Document background
The Defamation Letter Before Action is a crucial preliminary document used in the Philippines when seeking remedies for defamatory statements. It serves as a formal notification to the alleged defamer before initiating legal proceedings under Philippine law, which recognizes defamation through both civil remedies (under the Civil Code) and criminal prosecution (under the Revised Penal Code). This document should be used when an individual or organization has been subject to defamatory statements that have caused reputational damage, financial loss, or other forms of harm. The letter typically includes detailed information about the defamatory statements, evidence of their publication, proof of damages, and specific demands for rectification. It must be carefully drafted to comply with Philippine legal requirements and constitutional protections regarding freedom of speech while effectively asserting the complainant's rights.
