MANILA,Philippines — Faculty members of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law called on Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra to dismiss a sedition complaint filed against lawyers and members of the opposition.
The law faculty, led by dean Fides Cordero-Tan, released on Monday a joint statement expressing grave concern over the filing of charges against UP law professors Theodore Te and Serafin Salvador, former law professor and solicitor general Florin Hilbay and other members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG).
The complaint, filed by the Philippine National Police, included Vice President Leni Robredo and other members of the opposition.
It was based on the statement of Peter Joemel Advincula, who claimed to be the man behind the so-called “Bikoy” videos that accused relatives and allies of President Duterte of involvement in an alleged drug trade.
Advincula later retracted his allegations and claimed that the videos were part of the supposed destabilization plan of the opposition.
In its statement, the UP law faculty said the complaint against the lawyers and the opposition was based on the statement of a person whose credibility is in serious doubt.
“The charges are nothing but pure harassment, intimidation and undue interference in their professional function,” read the statement.
“This disturbing incident does not augur well for democracy. It is meant to silence legitimate criticism and dissent of lawyers and other members of the opposition,” it added.
The law faculty cited the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, which calls on governments to ensure that lawyers are able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference.
The statement was signed by 92 UP law faculty members, including former dean Pacifico Agabin, former Ateneo School of Government dean Antonio La Viña and UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea director Jay Batongbacal.