Supreme Court Exonerates Broadcaster Ted Failon in Stradcom Contempt Case

Manila — The Supreme Court has acquitted broadcaster Ted Failon, dismissing indirect contempt charges that had been filed against him by Stradcom Corporation. The charges related to comments Failon made on his radio program in 2010, which were alleged to have potentially influenced public opinion on an ongoing legal case involving Stradcom.

According to Philippines News Agency, Stradcom had accused Failon of violating the sub judice rule by discussing the details of a legal case on his radio show, which involved Stradcom in a dispute over the Land Transportation Office’s Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) project. The case itself was initiated by Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Satur Ocampo against then Transportation and Communication Secretary Leandro Mendoza, seeking to annul the RFID initiative.

In its ruling, the Court clarified that Failon’s comments did not constitute contempt. “Respondent merely expressed his frustrations and disagreements with past decisions of this Court to reinforce his fears about the outcome in Bayan Muna,” the Court stated. It further noted that Failon’s remarks were not contumacious, did not imply disreputable motives toward the Court or its members, and were not delivered in a manner that would undermine the Court’s dignity or the respect due to it.

The decision also emphasized that even Failon’s sarcastic remarks were not actionable under the contempt laws. The Court reiterated the importance of upholding freedom of speech and press, particularly highlighting that public discourse related to judicial proceedings should not automatically be curtailed unless it poses a real threat to the administration of justice.

The 28-page decision, published on the Supreme Court’s website, affirmed the constitutional protections of free expression, underscoring that the discussion of ongoing legal matters, in this case, did not obstruct the administration of justice and therefore did not warrant sanctions against Failon.