Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said Friday he was not alone in questioning the Supreme Court of the Philippines ruling that halted the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, as he responded to a petition seeking to cite him for indirect contempt.
The petitioners accused Sotto of undermining the Court’s credibility by alleging it had effectively amended the Constitution and by criticizing Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen over the decision.
Sotto maintained that his position is shared by several legal and academic figures.
“I will wait for the SC copy before I answer if ever. But what about those who are aligned with my opinion… that pointed out the factual errors of the decision and the possibility of a judicial legislation? Ako lang ba?”
He pointed to personalities who have expressed similar concerns, including retired Justice Adolf Azcuna, Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, UP College of Law Associate Dean Paolo Yamese, Atty. Wilfredo Garrido, former FEU Institute of Law Dean Mel Sta. Maria, and journalist Manolo Quezon III.
The contempt petition was filed by lawyers Ferdinand Topacio, Manuelito Luna, Harold Respicio, and others.
They argued that Sotto’s remarks — including comparisons of justices to first-year law students — crossed the line from legitimate criticism and could weaken public confidence in the judiciary.