#50 Fiscal of Pampanga vs.

Guevarra

G.R. No. 35366

The Fiscal of Pampanga filed two informations for libel against Guevarra. The
informations alleged that Guevarra with malicious intent published an article, a
translation in Spanish intended to impeach the honesty, integrity and reputation of
Dayrit and Nepomuceno.

The Fiscal attempted to present as evidence exhibits A, B, C and D which are

copies of the Ing Magumasid

Counsel for defendant objected to this evidence. Objection was sustained by

the court.

The petitioner contends that the exhibits in question are the best evidence of
the libel, the subject matter of the information, and should therefore be admitted;

ISSUE: WoN the exhibits A,B,C, and D should be admitted

RULING: YEs. The Supreme Court held that the copies of the paper where the said
libelous article was published, and its corresponding translation, constitutes as the
best evidence for the information of libel. The newspaper itself is the best evidence
for an article published in it.