NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Families Of EJK Victims And Human Rights Defenders Rally To Disbar Duterte: A Call For Justice
Photo credit: Karapatan group
Human rights alliance KARAPATAN as well as families of victims of extrajudicial killings (EJK) and human rights defenders have filed a disbarment complaint against former President Rodrigo Duterte. The complaint, submitted to the Supreme Court, alleges violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) and conduct unbecoming of a lawyer.
"We stand with the victims' families in this crucial step to hold Duterte accountable for his actions," said KARAPATAN Secretary General Cristina Palabay. "This is a fight for justice and the protection of human rights."
Among the complainants is Atty. Vicente Jaime "VJ" M. Topacio, whose parents, NDFP consultants Agaton Topacio and Eugenia Magpantay, were killed in 2020. Joining him are Llore Pasco, who lost her sons Crisanto and Juan Carlos in a police operation in 2017, and Liezel Asuncion, widow of Manny Asuncion, one of nine activists slain during the Bloody Sunday Massacre in 2021.
The complaint isn't just about past grievances; it's a response to Duterte's recent testimonies in congressional hearings, where he invoked his legal background. "It's time for the Supreme Court to reaffirm the law's role in protecting human rights and ensuring justice," Topacio stated.
Llore Pasco, speaking from a place of deep loss, emphasized, "We seek justice and protection from those who misuse their status to justify wrongdoing. The law must serve to protect the right to life and restore faith in our justice system."
Liezel Asuncion added, "Duterte's continued support for human rights violations is unacceptable. His disbarment is necessary to uphold the dignity of human life and the integrity of our legal profession."
The disbarment petition is particularly significant as Duterte has been acting as a legal counsel for his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who faces multiple impeachment complaints. "We hope the Supreme Court will give this complaint the attention it deserves," Palabay concluded.
This collective effort underscores a powerful message: the quest for justice is relentless, and accountability is non-negotiable.
"We stand with the victims' families in this crucial step to hold Duterte accountable for his actions," said KARAPATAN Secretary General Cristina Palabay. "This is a fight for justice and the protection of human rights."
Among the complainants is Atty. Vicente Jaime "VJ" M. Topacio, whose parents, NDFP consultants Agaton Topacio and Eugenia Magpantay, were killed in 2020. Joining him are Llore Pasco, who lost her sons Crisanto and Juan Carlos in a police operation in 2017, and Liezel Asuncion, widow of Manny Asuncion, one of nine activists slain during the Bloody Sunday Massacre in 2021.
The complaint isn't just about past grievances; it's a response to Duterte's recent testimonies in congressional hearings, where he invoked his legal background. "It's time for the Supreme Court to reaffirm the law's role in protecting human rights and ensuring justice," Topacio stated.
Llore Pasco, speaking from a place of deep loss, emphasized, "We seek justice and protection from those who misuse their status to justify wrongdoing. The law must serve to protect the right to life and restore faith in our justice system."
Liezel Asuncion added, "Duterte's continued support for human rights violations is unacceptable. His disbarment is necessary to uphold the dignity of human life and the integrity of our legal profession."
The disbarment petition is particularly significant as Duterte has been acting as a legal counsel for his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who faces multiple impeachment complaints. "We hope the Supreme Court will give this complaint the attention it deserves," Palabay concluded.
This collective effort underscores a powerful message: the quest for justice is relentless, and accountability is non-negotiable.
Jan 17, 2025
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