The Supreme Court has ordered Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III to explain why he should not be cited for indirect contempt over his public statements questioning the High Court’s ruling on the impeachment case involving Vice President Sara Duterte.
A resolution issued on Monday required Sotto to submit a comment within 10 non-extendible days from receipt of notice, with the deadline set until May 14, 2026, according to SC spokesperson Camille Ting.
The Court said: “Acting on the verified petition for indirect contempt, the Court resolved… to require the respondent to comment thereon within a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice.”
The case stemmed from the Supreme Court’s July 25, 2025 ruling that voided the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Duterte, declaring them unconstitutional from the start.
Following the ruling, Sotto described impeachment as an “impossible dream” and also questioned the justices’ familiarity with congressional procedures.
A group of complainants, including lawyers Ferdinand Topacio, Harold Respicio, Manuelito Luna, Virgilio Garcia, and businesswoman Mary Catherine Diaz Binag, filed the petition for indirect contempt.
They argued that Sotto’s remarks could undermine public trust in the judiciary and may constitute improper conduct under Rule 71 of the Rules of Court.
The petition said his statements could “impede, obstruct, or degrade the administration of justice,” and raised concerns that they may erode confidence in the courts’ integrity.