A group of lawyers has filed a petition for indirect contempt against Senate President Vicente Sotto III before the Supreme Court, citing his “irresponsible” remarks against members of the judiciary.
The petition, led by Atty. Ferdinand Topacio along with Atty. Manuelito Luna and Atty. Harold Respicio, stemmed from Sotto’s criticisms of the Court’s ruling that declared the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional.
Topacio argued that Sotto’s statements went beyond legitimate commentary and undermined the credibility of the Supreme Court in the eyes of the public.
Among the senator’s remarks were claims that a first‑year law student would understand the Constitution better than the justices, and that Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen failed to grasp constitutional principles.
The lawyers stressed that their petition is not intended to silence Sotto but to remind him of the limits of his position and the respect owed to the judiciary.
They maintained that his words crossed the line of acceptable discourse and warranted disciplinary action to preserve the integrity of the courts.
This highlights the growing tensions between the legislative and judicial branches, with legal experts warning that unchecked attacks on the judiciary could erode public trust in the rule of law.
