Topacio files contempt raps vs Gadon over SC remarks

Atty. Ferdinand Topacio has filed a petition for indirect contempt against Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon before the Supreme Court (SC).

The petition stems from Gadon's public statements during a July 28 media interview, where he criticized the SC's recent ruling on impeachment cases against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Gadon allegedly accused the SC of being a political ally of the Duterte family and referred to the High Court and Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo as "tuta ng mga Duterte".

Topacio, acting as a taxpayer and member of the Philippine Bar, cited Rule 71 of the Rules of Court, arguing Gadon's remarks were "grossly disrespectful" and undermined public confidence in the judiciary.

He further stated that Gadon's conduct "degrade[d] the administration of justice" and cast suspicion on the judiciary's integrity, especially given Gadon's high-ranking position.

The SC had previously ruled that the impeachment complaints against VP Duterte violated the Constitution's prohibition on successive filings.