In the Philippines, protecting one's reputation is a legal right anchored in the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175). While the terms are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct legal concepts depending on the medium used to spread the defamatory statement.

1. Understanding the Terms

Defamation is the public and malicious imputation of a crime, vice, defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status, or circumstance tending to cause dishonor, discredit, or contempt of a person.

Slander (Oral Defamation): Defamation committed through spoken words, gestures, or similar means.
Libel: Defamation committed by means of writing, printing, lithography, or similar means.
Cyber Libel: Libelous acts committed through a computer system or any other similar means which may be devised in the future (e.g., Facebook posts, Tweets, emails, or blog comments).

2. Elements of the Crime

To successfully sue for Libel or Slander, the prosecution must prove the concurrence of four essential elements:

Imputation of a discreditable act or condition: The statement must attribute a crime, vice, or defect to the victim.
Publication: The statement must be communicated to a third person. In Cyber Libel, the moment it is posted publicly or sent to someone other than the subject, it is considered published.
Identifiability: A third person must be able to recognize that the statement refers to the complainant, even if no names are explicitly mentioned.
Malice: The statement was made with an ill will or a "reckless disregard for the truth."

Note: Under Philippine law, every defamatory imputation is presumed to be malicious, even if it is true, if no good intention or justifiable motive is shown.

3. The Distinction: Slander vs. Cyber Libel

Oral Defamation (Slander)

Under Article 358 of the RPC, slander is categorized into:

Simple Slander: Oral defamation that does not cause serious harm.
Grave Slander: When the imputation is of a serious nature or the circumstances of the case make it highly insulting.

Cyber Libel

Under Section 4(c)(4) of R.A. 10175, libel committed via computer systems carries a penalty one degree higher than that prescribed in the RPC. This reflects the law's recognition of the "virality" and permanence of digital content.

4. The Process of Filing a Case

A. Preliminary Steps: The Barangay Level

If the complainant and the respondent reside in the same city or municipality, the case must generally undergo Katarungang Pambarangay (Barangay Conciliation) before filing in court. A "Certificate to File Action" is required if mediation fails. Note: Cyber Libel cases are often exempted from this if the parties live far apart or if the urgency of the case dictates otherwise.

B. Filing the Complaint

The victim must file a Complaint-Affidavit before the Office of the Prosecutor (Provincial or City).

Jurisdiction: For Cyber Libel, the case can be filed in the Regional Trial Court of the province/city where the complainant resides or where the defamatory post was first accessed.
Prescription Period: * Libel/Slander (RPC): One (1) year.
Cyber Libel: Following the Supreme Court ruling in Tolentino vs. People, the prescription period for Cyber Libel is now strictly observed as one (1) year (aligning it with the RPC).

C. Preliminary Investigation

The prosecutor determines if there is probable cause. If found, an "Information" is filed in court, and a warrant of arrest may be issued.

5. Potential Defenses

The respondent may raise several defenses to counter the charges:

Privileged Communication: Statements made in the performance of a legal, moral, or social duty (e.g., a formal complaint to a superior or court pleadings).
Fair Commentary: Comments on matters of public interest or public figures, provided they are not made with "actual malice."
Truth (with Good Motives): While truth is not always a defense, proving the statement is true and was made for a justifiable reason can result in acquittal.

6. Penalties and Liabilities

Imprisonment: Ranging from arresto mayor to prision mayor depending on the gravity.
Fines: The court may impose fines instead of or in addition to imprisonment.
Civil Damages: The victim can claim moral damages (for mental anguish), exemplary damages (to set an example), and attorney's fees.

Summary Table: Slander vs. Cyber Libel

Feature	Slander (Oral)	Cyber Libel
Medium	Spoken words/Gestures	Computer systems/Internet
Governing Law	Revised Penal Code (Art. 358)	R.A. 10175
Penalty	Lower (Simple or Grave)	One degree higher than RPC
Prescription	One (1) Year	One (1) Year
Evidence	Witness testimony/Recordings	Screenshots/URL/Digital Forensics