Undue delay in resolving cases of attacks vs. lawyers bolsters ‘perception of impunity’ —IBP

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Thursday welcomed the Office of the Court of Administrator's directive to judges to submit an inventory of cases involving violence against lawyers.

Speaking at the Senate hearing on the spate of killings in the country, IBP president Domingo Cayosa said the inventory will help address the issue.

“We appreciate the prompt action of the Honorable Supreme Court because we know that a number of cases involving killings or attacks against judges, fiscals and lawyers are in court, but up to now they remain pending,” he said.

“It is very good that they be inventoried and the causes for the delay be determined because the undue delay in the resolution of these cases adds to the perception of impunity, which breeds criminality on the streets.”

Court Administrator Midas Marquez on Tuesday gave judges of first and level courts 10 days to complete the survey on cases involving lawyers who were either harassed, threatened, attacked or killed.

Cayosa said a similar move was made by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“We also know that the DOJ, upon our request, is also ordering the prosecutors to submit an inventory of the cases before them for filing with the court,” he said.

He said the IBP has “dedicated staff” monitoring the progress of the cases.

“It is important that we serve notice to these criminals that the resolution of these pending cases is being prioritized,” Cayosa said.

At least 54 lawyers have been killed since President Rodrigo Duterte took power in 2016, according to human rights lawyers. — BM, GMA News