A court in Capas, Tarlac has warned parties in the ongoing case of the Kalangitan waste facility and the media to observe the “sub judice rule” prohibiting them from further discussing the “high profile” issue.
Presiding Judge Ronald T. Haban, of Branch 66, of the Capas Regional Trial Court, Third Judicial Branch, has warned the plaintiff comprised of Mr. Victor O. Hontiveros, representing the Metro Clark Waste Management (MCWM); and the defendants identified as Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, President and CEO of the Clark Development Corporation; Joshua “Jake” Bingcang, President and CEO of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, “to observe this (sub judice) rule.”
“It has some to the attention of this court that the subject matter of this pending case has become the topic of discussions in social media and local newspapers, for and in favor of both the Plaintiff and Defendants,” according to the order of Judge Haban released on November 12, 2024.
“This court finds it necessary to remind the parties and all concerned of the sub judice rule.
“The sub judice rule restricts public comments and disclosures about ongoing judicial proceedings to avoid prejudgement, undue influence on the court, or obstruction of justice. A violation of this rule may constitute indirect contempt under Sec. 3(d), Rule 71 of the Rules of Court.”
The court noted that discussions about the case have appeared in both social media and local newspapers, favoring different parties involved which prompted the former to stop both partied from further commenting on the case in the media. Violation of the sub judice rule may lead to charges of indirect contempt, which is criminal in nature.