Dear PAO,

I was watching a court trial when someone was “cited in contempt.” What is this contempt of court? Do all courts have the authority to exercise this power?

Stefanos

Dear Stefanos,

The concept of contempt is explained by the Supreme Court in the case of Harbour Centre Port Terminal, Inc. et al. v. La Filipina Uygongco Corp. et al., GR 240984 and 241120, Sept. 27, 2021, penned by Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, in this wise:

“Contempt of court is defined as a disobedience to the court by acting in opposition to its authority, justice, and dignity. It signifies not only a willful disregard or disobedience of the court’s order, but such conduct which tends to bring the authority of the court and the administration of law into disrepute or, in some manner, to impede the due administration of justice. It is a defiance of the authority, justice, or dignity of the court which tends to bring the authority and administration of the law into disrespect or to interfere with or prejudice party-litigants or their witnesses during litigation.”

Additionally, in the case of Lorenzo Shipping Corporation, et al. vs. Distribution Management Association of the Philippines, et al., GR 155849, Aug. 3, 2011, penned by Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin, the Supreme Court provided that the power to punish for contempt is inherent in all courts, viz.:

“The power to punish for contempt is inherent in all courts, and need not be specifically granted by statute. It lies at the core of the administration of a judicial system. Indeed, there ought to be no question that courts have the power by virtue of their very creation to impose silence, respect, and decorum in their presence, submission to their lawful mandates, and to preserve themselves and their officers from the approach and insults of pollution. The power to punish for contempt essentially exists for the preservation of order in judicial proceedings and for the enforcement of judgments, orders, and mandates of the courts, and, consequently, for the due administration of justice. The reason behind the power to punish for contempt is that respect of the courts guarantees the stability of their institution; without such guarantee, the institution of the courts would be resting on a very shaky foundation.”

In other words, contempt of court is a willful disregard or disobedience of the court’s orders, which tends to disrupt or undermine its very authority to administer justice. It is a power that is inherent in all courts in order to impose respect and decorum within the chambers of every court of justice.

We hope that we were able to answer your queries. This advice was solely based on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney’s Office. Questions for Chief Acosta may be sent to dearpao@ manilatimes.net