Supreme Court Rules on Cyber Libel Prescriptive Period

The Supreme Court of the Philippines has ruled that the prescriptive period for cyber libel is one year from the time the offense is discovered. This decision affirms the court's earlier interpretation and denies motions for reconsideration from Berteni Cataluña Causing and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG). The case originated from a cyber libel complaint filed by Representative Ferdinand Hernandez against Causing in December 2020, alleging that Hernandez misappropriated relief goods intended for Marawi victims. Hernandez discovered the posts in February and April 2019, and charges were filed in May 2021. The Regional Trial Court initially ruled that cyber libel was subject to a 12-year prescriptive period under the Cybercrime Prevention Act. However, the Supreme Court clarified that cyber libel follows the one-year prescriptive period for traditional libel under the Revised Penal Code. The court emphasized that cyber libel is not a distinct crime but rather libel committed through digital means. The ruling is significant as it sets a clear timeline for filing complaints related to cyber libel.

Key Points: • The Supreme Court ruled that cyber libel prescribes one year from discovery. • The ruling affects how cyber libel cases are prosecuted in the Philippines. • The decision clarifies that cyber libel is treated similarly to traditional libel.