In the News: December 2011
The following are articles from media websites mentioning the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) or its member-lawyers on December 2011.
Mga miyembro ng Morong 43, sumugod sa St. Luke’s Hospital by dzmm.com
Posted on December 2, 2011
Nagrally ang mga miyembro ng Morong 43 kasama ang kanilang mga tagasuporta sa pangunguna ng kanilang abogadong si Atty. Ephraim Cortez para isilbi ang summon o imbitasyon para sagutin ni Arroyo sa korte ang P15 milyon lawsuit na isinampa nila laban dito.
PNoy allies justify tirades vs SC but rights lawyers slam ‘hit and run’ by Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, InterAksyon.com
Posted on December 6, 2011
But the National Union of People’s Lawyers said Aquino’s remarks were “in bad taste.”
NUPL secretary general Edre Olalia said Aquino “should have been more civil and polite.”
“We are not exactly a big fan, so to speak, of the Chief Justice or some justices, and we also take exceptions to SC decisions as a matter of principle and constructive criticism but yesterday’s premeditated attack of him and the Court in his presence was overboard. It was a hit and run by the President,” Olalia said.
Lawyers hit SC for clearing Arroyo of torture raps by Virgil Lopez, SunStar
Posted on December 3, 2011
Edre Olalia, secretary-general of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), said Arroyo must be held accountable for human rights violations under her nine-year rule, following the concept of command responsibility.
“Generally, the buck should stop with her and there are not only legal but political and moral bases for her accountability. But legally, this depends on the facts and circumstances of the case, the bases or grounds used, and the relief or remedy being sought,” he told Sun.Star.
Supporters demand pull-out of troop deployment in civilian jail by Free Ericson Acosta, SamarNews.Com
Posted on December 6, 2011
Acosta is scheduled to appear in court on December 8, 2011. His counsel, a group of lawyers from the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, will once again move to defer proceedings pending the DOJ’s decision on Acosta’s review petition filed last September 1. The motion to transfer custody of the Acosta is also scheduled to be heard, but the NUPL has yet to receive a copy of the motion.
Instead of wasting government and military resources with Acosta’s security arrangements, the FEAC reiterates its appeal to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to withdraw fabricated charges of illegal possession of explosives lodged against him, and to effect Acosta’s release from detention immediately.
356 political prisoners go on hunger strike by Elizabeth Lolarga, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted on December 8, 2011
Acosta, 39, and 355 other political prisoners nationwide began the hunger strike on December 3 to call on President Benigno Aquino III to withdraw “baseless charges” and grant them unconditional amnesty. The strike is to end on the eve of December 10, Human Rights Day.
Acosta shares a crowded, dimly lit cell with 12 other inmates charged with common crimes in a subprovincial jail outside downtown Calbayog. He has given up his daily ration of rice and fish to subsist on water, juice and an occasional chocolate energy drink.
He faces what the Free Ericson Acosta Movement describes as “falsified charges of illegal possession of explosives” and is represented by Jun Oliva of the National Union of People’s Lawyers.
Heavily-armed soldiers guard jail of political prisoner by Ronalyn Olea
Posted on December 9, 2011
A petition for review was filed by Acosta’s counsels from the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in September. Said petition is pending resolution.
Pursue rights violation cases vs GMA, minions by Satur Ocampo, At Ground Level, The Philippine Star
Posted on December 10, 2011
Last July 29 the National Union of People’s Lawyers filed an urgent motion to resolve the case, citing the Ombudsman’s order on Oct. 26, 2010 requiring the parties to file their respective position papers within 10 days, after which the case would be deemed submitted for decision.
The NUPL sought similar action on the case of arbitrary detention and maltreatment filed on Nov. 16, 2006 by Oscar Leuterio against Generals Palparan and Gomez and Lt. Col. Manuel Clement.
Military turns wrath on farmers, activists in Eastern Visayas by Ronalyn Olea, Bulatlat.com
Posted on December 10, 2011
In its submission to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the Universal Periodic Review of the Philippine government, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) also slammed the criminalization of political offenses.
“This phenomenon continues despite the fact that even the testimonial and documentary bases – spurious or otherwise – submitted to the prosecutors show that the alleged acts are obviously in furtherance of one’s political beliefs…This wrong practice also persecutes political offenders or those alleged to have committed acts in pursuit of one’s political beliefs, makes a travesty of the rules of evidence, diminishes the political nature of the acts and reduces the respondents to common criminals,” the NUPL said.
Luisita farmworkers ask CBCP for support, prayers by Yen Ocampo
Posted on December 15, 2011
Likewise, Atty. Jobert Ilarde Pahilga, Executive Trustee of Sentro para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo and a Founding Member of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyer (NUPL) also asked the CBCP-National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace (NASSA) to visit and celebrate a Eucharistic Mass in Tarlac.
DOJ OKs 2 kidnap cases vs Palparan; arrest urged by Jerome Aning, TJ Burgonio
Posted on December 16, 2011
NUPL secretary general Olalia said the resolution was “very crucial” and “symbolic, because this case is against not only Palparan and his minions but also other perpetrators of human rights violations who are still scot-free.”
“This is only the start. While long in coming, any ray of hope that can be provided, especially a concrete one such as the resolution and the impending arrest of Palparan, sends a very clear signal that this is not something you can do with impunity and get away with. Sooner or later, whether immediately or over a period of time, the law will catch up with you,” he said in an interview.
Groups demand halt to criminalization of political offenses by Ronalyn Olea
Posted on December 16, 2011
“Political detainees who have already served long and completely unjust sentences, continue to languish in jails; even as we have a president who is the son of a political prisoner himself,” Edre Olalia, NUPL secretary general, said.
“After six years [in detention], all the charges against me were dismissed. There was no basis for prolonging my incarceration. That is a terrible injustice to me,” Ipong said.
Palparan’s flee attempt indicates guilt – mothers of 2 missing UP students by Ronalyn Olea
Posted on December 19, 2011
Meanwhile, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) that serves as counsels for the mothers, also called for Palparan’s immediate arrest.
“The poster boy of GMA[Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo]-sanctioned heinous rights violations is obviously pulling a fast one again. He has been lying through his teeth for the longest time and everything that comes out of his mouth is a barefaced lie. .. He is as remorseless as he is cunning and arrogant. This latest stunt patently shreds off any of his pretensions,” Edre U. Olalia, NUPL
Mothers of missing UP students call for immediate arrest of Palparan et.al by Ronalyn Olea
Posted on December 16, 2011
“The DOJ resolution sends a clear message to human rights violators, especially top military officials, that abuses must stop,” Cristina Yambot, one of the lawyers and a member of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) said.
“Holding Palparan for trial is long overdue amidst the several crimes he perpetrated against activists and those who espouse dissent amidst injustice. While this is just the start of a long and rigorous trial to make Palparan account for his crimes, this is a significant victory for human rights defenders and a big step towards ensuring respect for human rights in a country that has witnessed monstrous human rights violations in the past decade,” Edre Olalia, NUPL secretary general, said.
DOJ recommends filing of kidnapping raps vs Palparan, 3 others by Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, InterAksyon.com
Posted on December 16, 2011
Edre Olalia, lawyer of the missing students and secretary general of the National Union of People’s Lawyers, praised DOJ’s action.
“At long last, justice has caught up with General Palparan…It sends a strong, clear and, loud message that human right violators can’t just get away with it. It should help abet the long-standing impunity,” Olalia said.
Corona starts forming top-notch defense team by Marlon Ramos, TJ Burgonio
Posted on December 16, 2011
“The most absurd” ruling was the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the high court on the travel ban on Arroyo, said Colmenares, who is the president of the National Union of People’s Lawyers.
“You can make a mistake once or twice, but a series of absurd decisions capped by a TRO issuance, [that’s another matter],” he said, adding that the panel would take into consideration the fact that Corona had served as Arroyo’s chief legal counsel and spokesperson.
Palparan stopped at Clark airport by Jun Malig, Tonette Orejas
Posted on December 20, 2011
Edre Olalia, Cadapan and Empeño’s lawyer, assailed Palparan’s “manifest attempt to flee justice,” describing the retired general “as remorseless as he is cunning and arrogant.”
“Flight is an indication of guilt. The poster boy of heinous rights violations was obviously trying to pull a fast one again,” Olalia said in a text message to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Wanted: Gen. Jovito Palparan by Macky Macaspac, Pinoy Weekly
Posted on December 20, 2011
Sa panig naman ng mga abogado ng mga biktima, sinabi ng National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) na sa loob ng halos anim na taon ng kaso, malilitis na rin sa korte si Palparan at iba pang mga akusadong militar.
“Holding Palparan for trial is long overdue amidst the several crimes he perpetrated against activists and those who espouse dissent amidst injustice,” ani Olalia, na siya ring pangkalahatang kalihim ng NUPL.
Palparan stopped from leaving Phl at Clark airport by Ding Cervantes, The Philippine Star
Posted on December 20, 2011
Lawyer Edre Olalia, legal counsel for the families of the victims, said Palparan’s attempt to leave the country “is the most manifest sign of flight from justice.”
“Flight is an indication of guilt. His arrest must be done with dispatch,” Olalia said.
‘Stop threatening judge,’ lawyer of missing UP students tells Palparan by Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, InterAksyon.com
Posted on December 21, 2011
Edre Olalia, secretary General of the National Union of People’s Lawyers, said it is time for Palparan to “face the music” for all the human rights violations he allegedly committed while he was in the service.
“He must give himself up now and stop being a coward and heartless creature that he really is,” Olalia said.
Lawyer calls Palparan a coward by Dennis Carcamo, The Philippine Star
Posted on December 21, 2011
Lawyer Edre Olalia, one of the legal counsels of missing UP students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño, called on Palparan to give himself up and face the charges against him before the Malolos Regional Trial Court in Bulacan.
“He must give himself up now and stop being a coward and a heartless creature that he really is… He should face the music and also leave the lawyering to his counsels,” Olalia said.
Hunt on for Palparan: Notorious general goes into hiding by Christine O. Avendaño, TJ Burgonio, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted on December 22, 2011
The lawyer of the families of Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan likewise challenged Palparan to turn himself in.
“Palparan is hopelessly incorrigible and his braggadocio is incomparable. He should face the music and leave the lawyering to his counsels,” Edre Olalia said in a statement. “He must give himself up now and stop being the coward and heartless creature that he really is.”
Mothers of the disappeared call for people’s manhunt vs Palparan by Ronalyn Olea, Bulatlat.com
Posted on December 21, 2011
In reaction, Edre Olalia, one of the private prosecutors in the Cadapan- Empeño case said: “Palparan is hopelessly incorrigible and his braggadocio is incomparable. The highest military officer every criminally indicted for human rights violations is now spewing veiled threats against the judge [who issued the warrant] and venom against the Justice Secretary.”
“He has done that to anyone that stands in his way. He must give himself up now and stop being a coward and heartless creature that he really is,” Olalia, secretary general of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) said.
Produce our daughters, moms urge by Marvin Benaning, The Manila Bulletin
Posted on December 22, 2011
The National Union of Peoples Lawyers urged Palparan linked to case of disappearance to face the charges.
Atty. Edre Olalia, NUPL secretary general, disclosed that Palparan and his cohort should immediately surrender to authorities and stop being a coward.
He added that the attempt made by Palparan to leave the country is also an act of cowardice on his part.
CHR calls NBI ‘naïve’ in hunt for Palparan by TJ Burgonio, The Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted on December 24, 2011
“It could probably be a ruse to deflect attention,” Olalia, a member of a team of lawyers for two missing student-activists of the University of the Philippines, said of Palparan’s offer to surrender. “He’s biding his time. He probably has some dirty plans to execute an escape.”
‘Butcher’ hunted by AFP: Palparan must face charges says De Lima by Philip C. Tubeza, TJ Burgonio, Tonette Orejas, The Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted on December 25, 2011
But Commission on Human Rights Chair Loretta Ann Rosales and human rights lawyer Edre Olalia said Palparan was not to be trusted.
“It could probably be a ruse to deflect attention,” Olalia, secretary general of the National Union of People’s Lawyers handling the cases of Empeño and Cadapan, said of Palparan’s purported offer to surrender.
Palparan sends surrender feelers, says De Lima by Marlon Ramos, The Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted on December 27, 2011
“More than improving the image [of the armed forces], it’s the consistency of respecting human rights, and it is a good start if they help in the surrender of General Palparan. And it should be followed through consistently,” he said.
Olalia, who is also the secretary general of the National Union of People’s Lawyers, said he and many others were getting impatient that Palparan still hadn’t been captured, even though he was already caught trying to leave the country earlier.
Bounty offered for Palparan capture by A. E. Barrameda, Business World
Posted on December 27, 2011
Meanwhile, Palparan has requested the Malolos Regional Trial Court to withdraw the arrest order against him, said Edre U. Olalia, counsel of the victims.
Palparan filed the petition on Dec. 22, two days after the warrant was issued, he said in phone interview yesterday.
“There will be a hearing [on the motion] on Monday, Jan. 2,” he said, adding that they will be opposing the motion as “it’s the most logical thing to do.”
Edre Olalia, the lawyer for the families of the missing students, has criticized the transfer to military custody of Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado and S/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio, the two accused soldiers.
“The transfer of their custody to the Army does not inspire confidence in our justice system. It practically means they will be ‘at home’ in the good company and graces of their own who will coddle and cuddle them,” said Olalia.
Soldiers in UP students’ kidnapping ‘should stay in civilian jail’ by Jonathan de Santos, Sunstar
Posted on December 28, 2011
“This is unacceptable. It was done without us being notified at all. We were totally clueless about this. They pulled a fast one again. This will definitely not sit well with a lot of people. It will further enrage the victims, their families, human rights defenders and the public if the same arrangement happens to Palparan should he be arrested, if at all,” NUPL said.
The group said their transfer to Fort Bonifacio was a special accommodation that put the accused “in the good company and graces of their own who will coddle and cuddle them.”
Palparan will likely do a Lacson, his lawyer says by Andrea Bautista, News5
Posted on December 29, 2011
“Parang hindi prosecution eh parang persecution…Kita niyo nga ho mga pronouncement, kahit Malacanang pinalalabas nila na sa ngayon pa lang may kasalanan na si General Palparan. Hindi ho dapat ganoon dahil nasa korte na po,” said Mallares.
Edre Olalia, lawyer for Cadapan, disagrees with Mallares.
“I will not encourage my client to hide. I will in fact advice him to face the music and prove that the charges are wrong. So it doesn’t speak well for a lawyer to base his observation and sympathize with his client,” said Olalia.
PNP: AFP not hiding Palparan by Aaron Recuenco, The Manila Bulletin
Posted on December 28, 2011
The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers or (NUPL) issued a similar statement.
“This is unacceptable. It was done without us being notified at all. We were totally clueless about this. They pulled a ‘fast one’ again. This will definitely not sit well with a lot of people. It will further enrage the victims, their families, human rights defenders, and the public if the same arrangement happens. Palparan should he be arrested, if at all,” the group added.
The Butcher’s co-accused hit by Rey Requejo, Manila Standard Today
Posted on December 28, 2011
“The accused have their own lawyers. The DoJ is hoping the Army is not lawyering for them. We have to strike a balance between the need to avoid any special treatment for the accused with the issue of their personal security while in detention,” Navera stressed.
Navera’s fears were shared by private prosecutors who accused the military of coddling the suspects.
“This is unacceptable,” said lawyer Edre Olalia of the Union of People’s Lawyers.
Lawyers of missing student activists protest transfer of 2 Palparan co-accused to Army by Tetch Torres, The Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted on December 28, 2011
Lawyers of the two missing student activists denounced the transfer of the co-accused of retired Major General Jovito Palparan into the custody of the Philippine Army.
“It dilutes the hitherto significant gain and import of making the perpetrators of human rights violations accountable and to be treated without special accommodation,” one of the private prosecutors Edre Olalia said in a text message.
AFP distances self from association of generals backing Palparan by DJ Yap, TJ Burgonio, The Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted on December 30, 2011
The National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) said they and the mothers of Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño, had patiently gone through all the legal and judicial proceedings to get Palparan charged before a court, and were now looking forward to his trial.
“There’s no trial by publicity. Precisely we want him to get arrested and face the charges, and let the trial proceed. Precisely we filed this case and went through the dangerous, rigorous and tedious legal process of collating our evidence comprehensively, convincing witnesses to come out in the open,” said Edre Olalia, secretary general of NUPL that will help in the prosecution of the case.