The decision’s position on libel: Malice is presumed

The Supreme Court upheld the libel conviction against Ilonggo blogger Manuel Mejorada, who was sentenced to four years and two months in jail. The case came about after the writer published a series of articles questioning alleged overpricing of the Iloilo Convention Center, a project of Senator Franklin Drilon.
“The Court resolves to deny the motion for reconsideration with finality,” the decision read. “No substantial argument having been adduced to warrant the reconsideration.”
The court also elaborated on their determination of what constitutes malice.
“It was not necessary to establish that the publication was motivated by any malice,” the decision noted. “Malice is presumed.”
The blogger previously filed a graft case against the senator before the Office of the Ombudsman, which was dismissed on lack of merit.
Mejorada, who faces five additional libel charges, will serve his sentence at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City./WDJ