Receipts, receipts, receipts…
At midnight on December 4, 2024, social media exploded when Jam Villanueva posted about the cheating allegations against her ex-boyfriend, Anthony Jennings—AND THERE WERE RECEIPTS!
Of course, netizens quickly took screenshots of the post and spread it across the internet, making it go viral. By the morning of the same day, people began commenting, and many started bringing up Maris Racal’s previous partner, Rico Blanco, as he remained silent on the matter.
The “receipts” Jam shared included several photos, showing proof of Anthony and Maris’s private moments, from their “hot” conversations and dating days to the denied allegations and broken promises of “never again.”
While Jam’s intention was likely to find peace of mind, her actions raised concerns from legal advisors, who warned that this could lead to a legal battle over libel and invasion of privacy.
In today’s world, where social media is a go-to platform for airing personal issues, discovering infidelity often prompts people to share private conversations online. But the question remains: even if you’re not married, is it okay to post the chats of your cheating partner?
Libel: The Risk of Defamation
Libel is a serious offense in the Philippines, and people, including those in the media, have faced legal action for it. In our country, and in many others, libel is considered a criminal act.
According to Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code, the offense is when someone publicly accuses another person of a crime that could damage their reputation. In connection, since Jam posted her accusations on social media, she may also be in violation of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. This law covers libel committed online, including on social media platforms and websites.
Therefore, if you post intimate or any sort of incriminating conversations that may harm other people’s reputation, you could be accused of libel in return, even if your claims are true. The Philippine law doesn’t give out free passes to the cheated for as long as what you shared and spread about defamed another party; and you may face up to four (4) years in jail for such an act.
Anti-Privacy Law: The Right to Privacy
In today’s world, protecting our privacy has become more important than ever. Along with the potential for a libel case, Jam’s actions may also violate Republic Act No. 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012. This law ensures that individuals have the right to keep their personal information and communications private, including text messages, emails, and chats. It prevents the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive and private content, such as the chats Jam shared.
While posting and sharing private conversations, especially on social media, might seem like a normal response for many, there are other options that could have been considered. But, let’s be honest, if we were in her shoes, we might have found ourselves torn between sharing the truth and dealing with the hurt in private as well, and that’s understandable especially through all the hurt and anxiety one may have acquired during the messed up breakup. And, the fact that Maris and Anthony are public figures only added fuel to the fire as netizens began questioning Jam’s intentions, wondering if she was seeking the spotlight rather than just sharing her pain.
But, what do you think, Sugboanons? Should the scorned partner post proof of the cheating scandal or must it be kept between the involved parties only? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
