IBP: Maguindanao massacre case a lesson of accountability

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Friday welcomed the resolution of the Maguindanao massacre case even as it called for improvements to the country’s justice system.

Some members of the powerful Ampatuan clan, along with several others, were declared guilty by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 on Thursday for the carnage that killed 58 people, including 32 journalists, in Maguindanao on November 23, 2009.

They were sentenced to jail time of up to 40 years without parole.

“The IBP welcomes the much-awaited resolution of the Maguindanao massacre cases. Due process was observed and the rule of law prevailed,” it said.

“Let the lesson be learned that though our justice system is far from perfect, there is accountability and no one is above the law.”

The country’s mandatory organization of lawyers also thanked Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes, the prosecutors, as well as the defense attorneys for doing their duties as officers of the court despite the difficulties, risks, and challenges.

“Lawyers understand that the great number of victims, accused, issues, witnesses, and evidence as well as the need for proof beyond reasonable doubt required close to ten years of trial. The special attention and treatment given the cases facilitated their resolution,” the IBP said.

However, the IBP lamented that the justice system in the Philippines remains slow compared to other countries.

The IBP suggested the prompt filling up of vacancies in the judiciary, public prosecution and public attorney offices.

It also hoped that judges at all levels “responsibly meet” the deadlines for resolving cases set by the Constitution.

The IBP also sought for better funding for the justice sector and encouraged Filipino lawyers to avoid and call out undue delays.

“We ask for the cooperation of other stakeholders. Let us all resolutely work for genuine and lasting peace through timely justice,” it said. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News