Lawyers group takes ‘Oust Duterte’ matrix to SC

MANILA, Philippines-The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) reiterated its plea for protection following the release of a matrix which linked it to an alleged plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte.

In its eight-page manifestation filed by mail late Wednesday, the NUPL has provided the Supreme Court with a copy of the matrix released by Malacañang last Monday tagging the group in the alleged destabilization plot against the Duterte administration.

The group earlier sought protection from the High Court after its members were harassed by the military for representing the underprivileged who were accused of being part of the communist organization.

READ: Lawyers group seeks SC help, protection from military harassment

The group told the High Court that the “baseless and reckless” claims against their group and others named in the matrix is proof of harassment and intimidation.

“These malicious statements and dangerous claims, as well as the contrived matrix above, baseless and reckless as they are, compel the petitioners to again seek at this time for the Honorable Court’s protection and reiterate their prayer for a temporary protection order,” read the pleading.

The matrix shows the alleged links between NUPL, media groups Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism and Rappler in a plot to oust the President. The groups were also accused of being behind the “Totoong Narcolist” videos.

The “Totong Narcolist” are series of videos with anonymous narrator alias “Bikoy” accusing the President and his immediate family of involvement in the illegal drug trade.

Meanwhile, NUPL has been complaining about being red-tagged by the military for representing peasant leaders, organizations and alleged members of the communist party.

According to the NUPL, “very few lawyers have taken up the cause of the marginalized and underprivileged. And those who have chosen to do so have become targets themselves.”

“The continued vilification, harassment and threats to the life, security and liberty of the petitioners must stop now. We ask You Honors to stand by your lawyers,” the NUPL told the Court.  /muf

RELATED STORIES:  Journalists, lawyers in ‘ouster plot matrix’ may face cases — PNP chief

NUPL, Bayan Muna eye raps vs those behind ‘Oust Duterte’ matrix