Blogger Found Guilty of Cyber Libel for Post Defaming Former Senate President

Photo: Photo by Sora Shimazaki

Dayao had violated Republic Act 10175, better known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, according to the Pasay RTC Branch 111's findings. As a result, Dayao was given a prison term that may last anywhere between two and four years and five months.

The prosecution's case for naming Dayao as the author and publisher of the contentious piece was upheld by the court. It was believed beyond doubt that the published material was defamatory.

Following a complaint by the former legislator, the case was started. Dayao's blog post on "Silent No More PH" referred to Sotto, along with Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, Manny Pacquiao, Gregorio Honasan, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Cynthia Villar, and Richard Gordon, using derogatory language for their failure to support a Senate resolution condemning the killing of minors in the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign, which is currently under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The court concluded that the accusations made against Sotto in Dayao's article suggested malice. As a result, the court declared that the presence of the element of malice was undeniable.

Dayao pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

Sotto welcomed the court's ruling and emphasized the need for more accountability in internet publishing in his answer. His opinion was that Dayao's conviction should serve as a stark reminder to everyone about the repercussions of their internet behavior.

"I welcome the court decision. May this be a reminder to all of us that we should be more responsible for whatever we publish online," Sotto said.

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This article Blogger convicted of cyberlibel over remarks vs. Tito Sotto was originally published in GMA News Online.

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