87. RULE 71 Leonidas vs. Judge Supnet, A.M. No.

MTJ-02-1433, February 21, 2003

Facts:

Judge Supnet issued two contempt orders to Leonidas. First, for violating the rule against forum shopping
and for making a false certification against forum shopping. Second, for failing to return the vehicle of the
Tamondong Spouses as earlier directed by the court.

Issue:
Whether or not respondent judge improperly issued his contempt order.

Ruling:
The Court held that, the first order issued by respondent judge declaring petitioner in direct contempt
was issued to punish his act of forum shopping as well as for his participation in the submission of a false
certification against forum shopping. Thus, suffers no legal defect contrary to the stance taken by petitioner.

On the second order which declared petitioner in indirect contempt of court, respondent judge also
followed the correct procedure. However, the order makes no mention of petitioner’s name. Therefore, he cannot
be held in indirect contempt for disobeying a court order which is not addressed to him.