Let the law be a way to justice
The University of the Philippines College of Law chapter of
the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers calls for justice for the 57 victims of
Maguindanao’s deadly political feud.
We call for the immediate arrest, as well as the impartial
treatment, of the masterminds and perpetrators of the massacre in Maguindanao. None
have been made two days after the massacre, even if the suspect Ampatuans have
been identified, and probable cause is sufficient.
The Arroyo administration is treading carefully into an
ally’s territory, in an apparent nod to party politics. We denounce the
malicious thirst for power that drives politicians to kill, in order to
perpetuate their stay in office. We abhor the continued existence of private
armies and collusion with the state police and military, and the sad realities
that blind such members to join them. We despise violent and dishonest elections.
We call for the transparent handling of the murder cases,
and the evenhanded presentation of evidence that may be in the possession and
control of government agents and officials in Maguindanao. We demand our right
to information, we insist on fair trial.
As we mourn the loss of civilians and media practitioners,
we particularly salute two of our bravest lady lawyers. Attorneys Concepcion
“Connie” Brizuela and Cynthia Oquendo, both staunch human rights advocates, are
members of the Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao,
and the national association National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers.
Of the few people who decide to become lawyers, even fewer
make the choice to tread the path of human rights and peoples’ lawyering. This attack
has shown that peoples’ lawyering is a dangerous branch of the legal profession,
and the Philippines
a bleak place for human rights.
Yet still we step into the courage of these two officers of
the court, because this is a time when human rights need more defenders. As we
stand awash in corruption and brutality reminiscent of darker years, we
recommit ourselves to peoples’ lawyering.
Let the law be a way to justice, so no arrogant ones may take it into their own hands.
