MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court of the Philippines has required Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III to explain why he should not be held in indirect contempt following his statements against the tribunal’s ruling on Vice President Sara Duterte.
In its latest resolution, the Court instructed Sotto to submit a written comment within a strict 10-day period from notice. The directive does not yet mean the petition has been formally given due course.
According to spokesperson Camille Ting, Sotto must comply with the deadline set by the Court, which falls on May 14.
The controversy traces back to the Court’s earlier decision declaring the impeachment complaint against Duterte void from the outset. Sotto publicly criticized the ruling, saying it effectively made impeachment unattainable and suggesting the justices lacked understanding of congressional rules.
Petitioners claimed that his remarks could weaken public confidence in the judicial system and fall under punishable acts that obstruct or degrade the administration of justice.
ia/xf
