More lawyers sign anti-red-tagging manifesto

More lawyers have signified their intent to sign the manifesto that strongly denounces Lorraine Badoy, former spokesperson for the government's anti-communist task force, for red-tagging Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar.

Malagar invited Badoy's outrage after dismissing the government's proscription case against the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People's Army.

The National Union of People's Lawyers said 485 lawyers countrywide have already signed the statement as of 26 September, which reads: "Lawyers call for action against attacks on judicial independence."

The said manifesto shall officially be sent to the Supreme Court with the full list of lawyers and their respective roll numbers.

Among those who signed the manifesto include law deans, Bar topnotchers, law professors, private practitioners, human rights lawyers, former legislators, former government officials, and government lawyers.

They said that, as lawyers and litigators, they win some, and lose some.

"We may disagree with and even criticize court orders and decisions, but we should always do so in good faith, with respect for processes, and within the bounds of what is legally permissible," the lawyers said.

"We call on the Supreme Court not to let this pass and to take immediate, concrete and firm action to protect justice actors and the rule of law. The Court must hold accountable those who threaten and malign our judges and lawyers," they added.

Badoy scored Magdoza-Malagar in her Facebook post last 23 September for dismissing the government's proscription case against the CPP-NPA.