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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CHR expresses concern on 'red-tagging' of judge for acquitting, releasing journalist, trade unionist

CHR expresses concern on 'red-tagging' of judge for acquitting, releasing journalist, trade unionist

Published Mar 17, 2021 04:42 pm

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed deep concern on the “red-tagging” of a Mandaluyong City regional trial court (RTC) judge who dismissed the illegal possession of firearms and explosives charges filed against journalist Lady Ann Salem and trade unionist Rodrigo Esparago.

(Photo courtesy of Rep. Ferdinand Gaite)

A tarpaulin posted along EDSA showed the photograph of RTC Judge Monique Quisumbing-Ignacio. Also printed in the tarpaulin was the logo of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) with a message that expresses gratitude to the judge for her action on the "mabilis na paglaya" (swift release) of Salem and Esparago.

Judge Ignacio, aside from dismissing the criminal charges against Salem and Esparago, also ordered their release.

CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia, said that Quisumbing-Ignacio is being targeted in connection with her decisions involving prosecutorial discretion and the exercise of due process rights.

“This has gotten the CHR very worried, especially in light of the recent attacks made against people of the legal profession,” De Guia, a lawyer, said.

"In the wake of recent violent attacks on judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and other legal professionals in the Philippines, such incriminating claims in the tarpaulin that links Judge Quisumbing-Ignacio to the Communist Party of the Philippines without any specific and verifiable evidence exposes her to grave danger," she said.

She pointed out that as agents in the administration of justice, members of the legal profession "shall not be identified with their clients or their client’s causes as a result of discharging their functions" under Article 18 of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.

The CHR, she stressed, expressed its hopes that the government will take action in reducing the violence committed against lawyers, judges, and prosecutors and lessen the number of unresolved cases of attacks against them.

The acts of violence, intimidation, red-tagging and deaths send a "chilling message" to those committed in their legal duties that their lives and safety are at stake, therefore putting a strain on their work and services, she said.

"We stress that members of the legal profession, such as lawyers and judges, are crucial in preserving Constitutional rights, such as the right to an independent counsel; right to defend oneself in court; and right to speedy, public, and impartial trial, among others," she added.

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