Lawyers’ groups join anti-pork protest

The Integrated Bar of the Philippinea marched from the Supreme Court to join the anti-protest rally at Rizal Park to protest Pres. Aquino’s term extension and attempt to clip the powera of the Supreme court. TETCH TORRES/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines –Members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines have started to march their way to Rizal Park to join the anti-pork protest.

The 55,000-member group joined the protest assailing calls for President Benigno Aquino III’s second term and bid to clip the powers of the Supreme Court.

“The President should re-examine his position in seeking a second term and of tinkering with the Constitution through his allies in Congress,” the IBP said in a statement.

“We call on all our fellow Filipino to resist this initiative. The reason given by the President that the Supreme Court has overly exercised judicial power is implausible, if not ridiculous. That power is given to the Court by the People-his bosses-in the very Constitution.”

Representatives from IBP Chapters in Rizal province, Caloocan, Pasay, Paranaque and Makati as well as areas near Metro Manila joined the assembly at the Supreme Court. Together with the IBP were members of the National Union of People’s lawyers.