Gordon warns of anarchy if killings of judges, lawyers continue

Sen. Richard Gordon. Screen grab / Senate PRIB file photo

MANILA, Philippines—Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon warned that anarchy could ensue if the unresolved killings that have targeted lawyers and judges are not stopped.

In an statement released Wednesday, Gordon feared that mere citizens will put the law in their hands if the necessary powers like the government fail to protect judges, lawyers, and magistrates.

“The killings, especially of judges, lawyers and prosecutors over the years, most of which have remained unsolved, manifest our failure as a country to protect our magistrates and to fully enforce the rule of law, which could incite our citizens into taking the law into their own hands and throw our society back into the age of anarchy,” said Gordon.

“If our judges and lawyers are not safe and cannot get justice for themselves, sino pa ang susunod sa batas [who’ll follow the law then]? There is no rule of law.”

There have been 30 lawyers, prosecutors, and judges who’ve been killed under the tenure of President Rodrigo Duterte up until 2018.

Though no official record is kept, there have been added cases to the list one of the most gruesome of which was the killing of Judge Ma. Theresa Abdilla of the Manila Regional Trial Court.

There have also been cases of intimidation pointed at lawyers and judges who’ve worked for the benefit or whose ruling have favored activists.

Earlier this month, Calbayog City Police asked the names of those lawyers representing the suspected members of Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army.

Judge Monique Quisumbing Ignacio, of the Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court Branch 209, was also red-tagged after she cleared journalist Lady Ann Salem and trade unionist Rodrigo Esparago of charges of illegal possession of firearms.

Gordon, for his part, authored Senate Bill No. 1947 or the “Judiciary Marshals Act,” Republic Act 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act and SBN 1828 or the Police Courts Act of 2020.

The Supreme Court has also outlined a plan to protect judges and lawyers including pledging to give them security.

“I commend and support the Supreme Court for making a stand to protect the members of the Bar and the Bench, at the same time issuing words of encouragement for the entire Judiciary and all members of the legal profession to remain strong and unwavering in the duties they swore an oath to fulfil,” said Gordon.

“Remaining undaunted, in the face of threats, to enforce the law and uphold the supremacy of the Constitution is indeed courageous and dignified.”

JPV