IBP: To threaten judiciary members is to sow fear

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Monday denounced the social media attacks on a court judge, saying that threatening a member of the judiciary is sowing fear at a critical element of the legal system.

In a statement, the IBP said Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar became the subject of online attacks and threats on social media after she dismissed the proscription case seeking to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) as terrorist groups.

The judge was reportedly threatened with bodily harm and accused of being an ally or friend of the CPP-NPA.

"Broadcasts and posts showcasing those who verbally assault judges encourage the public to do the same," the IBP said.

"If judges can be treated disdainfully without consequence, the Rule of Law becomes a hollow promise," it added.

Due to this, it called for the immediate activation and utilization of the Judicial Marshall Service.

Under the Judiciary Marshals Act, the Office of the Judiciary Marshals shall be primarily responsible for the security, safety, and protection of the members, officials, personnel, and property of the Judiciary, including the integrity of the courts and its proceedings.

For the IBP, the "capricious and dishonest" statements provoke hate against judges.

"Stating rational reservations on the decisions of the judiciary is normal. Attacking its members and threatening them with bodily harm is not. The judiciary's job is to decide disputes. And no judge should ever feel threatened just by performing that duty," it said. — DVM, GMA News