Topacio files indirect contempt vs Gadon over SC remarks

Atty. Ferdinand Topacio has filed a petition for indirect contempt before the Supreme Court against Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon for his remarks criticizing the Court’s ruling on the impeachment cases against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Topacio, in a verified petition filed Tuesday, accused Gadon of publicly attacking the integrity of the Court during a media interview on 28 July, shortly after the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The presidential adviser allegedly accused the Supreme Court of being a political ally of the Duterte family following its 25 July decision declaring the impeachment complaints against the Vice President unconstitutional.

Gadon was quoted in news reports as calling the High Court a “tuta ng mga Duterte” (lapdog of the Dutertes), and directed the same accusation toward Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.

Topacio, a taxpayer and member of the Philippine Bar, cited Rule 71 of the Rules of Court in filing the special civil action for indirect contempt. He argued that Gadon’s public remarks were “grossly disrespectful,” “undermined public confidence in the judiciary,” and were especially serious considering his position as a Cabinet-level official.

“These are not mere expressions of personal opinion,” Topacio wrote in the petition. “These constitute improper conduct tending to degrade the administration of justice and cast suspicion on the integrity of the judiciary.”

The petition referenced past rulings which penalized parties for public behavior seen as eroding faith in the judicial system.

Video clips and news articles carrying Gadon's controversial remarks were submitted as evidence by Topacio.