IBP lauds SC condemnation of attacks on lawyers and judges

MANILA, Philippines — The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) welcomed the Supreme Court’s condemnation of attacks on lawyers and judges in the country.

“It is deeply appreciated. We are pleased and grateful that a number of the suggestions and recommendations of the IBP are being acted upon,” the IBP said in a statement.

The Senate also unanimously passed on Wednesday a resolution condemning the “alarming” number of killings and other acts of violence against lawyers and judges, and urged President Duterte to undertake the necessary steps in ensuring the safety of the members of the legal profession.

Flagrant, horrific

“The continuing flagrant and horrific attacks on the lawyers, prosecutors and judges, and the failure to condemn, investigate and prosecute these acts of violence and bring the perpetrators to justice is an act of injustice in itself and erodes the public’s trust and confidence in our justice system,” they said.

“The Integrated Bar of the Philippines will continue to work with the judiciary, government agencies, other sectors and courageous Filipino lawyers to improve the security of all those who labor to promote the rule of law. While we vigorously push back against any threat, violence or disregard of due process, we will move forward and focus on what we can do to deliver Justice Bilis (fast),” the group said, referring to its reform program.

“Lawyers, judges, prosecutors and all workers in the justice sector can and should do so much to deliver justice a lot faster. Only when the evil-doers are swiftly and surely held accountable that the criminals fear the law and respect the rights of others,” the IBP added.

The lawyers’ group also gave assurance it would “resolutely and proactively” protect its members.

Attacks

The high court, in a strong statement against threats to the judiciary, on Tuesday condemned the assaults and directed all lower courts to help in investigating them.

This came following weeks of complaints of attacks on members of the bar and the bench.

The high court acknowledged the various letters and manifestations concerning the attacks on judges and lawyers, including those from the IBP, University of the Philippines College of Law, Free Legal Assistance Group and those who had questioned the constitutionality of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

“The court condemns in the strongest sense every instance where a lawyer is threatened or killed, and where a judge is threatened and unfairly labeled. We do not and will not tolerate such acts that only perverse justice, defeat the rule of law, undermine the most basic of constitutional principles, and speculate on the worth of human lives,” it said.

“To threaten our judges and our lawyers is no less than an assault on the judiciary. To assault the judiciary is to shake the very bedrock on which the rule of law stands. This cannot be allowed in a civilized society like ours. This cannot go undenounced on the court’s watch,” the court said.