Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 17) — Lorraine Badoy, former spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to revoke the show cause order it issued against her.
In a comment sent to the SC, Badoy’s lawyer Harry Roque argued that it fringes on her constitutional right to free speech.
The high court in October ordered Badoy to explain why she should not be cited in contempt for her supposed threats against Manila judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar.
Roque explained the use of contempt powers against Badoy in her exercise of journalistic comment against a judge’s “erroneous decision” violates her freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
Roque also explained that Badoy’s criticisms fall under the doctrine of fair comment on matters of public interest.
He said Badoy’s social media post criticizing Malagar’s refusal to proscribe the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army as terrorist organizations constitutes fair comment.
Roque also pointed out that there was no intention to cite violence, or provoke harm against Malagar, her family, or members of the judiciary.
He added that Malagar and others have not been harmed in connection with Badoy’s social media posts.
