(Eagle News)–Solicitor General Jose Calida on Thursday, May 9, called for the resignation of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines president for allegedly turning the organization of lawyers into a “highly politicized” group and for allegedly “using his position to advance his political agenda.”
In a statement, Calida called Abdiel Dan Elijah Fernando a “disgrace,” backing the IBP Davao chapter’s criticism of him for allowing the organization’s office to be used as a “staging area” for the press conference of Peter Joemel Advincula.
During the press conference, Advincula said he was the “Bikoy” in the “Ang Totoong Narco-list” videos, and stood by the allegations President Rodrigo Duterte’s family members and others were engaged in the illegal drug trade.
According to Calida, in the first place, Fajardo “does not speak for all members of the IBP.”
“But his actions reflect badly on the organization and consequently, the legal profession,” the solicitor general said.
He also downplayed the IBP’s subsequent refusal to grant Advincula legal assistance, questioning why the organization gave Advincula the platform to speak in the first place.
Calida said this was not the first time Fajardo has sought to meddle in politics.
He said earlier, Fajardo urged the Supreme Court to reverse its decision granting the quo warranto petition that led to the ouster of then-Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.
“(Fajardo) should be reminded of the purpose of the IBP, which is to promote the best interest of lawyers and the courts,” Calida said.
“The IBP should be in the forefront in advocating obedience to the law,” he added.
