Conflicts at work don’t always stay inside the office — they can also erupt online, especially in group chats. But what if the issue becomes personal and offensive? Can you actually take legal action if you’re insulted by a colleague?
This was the concern of a certain Emilio from Marikina, who asked in the Tanong ng Pilipino segment of “Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda (CIA with BA)”: “Nabasa ko po sa GC (group chat) na tinawag akong ‘bobo’ ng isa kong officemate dahil daw hindi ako magaling mag-English, kaya hindi ako mapromote-promote. Pwede ko po ba silang kasuhan?”
Legal expert Atty. Sari Reyes explained that there are possible cases that may be filed in such situations, but one specific legal remedy stands out: libel, particularly cyberlibel.
“Yes. Marami po tayong pwedeng ikaso pero in this case, ang gusto ko pong i-discuss ay libel, particularly cyberlibel, dahil nagawa po ito online,” she said.
Reyes pointed out that even though the insult was made within a group chat, the law’s requirement of publicity is still satisfied. “Although sa group chat po ito nasabi, meron pa rin pong publicity requirement na na-satisfy sa ating batas kasi meron po tayong Supreme Court case na sinasabi na basta merong ibang tao na makakita – na hindi siya ‘yung dapat makakita o ‘yung pinagsasabihan – already qualifies us for a public act.”
She further explained the other elements of libel: the statement must be defamatory or damaging to a person’s reputation, the subject must be identifiable, and the remark must impute a crime, defect, or vice. In Emilio’s case, these elements were clearly met.
For his part, Boy Abunda offered a broader cultural reflection on the issue.
“Hindi po nangangahulugan na [dahil] marunong kang mag-Ingles, matalino ka, or hindi ka marunong mag-Ingles, hindi ka matalino. It doesn’t follow. Mahabang paliwanag po ito dahil may pagka-cultural. Kaya ‘wag nating isipin na ang kaisa-isang basehan ng pagiging matalino ay pagsasalita ng Ingles,” said the award-winning TV host.
Through this discussion, “CIA with BA” highlighted not only the legal remedies available in the digital age but also the importance of dismantling stereotypes that equate intelligence solely with fluency in English.
“CIA with BA,” as led by sibling senators Alan and Pia Cayetano, together with Tito Boy, continues the advocacy of the late Sen. Rene Cayetano.
The program airs Sundays at 11pm on GMA7, with replays every Saturday at 10:30pm on GTV.
