IBP urges House body to recall ruling on show cause order vs. CA justices

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Saturday called on the  House of Representatives to recall the show cause order issued against three justices of the Court of Appeals, who issued a release order for the six detained employees of Ilocos Norte's provincial government.

In a statement, the IBP said that in any controversy, the "Rule of Law" must prevail and hoped that "this be done with a calm appreciation of the issues and the application of the pertinent laws and rules upon the matter."

"Board of Governors strongly urges the House of Representatives to reconsider its position by recalling the show cause order issued against the justices of the Court of Appeals," the statement read.

The statement came after the House Committee on Good Government ruled to issue a show cause order against three justices of the Court of Appeals (CA) who issued a release order for the six detained employees of the Ilocos Norte provincial government supposedly involved in the alleged irregular purchase of P66.45 million worth of motor vehicles using tobacco funds.

The said show cause order will be addressed to the CA Special Fourth Division, including its acting presiding justice Stephen Cruz and members Justices Erwin Sorongon and Nina Antonino-Valenzuela.

The IBP said that with the looming crisis between the judiciary and the legislative branches of the government, members in Congress should "act as light bringers and advocates of sobriety to bring about an end to this looming controversy."

"Let the Rule of Law prevail through the exercise and application of the remedies provided under the law and the Rules of Court," it said.

"There is no need at all to foment dissention and discord between the judiciary and Congress," it emphasized.

The IBP also stressed that the three branches of government, the executive, the legislative and judiciary are co-equal "precisely for the purpose of checks and balances."

"This is so to prevent any of these branches from overreaching its authority to the prejudice of our people," it said.

Citing the ongoing battle in Marawi City and the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, the IBP appealed that the fight against terrorism does not need to compound with a constitutional crisis between the two branches of government.

"Particularly under the present situation, it behooves us all, as Filipinos, to foster unity and solidarity rather than foment discord for the greater good of our people," it said.

The CA ordered the release of Pedro Agcaoili, Provincial Planning and Development Office chairperson; Josephine Calajate, provincial treasurer; Eden Battulayan, Provincial Treasurer’s Office staff; Encarnacion Gaor, Provincial Treasurer’s Office staff; Genedine Jambaro, Provincial Treasurer’s Office staff; and Evangeline Tabulog, provincial budget officer.

The six employees have been detained since May 29. —John Ted Cordero/ALG, GMA News