NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
CIDG PRESS Briefing Draws Criticism Over Sub Judice Concerns
Photo credit: NAPOLCOM
A legal observer has criticized a recent press conference by the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) involving the arrest of a popular vlogger for alleged unjust vexation, saying the event was improperly handled and may have violated the sub judice rule.
In a commentary, the writer clarified that the article was “not intended to favor any party or to besmirch the reputation of any person,” but questioned why the accused—wearing a detainee’s orange shirt and handcuffed—was presented alongside the complainant during the media briefing.
During the event, the accuser allegedly hurled insults such as “mabaho ka” and “hinayupak ka,” while a woman beside him was seen making a “dirty” finger gesture. The accused responded with expletive-laced remarks, claiming he had earlier filed a complaint but was arrested first.
The commentator described the press conference as “done in bad taste,” arguing that police should have limited the briefing to explaining the basis for the arrest instead of allowing both sides to exchange profanities in front of the media.
“As law enforcers, our police authorities must not allow the warring parties to trade expletives in their presence. Their foremost duty is to maintain peace and order. They are not supposed to fan the flame, so to speak.”
The writer also emphasized that the case is already in court.
“It must be noted that the case is now with the court, thus, it is already sub-judice. The rules on sub-judice bar any person from commenting on issues which are already under litigation. These are intended to insulate the court from any influence that may be created by comments made out of court.”
The incident has since fueled debate over police protocol and the proper handling of cases already under judicial review.
In a commentary, the writer clarified that the article was “not intended to favor any party or to besmirch the reputation of any person,” but questioned why the accused—wearing a detainee’s orange shirt and handcuffed—was presented alongside the complainant during the media briefing.
During the event, the accuser allegedly hurled insults such as “mabaho ka” and “hinayupak ka,” while a woman beside him was seen making a “dirty” finger gesture. The accused responded with expletive-laced remarks, claiming he had earlier filed a complaint but was arrested first.
The commentator described the press conference as “done in bad taste,” arguing that police should have limited the briefing to explaining the basis for the arrest instead of allowing both sides to exchange profanities in front of the media.
“As law enforcers, our police authorities must not allow the warring parties to trade expletives in their presence. Their foremost duty is to maintain peace and order. They are not supposed to fan the flame, so to speak.”
The writer also emphasized that the case is already in court.
“It must be noted that the case is now with the court, thus, it is already sub-judice. The rules on sub-judice bar any person from commenting on issues which are already under litigation. These are intended to insulate the court from any influence that may be created by comments made out of court.”
The incident has since fueled debate over police protocol and the proper handling of cases already under judicial review.
Feb 25, 2026
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