The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has condemned the anonymous threat against Albay lawyer Bartolome R. Rayco as it urged law enforcement authorities to investigate not only the latest incident but also previous threats and intimidation against lawyers.
Rayco, vice president and legal aid chairperson of the IBP Albay Chapter, was threatened last week after two bullets and a threatening note were found at the entrance of an eatery he owns in Legazpi City.
The IBP said Rayco and the IBP Albay Chapter should be supported in efforts to have the perpetrator identified, arrested and brought to justice.
The national organization stressed that threats and intimidation against lawyers must stop and warned that such acts could undermine the administration of justice and citizens’ access to legal representation.
The IBP called on law enforcement agencies to “promptly and thoroughly investigate threats against members of the legal profession,” including providing protection when necessary.
It also urged authorities to look into previous threats and security incidents involving other lawyers, saying that intimidation should never become an accepted part of legal practice.
“No lawyer should have to choose between faithfully performing this duty and remaining safe,” the IBP said.
The organization also called on its chapters and members nationwide to remain vigilant and immediately report threats against lawyers.
The IBP said protecting lawyers is not merely a concern of the legal profession but is essential to protecting citizens’ right to counsel, the independence of institutions, constitutional freedoms and the rule of law.
