How to Report Cyber Libel and Cyber Bullying Online in the Philippines

I. Introduction

The Philippines has one of the highest social media penetration rates in the world and correspondingly one of the highest incidences of online defamation and harassment. Cyber libel and cyberbullying are among the most commonly reported online offenses, and victims now have clear legal remedies under several laws, primarily Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act No. 11313 (Safe Spaces Act), and related jurisprudence.

This article comprehensively explains the legal definitions, elements, penalties, prescription periods, evidentiary requirements, reporting procedures, and available remedies as of December 2025.

II. Cyber Libel Under Philippine Law

Legal Basis

• Article 353–355, Revised Penal Code (traditional libel)
• Section 4(c)(4), RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) – the act of committing libel “through a computer system or any other similar means which may be devised in the future”

The Supreme Court in Disini, Jr. v. Secretary of Justice (G.R. No. 203335, February 11, 2014) upheld the constitutionality of online libel but declared unconstitutional the following:

• Section 4(c)(4) insofar as it applies to the original author of the post (it remains constitutional only for those who react, share, or comment with malice)
• Section 5 (aiding or abetting online libel) – unconstitutional with respect to online libel

Important clarification: The original author of a defamatory post can still be held liable for cyber libel under Section 4(c)(4). Those who merely like, share, or comment without adding defamatory statements cannot be charged with cyber libel (only the original author or those who add new defamatory content).

Elements of Cyber Libel

1. There must be an imputation of a crime, vice, defect, act, omission, condition, status, or circumstance tending to cause dishonor, discredit, or contempt.
2. The imputation must be public (posted online where third persons can see it).
3. The victim must be identified or identifiable.
4. There must be malice (knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard of truth, or malice in fact).

Penalty

One degree higher than ordinary libel: Prision mayor in its minimum and medium periods (6 years and 1 day to 10 years) plus fine ranging from ₱6,000 to ₱1,000,000+ (courts usually impose ₱200,000–₱500,000 in recent cases).

Prescription Period

Highly disputed but prevailing practice as of 2025:

• Many prosecutors and courts apply the 15-year prescriptive period because the penalty is prision mayor (afflictive penalty under Article 25 RPC).
• Some MTCs still apply the 1-year period under Article 90 RPC (special rule for libel).
• To be safe, file within one year if possible, but cases filed even after 5–10 years have been given due course when the prosecution argues 15 years.

III. Cyberbullying and Related Offenses

There is no single law entitled “Anti-Cyberbullying Act,” but the following statutes cover online harassment:

1. RA 11313 – Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law)
   Criminalizes gender-based online sexual harassment (catcalling, slut-shaming, persistent unwanted messages, sharing private photos without consent, etc.).
   Penalty: Arresto mayor (1 month 1 day to 6 months) + fine ₱10,000–₱300,000 depending on severity.

2. Article 282 – Grave Threats or Article 283 – Light Threats (RPC)
   When the bullying involves threats to kill, injure, or damage property.

3. Article 287 – Unjust Vexation (RPC)
   Most common charge for repeated harassing messages, fake accounts, or trolling that causes annoyance, irritation, or disturbance.

4. RA 9262 – Anti-VAWC (if the victim is a woman or her child)
   Psychological violence through online harassment is punishable by prision mayor.

5. RA 10175 – Online Child Abuse/Exploitation (Section 4(c)(2)) if the victim is a minor and the act involves grooming, bullying leading to suicide, etc.

6. RA 9995 – Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act
   For revenge porn or non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

7. RA 7610 – Special Protection of Children Against Abuse
   Child cyberbullying cases are often filed here, especially in schools or when the perpetrator is also a minor.

IV. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Report Cyber Libel or Cyberbullying

Step 1: Preserve Evidence Immediately

Take the following (do this before the perpetrator deletes the post):

• Full-screen screenshots showing the full URL, date, time, and profile name.
• Video screen recording (using phone or OBS) while scrolling to show context and comments.
• Notarized affidavit describing the circumstances.
• Save the original links (use archive.is or screenshot.to for permanent archive).
• If the post is deleted, request preservation letter from Facebook/TikTok/Twitter via law enforcement.

Step 2: Report to the Platform First (Optional but Recommended)

• Facebook/Instagram → Report post → “Harassment” or “False Information”
• Twitter/X → Report tweet → “Abusive or harmful”
• TikTok → Report video → “Bullying or harassment”
• YouTube → Report video → “Harmful or dangerous” or “Harassment & cyberbullying”

Platforms usually remove content within 24–72 hours if it violates community standards.

Step 3: File the Criminal Complaint

Preferred offices (they have trained cybercrime investigators):

A. National Bureau of Investigation – Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD)
Location: Taft Avenue, Manila (or any NBI regional office)
Hotline: (02) 8525-4093 / cybercrime@nbi.gov.ph
Procedure: Walk-in or online appointment via nbi.gov.ph → Submit affidavit + evidence → Case build-up → Endorsement to DOJ for inquest/preliminary investigation.

B. Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG)
Location: Camp Crame, Quezon City
Hotline: 723-0401 loc 7491 / 0917-708-9079
Email: report@pnpacg.gov.ph
Online reporting: pnpacg.gov.ph → “Report Cybercrime”
They respond fastest (often within hours) and can immediately send preservation letters to platforms.

C. Department of Justice – Office of Cybercrime (DOJ-OOC)
For direct filing of complaint-affidavit if you already have a private lawyer.

D. City/Provincial Prosecutor’s Office
You can file directly with the fiscal in your locality. The prosecutor will endorse to NBI or PNP-ACG for investigation if needed.

Required documents:

1. Complaint-affidavit (notarized)
2. Affidavit of witnesses (if any)
3. Printouts/screenshots (properly marked)
4. Certification from barangay (only if amount involved or for mediation in unjust vexation cases; not required for cyber libel)

Step 4: Preliminary Investigation

The prosecutor will issue subpoena to respondent. Respondent files counter-affidavit. Resolution usually within 60–90 days.

If probable cause is found → Information is filed in court.

Step 5: Filing of Civil Action for Damages

You may file a separate civil case or reserve it in the criminal case.
Damages commonly awarded in cyber libel cases (2020–2025):

• Moral damages: ₱100,000–₱1,000,000 (average ₱300,000–₱500,000)
• Exemplary damages: ₱100,000–₱500,000
• Attorney’s fees: ₱100,000–₱300,000

V. Special Procedures and Tips

1. If the perpetrator uses a fake account
   NBI/PNP-ACG can subpoena Facebook/Google/TikTok for account information (IP address, registered mobile number, email). Success rate is very high (90%+) because platforms comply with Philippine subpoenas.

2. If the perpetrator is abroad
   Still file the case. Philippine courts have jurisdiction if the victim is in the Philippines and the post was accessible here (territoriality principle).

3. If the victim is a minor
   File with PNP Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) or DSWD. Case will be handled under RA 7610 or the Juvenile Justice Act if perpetrator is also a minor.

4. Mediation is possible
   For unjust vexation or light threats, prosecutors often encourage mediation and public apology + deletion of posts.

5. Anti-Cybercrime Units can act very quickly
   In urgent cases (suicidal ideation, ongoing harassment), call PNP-ACG hotline. They can raid within hours if there is imminent danger.

VI. Prevention Measures

• Use privacy settings (friends-only posts).
• Register your SIM (RA 11934) – makes anonymous harassment harder.
• Enable two-factor authentication.
• Report fake accounts immediately.
• Avoid engaging trolls (the “oxygen of publicity” principle).

VII. Conclusion

Victims of cyber libel and cyberbullying in the Philippines are no longer helpless. With RA 10175, the Safe Spaces Act, and highly capable NBI and PNP cybercrime units, perpetrators are now regularly arrested, prosecuted, and ordered to pay substantial damages. The key is prompt evidence preservation and immediate reporting to either the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group or NBI Cybercrime Division.

File as soon as possible. The law is on your side.