MANILA, Philippines — Judge Monique Quisumbing-Ignacio of the Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court has been red-tagged herself after dismissing the case filed against red-tagged journalist Lady Ann Salem and trade unionist Rodrigo Esparago.
The red-tagging came in the form of a tarpaulin sign at the corner of Shaw Boulevard and EDSA that says: “Maraming salamat Judge Monique Quisumbing-Ignacio, RTC Branch 209, Mandaluyong City sa mabilis na paglaya ng kasamahan nating Lady Ann Salem at Rodrigo Esparago. Tuloy ang laban! Mabuhay!”
In English, that means: “Thank you Judge Monique Quisumbing-Ignacio, RTC Branch 209, Mandaluyong City for the speedy release of our comrades Lady Ann Salem and Rodrigo Esparago. Continue the fight! Mabuhay!”
At the bottom of the message is the logo of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Mandaluyong RTC Judge Monique Quisumbing-Ignacio red-tagged after dismissing the cases against journalist Lady Ann Salem & trade unionist Rodrigo Esparago. @inquirerdotnet https://t.co/SXNgVGOTxG
— tetch torres-tupas (@T2TupasINQ) March 16, 2021
Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite said from attempts to profile human rights lawyers, “now we’re seeing harassment vs. judges who expose their flawed searches! The Courts are under attack!”
The judge, in her Feb. 5 order, granted the motion to quash the search warrant issued by a Quezon City Court that led to the arrest of Salem and Esparago.
“There are not enough facts and circumstances which would lead a reasonably direct and prudent man to believe that an offense has been committed and that the objects sought in connection with the offense are in the place sought to be searched,” she said.
Human rights group Kapatid denounced the red-tagging of the judge saying: “The tarps speak for themselves. Independent, fair-minded judges are under attack. Who has the motive to produce such inanity other than those extremely fond of red-tagging. Their handiwork will boomerang on them.”
State forces have been actively red-tagging members of advocacy groups, lawyers, petitioners against the Anti-Terrorism Act, journalists, and even celebrities.
Last March 12, the Calbayog City Police Station sent a letter to the Calbayog Regional Trial Court to asking for a list of lawyers who represent members of the Communist Party. The letter said the request was being made as instructed by higher-ups.
The Philippine National Police leadership has denied giving such orders and relieved the police officer who signed the letter.
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