1 US VS TAYLOR

THE UNITED STATES VS CARSON TAYLOR GR No. L-9726 December 8, 1914 JOHNSON, J. Facts Appellant Carson Taylor, manager of Manila Daily Bulletin, was a ccused of committing criminal libel by having supervision of such newspaper and allowing an article with the title OWNERS FIRED BUILDING TO COLLECT INSURANCE - CRIMINAL CHARGES FOLLOWS CIVIL SUIT to be printed with intent to harm ha rm the reputation of Ramon Soleto, a member of the Bar of the Philippine Islands. The trial court rendered its decision, conv icting Taylor of the said crime. Issue Whether or not Taylor, as manager of Manila Man ila Daily Bulletin, committed the act of libel Ruling  No. Under Act No. 277 libel is made a crime, with a provision stating that an "author, editor, or  proprietor of any book, newspaper or serial publication is chargeable with the publication of any words contained in any part of said book or number of each newspaper or serial as fully as if he were the author of the same." Since S ince the law is clear that there is no mention of the word "manager", the enumerated persons in the said law are only those who can be made liable. The  prosecution as well, failed to present evidence Taylor's role as manager constituted or is synonymous with being an "author, editor or proprietor." Thus, Taylor cannot be held liable.