Global South Voices journalist Richard Heydarian cleared by Philippine Supreme Court in contempt case
Richard Heydarian, a political analyst, columnist and member of the Global South Voices network, has been cleared by the Philippine Supreme Court in an indirect contempt case over his criticism of the court's ruling on Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment.
In an 87-page decision, the Supreme Court dismissed the petitions against Heydarian, Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña and presidential anti-poverty adviser Larry Gadon, ruling that their remarks were protected by the constitutional right to freedom of expression and did not interfere with the administration of justice.
The petitions were filed by lawyers affiliated with the Duterte family after the three criticised the court's July 2025 ruling on the impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Sara Duterte.
Heydarian had posted on X that 13 of the 15 Supreme Court justices were appointees of former President Rodrigo Duterte, raising concerns about the court's impartiality. The court found that his comments did not incite lawlessness or pose a clear and present danger to the administration of justice.
“From the text itself, respondent Heydarian’s statement does not suggest any inciting or rallying to commit lawlessness. There is also no likelihood that it shall produce imminent lawlessness,” the ruling stated.
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Heydarian, who is also part of the Global South Voices network, an initiative by Global South World that brings perspectives from some of the world's leading journalists from the Global South on issues shaping their regions, had questioned the impartiality of the ruling, noting that most Supreme Court justices were appointed by former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Supreme Court also cleared Cendaña and Gadon, finding that while some of their remarks could be considered disrespectful, they did not obstruct judicial proceedings or meet the legal threshold for indirect contempt.
Image via Depositphotos.com
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
