Gabriela solon files disbarment raps vs. lawyer for lewd comments

Gabriela party-list Representative Sarah Elago on Thursday filed a disbarment case against a lawyer for disrespectful and obscene remarks against her, saying such comments are meant to degrade and silence women.

Elago confirmed that she filed a disbarment case against a lawyer before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in Pasig on Thursday.

“We are filing a complaint for disciplinary action against a certain lawyer before the IBP today. And this action is not only in defense of my own person and dignity, but more importantly, in defense of the women I represent in Congress and the broader sector of Filipino women who continue to face sexism, misogyny, harassment, and attacks meant to degrade and silence them,” Elago said.

“We believe that this certain lawyer has violated their code of conduct for professional responsibility and accountability. That's why it has been filed or will be filed before the IBP," she added.

Elago said the case is a "fight for every woman victimized by abuse." 

"As Gabriela representative, it is our mandate to stand up against such abuses and disrespect. The fight will continue both inside and outside of Congress. They could never silence women," she said in Filipino.

Elago did not identify the lawyer she is seeking to disbar, citing the confidentiality of the IBP’s disbarment proceedings.

“I cannot disclose any further. I have to preserve the confidentiality of the complaint. We respect the process of the IBP and our other mechanisms for accountability,” she said.

She said speaking up would help deter, if not stop, the "systemic misogyny." —LDF, GMA Integrated News