Manila, Oct. 13 -- Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente "Tito" Sotto III on Tuesday said disagreeing with a Supreme Court decision should not be mistaken for disrespect toward the judiciary, following the dismissal of an indirect contempt petition filed against him over his criticism of a ruling involving Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment.

In the decision promulgated by the SC en banc on Oct. 7, the court reaffirmed that freedom of speech and expression enjoys the highest constitutional protection, including speeches on political issues.

In a statement, Sotto thanked the high tribunal for dismissing the petition and maintained that freedom of expression allows Filipinos to question government institutions without undermining th...