The Supreme Court has dismissed separate indirect contempt petitions against three individuals who criticized its impeachment ruling involving Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
In a decision released on Thursday, the court stated that the petitions failed to demonstrate that the respondents' remarks posed a clear and imminent threat to the administration of justice.
The petitions originated from public statements made by the respondents following the court's declaration of the fourth impeachment complaint against Ms. Duterte as unconstitutional in July 2025.
The tribunal found that the respondents' criticism of the ruling and the court was made during public debate on a matter of national importance and did not obstruct judicial proceedings.
The court emphasized the importance of broad protection for public expression in democratic discourse, cautioning against using contempt powers to suppress criticism of the judiciary.
