The veteran lawyer recently reminded the public to be cautious when posting “pagpaparinig” and “blind” items on social media.

The veteran lawyer warned the public in his #LegalLifeHack video on Twitter and TikTok to be cautious when posting “blind items” online, as these could be considered libelous under Philippine law.

He went on to say that this includes social media posts with suggestive hints about a specific person or when Filipinos “pagpaparinig” online.

Diokno also stated that social media users should consider the following factors to determine whether or not what they post on social media is libelous.

• Nakakasama ba ito sa reputasyon ng iba? (has defamatory remarks)
• Mababasa ba ito ng ibang tao? (publicly made or publicly posted)
• Halata baa ng pinaparinggan? (There’s an identity of the person being defamed)
• May intension ka bang makapanakit? (refers to malice)

In addition, the seasoned attorney reminded the public that “malice is presumed” in libel and cyber libel cases.

“Kung oo ang sagot mo sa lahat ng tanong na ‘yan, there’s a big chance na libelous ang post mo. At baka makasuhan ka pa ng cyberlibel,” he said.

Diokno went on to say that the punishment for cyber libel is harsher, with the person facing a civil or criminal charge as well as penalty fees.

Toward the end of the video, Diokno urged the public to think carefully before posting on social media, to respect one another, and to try to address any issues directly if they arise.