Condemning the Killing of, and Acts of Violence Against, Judges, Prosecutors and Lawyers and Urging the President to Ensure the Safety of the Members of the Legal Profession

March 24, 2021

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 99

RESOLUTION STRONGLY CONDEMNING THE KILLING OF AND ACTS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST JUDGES, PROSECUTORS AND LAWYERS AND URGING THE PRESIDENT TO UNDERTAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS IN ENSURING THE SAFETY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION

WHEREAS, the Department of Justice has revealed that since 2016, fifty-four (54) members of the legal profession have been killed and that only five (5) cases have reached the courts;

WHEREAS, the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) has reported that one hundred (100) lawyers have been killed in the last twenty (20) years;

WHEREAS, Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution provides that "[t]he prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people";

WHEREAS, the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers provides in paragraphs 16 and 18 thereof, respectively, that (1) "[g]overnments shall ensure that lawyers (a) are able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference; (b) are able to travel and to consult with their clients freely both within their own country and abroad; and (c) shall not suffer, or be threatened with, prosecution or administrative, economic or other sanctions for any action taken in accordance with recognized professional duties, standards and ethics" and (2) "[l]awyers shall not be identified with their clients or their clients' causes as a result of discharging their functions";

WHEREAS, our lawyers play a crucial role in the administration of justice in the country, especially in representing the most marginalized members of the community;

WHEREAS, the brazen acts of violence against lawyers send a chilling message to the members of the bench and the bar who, in the performance of their responsibilities to the society as administrators of justice, should be able to exercise their sworn duties and represent their clients or dispense justice without threats, persecution and fear for their safety and their lives;

WHEREAS, the continuing flagrant and horrific attacks on the lawyers, prosecutors, and judges and the failure to condemn, investigate, and prosecute these acts of violence and bring the perpetrators to justice is an act of injustice in itself and erode the public's trust and confidence in our justice system: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, To strongly condemn the killings of and acts of violence against judges, prosecutors, and lawyers.

Resolved, further, To urge the President to undertake the necessary steps in ensuring the safety of the members of the legal profession by laying out definitive solutions and actions to address such rampant violence and killings, including the prompt, impartial and efficient investigation and prosecution of the cases.

Adopted,

(SGD.) VICENTE C. SOTTO IIIPresident of the Senate

This Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 24, 2021.

(SGD.) MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICASecretary of the Senate