Opposition lawmakers seek probe on police profiling of abogados linked to Reds

By Billy Begas

Several lawmakers have jointly filed a resolution on Tuesday urging the House of Representatives to condemn and investigate the profiling of lawyers defending individuals being linked to the communist group.

House Resolution 1657 was authored by the Bayan Muna Representatives Carlos Isagani Zarate, Ferdinand Gaite and Eufemia Cullamat, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, Quezon City Rep. Jose Christopher Belmonte, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, and Kabataan Rep. Sarah Jane Elago.

The resolution stemmed from the March 12 letter of Calbayog City Police Intelligence Chief Lt. Fernando Calabria Jr., to the Clerk of Court of Calbayog City requesting for the names of lawyers representing individuals being linked to the communist group.

The letter-request claimed that the list is in compliance with the order from higher offices of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Whereas, such a list or table presents a clear and present danger to the legal profession and such an apparent hit list for targeting lawyers seem to be being prepared by the national PNP down to its lower levels, even if the PNP top brass are now denying such a policy when the letter was exposed,” the resolution read.

The resolution urged the House Committee on Human Rights to conduct the investigation.

Meanwhile, committee chairman and Quezon City Rep. Jesus ‘Bong’ Suntay “abhors” the move of Calabria.

Suntay said that despite the PNP’s denial of issuing such directive, the chilling effect on the country’s justice system continues.

“Clearly, this action by some quarters in the PNP force is intended to harass, intimidate and hinder lawyers from performing their duties as officers of the Courts and may deprive persons accused of a crime of their Constitutional right to be represented by a counsel. Practicing the legal profession is not a crime, regardless of who they represent,” he said.

Suntay also pointed out that the lawyers should not be identified with their clients or their client’s causes as a result of discharging their functions.

“Ergo, lawyers must not be targeted for upholding constitutionally and universally guaranteed rights,” added Suntay.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)