Charles Teves
A lot may not know this, but people can go to jail for gossiping about someone to a certain extent.
During an episode of Sumbungan ng Bayan, a caller asked what legal actions they can take against a relative who threatened them and ruined their reputation to other people.
According to Atty. Zen Ferrer, the caller can file a case of grave threat when their life is threatened.
The Grave Threat is punishable under Article 282 of the Revised Penal Code.
A case is filed when the offender achieved a purpose through threatening people.
Filing a case such as this one should go through the Barangay first.
In the event of no success, the case may be brought to the Office of the Prosecutor.
When a threat does not come with a condition, the offender may only be imprisoned for a month and one day to six months and a fine less than P500.
Regarding the gossiping issue, the relative can be charged with unjust vexation.
“Kung araw-araw ka na lang tsini-chismis at kung anu-ano yung nadidinig mo sa iyong kapitbahay o kabarangay na nagiging reaksyon nila sa pagchismis nung [kamag-anak]…at naapektuhan na ang iyong pag-iisip at pang-araw araw na buhay, nababalisa na kayo dahil sa pinagsasabi ng ibang tao, puwede po ito ulit na unjust vexation [case],” Ferrer explained.
However, if the gossiping has proven to be too much, the case may turn into slander or oral defamation.
“Kung ang chismis medyo grabe at naglalaman na may paninirang puri, puwede siyang ireklamo ng oral defamation o slander,” he added.
Unjust vexation is considered in the list of “craziest laws in the world” which states that “any other coercion of unjust vexation shall be punished by arresto menor or a fine ranging from PHP5 (US$.10) to PHP200 (US$4), or both.”
