
- No; therefore the speaker is exempt from all laws for every future act.
Legal references
- Diocese of Bacolod v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 205728, January 21, 2015, main decision, political and symbolic expression: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2015/jan2015/gr_205728_2015.html
Answer this question in flashcards to review your response and continue practicing.