Philippines Supreme Court dismisses contempt case against critics of VP Sara Duterte ruling

The Philippine Supreme Court dismissed petitions for indirect contempt filed against vlogger Richard Heydarian, Akbayan party‑list Representative Percival Cendaña and anti‑poverty czar Larry Gadon. The petitions, brought by lawyers Mark Tolentino, Rolex Suplico and Ferdinand Topacio, alleged the critics’ remarks undermined judicial authority after the Court declared the impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional.

In an 87‑page en banc decision, the Court held that the public criticism fell within constitutionally protected political speech and did not satisfy the “incitement test” required for contempt. It emphasized that democratic discourse must be given the “widest latitude” without fear of punishment, while warning that false statements that threaten the judiciary could still be sanctioned.