The IBP stressed the right of the accused and as well as the lawyers.
IBP – The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) reacted on the warning of Pres. Rodrigo ‘Digong’ against lawyers of drug suspects.
In the present, the country is facing a lot of problems regarding the presence of illegal drugs.
Since the start of the campaign against illegal drugs led by the Duterte Administration together with other authorities including the Philippine National Police (PNP), a lot of drug users and pushers were arrested by the cops in drug raids.
Despite being faced to a thick compilation of names of drug suspects, Pres. Duterte is still determined to continue the fight. Based on a previous news report, the 71-year-old President expressed that there is no stepping back in it.
Recently, a news report in ABS-CBN entailed that Pres. Duterte has expressed threats to lawyers of drug suspects which sparked a reaction from the IBP.
Based on the report, the IBP gives a reminder to the 71-year-old President of the right of each accused person to seek a legal aid regardless of the crime that he or she is being charged.
Furthermore, the group emphasized that it is ‘premised upon the fundamental principles of justice and fairness particularly in a situation where the accused is faced with the awesome resources of the State’.
The IBP also added that lawyers have the freedom to decide ‘to accept and undertake the defense in any kind of criminal case’ without having any fear.
The IBP also expressed that ‘competent legal representation is not only the right of every accused but, more importantly, the sworn duty of each and every member of the bar to provide.’