The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) is set to roll out a nationwide protection program for judges and legal professionals, following recent online threats directed at the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC).
In a statement released Friday, the IBP’s 27th Board of Governors condemned what it described as “deliberate assaults on the dignity of judicial office” and committed to establishing structural safeguards to ensure the safety of the judiciary.
“The justice system cannot function if its guardians are left vulnerable,” the IBP said, noting a rising pattern of harassment and intimidation targeting legal workers.
The IBP’s initiative will include the implementation of a national red-flag and incident tracking system, standardized threat assessment protocols, and formal coordination among courts, law enforcement, and oversight bodies.
Sustained monitoring mechanisms will also be created to promote accountability and serve as a deterrent against future attacks.
The IBP also lauded the Supreme Court for its prompt response to the threats.
The high tribunal earlier issued a rare and strongly worded statement expressing “grave concern” over the threats made against Pasig RTC workers, emphasizing that such attacks on the judiciary undermine the rule of law and judicial independence.