The resolution cited data from the Department of Justice that said 54 members of the legal profession have been killed since 2016, but only five cases have reached the courts. The Free Legal Assistance Group, meanwhile, said 100 lawyers have been killed in the last 20 years.
The senators also cited Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution that defines the role of the government in protecting its people, and the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers that underscores the role of the government in ensuring that lawyers are able to perform their function without hindrance.
“The brazen acts of violence against lawyers send a chilling message to the members of the bench and the bar,” the lawmakers said, while also emphasizing that such criminal acts could threaten their performance of responsibilities which is crucial in the administration of justice, especially in terms of representing the marginalized sector.
“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 erode the public’s trust and confidence in our justice system,” the senators added.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court condemned the acts of violence against lawyers and judges. It also outlined a plan of action to end the killings, including providing security to judges or justices who have been threatened.
In a statement, Commission on Human Rights spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia welcomed the High Court’s move, noting that it is time to send a stronger message on the role of lawyers and judges especially when it comes to upholding human rights.
She added that impunity can be addressed if there is assurance that those liable are punished and that the legal system is free from threat and intimidation.
“Ultimately, to assault the legal profession—hence, an assault to the Judiciary—is to assault the established check and balance in the government enshrined in the Constitution,” de Guia said.
The official also added it is best for the government to support these courses of action to ensure a functional justice system and that human rights are protected.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) — The Senate has adopted a resolution urging President Rodrigo Duterte to address the alarming number of killings and violent attacks against lawyers and judges in the country.
During their last plenary session before a two-month break, senators adopted Senate Resolution No. 691, which strongly condemns crimes against members of judiciary.
Crossing party lines, the resolution was filed Wednesday by eight lawyer-senators: Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, and Senators Sonny Angara, Pia Cayetano, Leila de Lima, Richard Gordon, Francisco Pangilinan, Aquilino Pimentel IV, and Francisco Tolentino.
“I have been a lawyer for 50 years, ngayon ko lang po naririnig na tinatakot yung mga abogado dahil lang po sa kanilang mga kasong hinahawakan,” Drilon said. “This has a very adverse and harmful effect on our administration of justice.”
[Translation: I have been a lawyer for 50 years, but it is only now that I heard lawyers are being threatened because of the cases they handle.]
In the resolution, the lawmakers said the President should undertake necessary steps to ensure the safety of lawyers and judges “by laying out definitive solutions and actions” to address the killings, as well as an efficient investigation of the cases.
CNN Philippines’ correspondent Melissa Lopez contributed to this report.
