“Just because uso ang pagiging ‘Maritess,’ hindi ibig sabihin na hindi ka pwedeng ma-barangay o mapakulong dahil it’s a criminal offense na manira ng kapwa.”
This was Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s reminder to viewers of “CIA with BA” in its episode last Sunday, May 21.
Together with sister and fellow lawmaker Pia Cayetano and award-winning TV host Boy Abunda, they took on the case of a woman, who works in KTV bars, complaining about the mother of her ex-partner who always speaks offensive words against her in their neighborhood.
The case led Senator Pia to enumerate the elements of oral defamation or slander.
“Pagka siniraan mo ‘yung ibang tao, kailan ‘yun magiging krimen? Krimen ‘yun kung ‘yung sinabi mo, ‘yung lumabas sa bibig mo [ay] para kang may sinasabing may ginawang krimen, may kondisyon o status ‘yung tao na hindi maganda,” she said.
“Number two – you do it in public. Kung pribado, walang problema,” Pia continued.
“Third is [when it is] malicious. Kung ang pagkasabi naman [ay] natural lang, para kang nagre-report na something na totoo at walang malisya, then hindi rin,” continued the senator.
“Fourth is nadi-dishonor nga ‘yung tao. ‘Yung sinasabi mo nakakasira sa kanya,” she ended.
“Sa lahat ng Marites… take note!” said Senator Alan.
“CIA with BA” is a continuation of the legacy of Senator Rene Cayetano, the late father of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano. The senior Cayetano was the Philippines’ original lawyer-on-air who became a household name because of the radio and TV program “Compañero y Compañera” which aired from 1997 to 2001.
Catch “CIA with BA” every Sunday, 11:30 p.m. on GMA7.
