Raul Lambino asked to explain false info on TRO vs Duterte arrest

Atty. Raul Lambino of PDP Laban

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday ordered senatorial candidate Raul Lambino to explain why he should not face administrative action for spreading false information on the temporary restraining order (TRO) against the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

According to the SC Information Office, the En Banc issued a show cause order against Lambino on April 2 after he falsely claimed that the High Court had issued a TRO against the arrest of Duterte.

READ: No SC TRO yet prohibiting PH gov’t from cooperating with ICC – lawyer

“This misinformation caused public confusion and misled the people about the Supreme Court’s actions,” the SC said in a press conference.

READ: SC refuses request for immediate TRO vs gov’t cooperation with ICC

The false information on the TRO spread during the day of Duterte’s arrest.

After a petition to issue a TRO against the apprehension was filed, the Duterte camp—specifically, Lambino—posted by the evening of the same day that a TRO had already been issued by the SC.

This, however, turned out to be untrue, with the SC later denying the petition for an immediate issuance of a TRO.

When he asked for a comment, Lambino in a text message to reporters denied having the intention to misinform the public.

“There was no intention on my part to spread ‘Fake News,’ disinformation or misinformation,” Lambino said.

The senatorial candidate endorsed by Duterte then said he has yet to receive the show cause order from the SC, but gave assurance that he will respond accordingly “in due time.”