he Supreme Court plans to meet with other stakeholders – including the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – to discuss more mechanisms to ensure the safety of lawyers
The Supreme Court (SC) will hold a dialogue with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), lower courts, and law enforcement agencies to discuss the protection of lawyers.
During the plenary deliberations at the House of Representatives for the judiciary’s 2024 budget on Thursday, September 21, Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas asked about the judiciary’s actions to protect its lawyers. Brosas’ question was anchored on the recent killing of lawyer Maria Saniata Liwliwa Alzate, who was killed in Bangued, Abra on September 14.
Responding to the question, Davao de Oro 2nd District Representative Ruwel Peter Gonzaga said the investigation is still ongoing, so the judiciary cannot give specific details on the case. Gonzaga, who sponsors the judiciary’s budget, added that courts utilize the power of contempt and show cause order in protecting its lawyers.
It has been a tradition during House budget deliberations that the sponsoring lawmaker answers the questions on behalf of the agency she/he is representing.
Gonzaga later said the SC will meet with other stakeholders – including the IBP as the national organization of Philippine lawyers – to discuss more mechanisms to ensure lawyers’ safety.
“Puwede naman po mag-initiate si Korte Suprema riyan, ipapatawag niya ang (The Supreme Court can initiate, can call the) IBP, and there will be sort of dialogue with the IBPs. Local, the IBP Abra, or even the national IBP and discuss the matters as to the securities not only those of the judges, but including the private lawyers working for the protection of our citizens,” Gonzaga said.
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