MANILA, Philippines — Amid the legal challenges brought by President Rodrigo Duterte’s Proclamation 572, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines on Monday called on courts to “resist collateral attacks” on its independence.
The IBP Board of Governors, in a statement, exhorted “the courts to resist collateral attacks against its judgements and creeping incursions on its independence.”
“An independent and impartial judiciary remains the most powerful bastion that protects our cherished constitutional rights against the excesses of political power,” the board of 40,000-strong lawyers’ group added.
Duterte, through Proclamation 572, declared the amnesty granted to his critic, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, as “void from the beginning.” The chief executive also ordered the arrest of the senator, despite no pending case against Trillanes at local courts.
For the IBP, the “overt audacity” to arrest Trillanes for crimes that had been abolished by former President Benigno Aquino III and was concurred with by the Congress is alarming.
Trillanes has run to the Supreme Court to assail the constitutionality of Proclamation 572. According to a STAR report, the SC en banc will tackle his petition tomorrow.
The senator sought for the issuance of a temporary restraining order to stop the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police from arresting him under Proclamation No. 572.
Trillanes' lawyer, Reynaldo Robles, admitted that they were advised not to seek the SC as it has been "politicized" as seen in its decision. The SC has declared as void former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno's appointment last May. The move was initiated by Solicitor General Jose Calida, the same man who dug up records regarding Trillanes' amnesty.
READ: 'I cannot refuse': Duterte confirms Calida triggered review of Trillanes amnesty
But Robles said that their camp is hoping that the SC will "stand for the nation."
The senator is also facing legal battles in two Makati courts, as state prosecutors asked for alias warrants over coup d’etat and rebellion cases filed against the senator—this, despite 2011 rulings stating that the cases had been dismissed pursuant to the amnesty.
Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150—where Trillanes had been charged with rebellion over the Manila Peninsula siege—is set to rule on the Department of Justice’s motion for alias warrant on Monday.
Meanwhile, a hearing was set by Makati RTC Branch 48—where Trillanes had been charged with coup d’etat over Oakwood mutiny—on Thursday, September 13.
The IBP stressed: “Arresting and incarcerating Sen. Trillanes for offenses dismissed by amnesty runs roughshod over the constitutional guarantee against double jeopardy.”