Diokno says Panelo accusation on ‘manipulation’ of fishermen ‘baseless’

MANILA, Philippines—Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno on Thursday dismissed as “baseless” an accusation made by Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo’ that he “manipulated” local fishermen into signing a petition that will compel government to protect marine resources in the West Philippine Sea.

“Palagay ko naman sanay na tayo sa mga lumalabas sa bibig ni Sec. Panelo na wala namang basehan,” Diokno told INQUIRER.net in an interview at the sidelines of the West Philippine Sea forum.

Diokno earlier claimed that government used underhanded tactics by talking secretly to his clients, who reportedly disowned the writ of kalikasan petition filed on their behalf by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in April.

Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno. Photo by Ryan Leagogo/INQUIRER.net

But in a Palace briefing, Panelo, who is also President Duterte’s chief legal counsel, redirected the accusation to Diokno, whom he said was the one who “influenced or manipulated” the fishermen from Palawan and Zambales to sign the petition.

READ: Panelo: Diokno camp ‘manipulated’ fishermen on writ of kalikasan plea

READ: Gov’t hit over ‘secret talks’ with fishermen

Diokno, who ran under the opposition ticket in last May’s midterm polls, said government should answer why lawyers from the Philippine Navy talked directly to the fishermen and bypassed the fisherfolks’ lawyer.

“Ang dapat bigyan ng pansin ng pamahalaan, ay kung bakit na-bypass ang mga abogado ng mga mangigisda at bakit dumeretso ang mga Navy lawyer sa kliyente namin,” he said.

“Alam naman nating lahat na labag sa mga katungkulan ng mga abogado ‘yan,” he added. /muf