NUJP inks agreements with lawyer groups to fight media attacks

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) inked partnership agreements with various lawyers’ groups for a more effective response to media attacks, including those involving the weaponization of the law.

In a statement, the NUJP said that their agreements with Integrated Bar of the Philippines, IDEALS Lawyering for Development, National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, and the Mindanao State University–Legal Aid and Human Rights Center all fall under "Project Lawfare."

Project Lawfare aims to build a legal support system for a strategic and timely response in support of journalists subjected to the weaponization of the law, and related threats and attacks.

Lawfare was defined as the use of the law, legal systems, and institutions to attack, intimidate, or delegitimize certain individuals or organizations.

“This project will not only establish an effective response mechanism but will also capacitate responders to facilitate assistance for victims and/or targets of lawfare,” NUJP project manager Paul Soriano said.

Under the deal between the NUJP and the IBP which is the official organization of all Filipino lawyers whose names appear in the Roll of Attorneys of the Supreme Court, both parties will designate their Journalist Welfare Contact Person who will coordinate on legal matters, especially when referring to cases of journalists who are facing either trumped-up charges or harassment suits.

In addition, the lawyers’ groups will also participate in a series of case review sessions to examine the database of lawfare cases documented by NUJP, to come up with a strategic response protocol versus lawfare against journalists.

Grievance desk, referral system

Under Project Lawfare, the NUJP is also set to launch a hotline dedicated to legal consultation and aid.

NUJP will also open a desk to accommodate complaints and grievances from journalists in need of legal assistance.

“With an internal selection criteria in place, the NUJP could also refer these cases to lawyers through the designated contact persons from the project partners,” the NUJP said.

“A pool of journalists coming from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao shall also be capacitated to serve as quick responders for legal attacks against journalists," the NUJP added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News