Makabayan bloc seeks probe on red-tagging of Mandaluyong judge

This sign near the corner of Shaw Boulevard and EDSA carries the name of Judge Monique Quisumbing-Ignacio of the Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court. (Photo from a tweet by Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite)

MANILA, Philippines — The Makabayan bloc is seeking an inquiry into the alleged red-baiting of Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court judge Monique Quisumbing-Ignacio following the dismissal of criminal charges filed by state forces against a red-tagged journalist and a trade unionist.

The House bloc filed House Resolution No. 1674, which calls on the House Committee on Justice to conduct the investigation amid threats to the life and security of Quisumbing-Ignacio, which lawmakers said came at a time “when threats against members of the legal profession are in an all-time high.”

On March 5, Quisumbing-Ignacio, presiding judge of the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 209, issued an order quashing an earlier search warrant after a preliminary hearing into the cases filed against alternative media person Lady Ann Salem and union leader Rodrigo Esparago, who was arrested and charged for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

The search warrants were secured by state forces from a Quezon City Court.

Days after Quisumbing-Ignacio’s release order, a tarpaulin was spotted at the corner of Shaw Boulevard and EDSA, stating that the RTC judge was a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

The Supreme Court, in a rare move, condemned the killings and threats against judges and lawyers, saying such actions were “no less than an assault on the Judiciary.”

EDV