MANILA, Philippines?Sen. Aquilino ``Nene?? Pimentel Jr. on Wednesday urged the media "not to be unkind" to lawyers of the powerful clan in Maguindanao implicated in the November 23 killing of more than 50 people in the province.

Pimentel made the appeal amid criticisms by some journalists and media groups against lawyer Sigfrid Fortun, who is handling the case of Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr and his relatives linked to the killing.

"I hope that justice will also be accorded to the Ampatuans and the victims of the massacre last November 23," Pimentel said during a press briefing.

"I'm appealing to the media not to be unkind to the laywers of the Ampatuans not because I want the Ampatuans to be cleared or what," he said.

"Lawyering for criminals," Pimentel said, "is part of our constitutional rights. No matter how guilty that person may appear in the eyes of the people, that person will still be entitled to representation in court and that is provided for in the Constituion."

The senator maintained, however, that instead of rebellion case, the government should pursue the murder charges against the Ampatuans. He stressed that rebellion is a political offense and thus gives the accused the chance to be granted amnesty.