The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) on Saturday issued a warning against individuals and groups criticizing the Supreme Court's unanimous decision declaring the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte “fatally flawed” and unconstitutional.
In a statement, PDP spokesman for impeachment matters Ferdinand Topacio expressed concern over what he called “scurrilous attacks” on the High Court after it rejected the complaint transmitted to the Senate earlier this month.
“While the right to free expression is guaranteed by the Constitution, it must be remembered that freedom is not license,” Topacio said. “The Supreme Court is, at all times, to be treated with the respect it deserves as one of the three great branches of government and the highest court of the land.”
Topacio cautioned critics against using “intemperate and opprobrious language” when expressing dissent, saying that such remarks threaten to erode public faith in the country’s institutions.
He added that the party is prepared to take legal action against individuals who persist in what he described as “odious” and defamatory attacks on the Court, particularly those with a history of defiance.
“Consistent with our fundamental beliefs in the rule of law, we will mobilize our resources, led by members of our legal team (who are, after all, officers of the court), to bring these odious persons before the bar of justice, so that the faith and dignity of the Supreme Court may be protected and preserved,” Topacio said.
The Supreme Court ruled Friday that the impeachment complaint was unconstitutional on both procedural and substantive grounds. The decision has since faced backlash from opposition lawmakers, civic groups, and legal advocates who believe the Court preempted what should have been a Senate deliberation.
While no formal charges have been filed against any of the critics, the PDP’s warning signals a potential legal and political clash in the wake of the controversial ruling.