IBP welcomes gov't policy allowing movement of lawyers assisting persons arrested during ECQ

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines has welcomed the new government policy allowing the movement of lawyers who will assist persons arrested in places under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

"We sought the exemption ??of lawyers from the travel restrictions for the sake of those who need and are entitled to the presence of counsel," IBP president Domingo Egon Cayosa said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Let not the absence of a lawyer delay and/or deny justice," he said.

Earlier this week, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases approved a resolution allowing the movement of lawyers who will provide legal representation to persons under custodial investigation, seeking bail, or undergoing inquest.

Cebu City will be under ECQ and the neighboring city of Talisay will be under modified ECQ from June 16 to 30.

Cayosa said the IBP requested the IATF to allow lawyer mobility last April "since their presence as preferred counsel is constitutionally required especially for those charged with criminal offenses, arrested or detained." --Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/KBK, GMA News