(Eagle News)–Two high-ranking officials of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines are facing disbarment cases for allegedly helping Peter Joemel Advincula commit slander and inciting to sedition.
The cases were filed against IBP president Abdiel Dan Elijah Fajardo and vice chair and incoming president Domingo Cayosa by the Kabalikat partylist led by Tomas Jose Cabrido a day after Solicitor General Jose Calida called for Fajardo’s resignation for “politicizing” the lawyers’ organization.
In filing the cases, the partylist noted Fajardo and Cayosa committed the “misconduct” when they allowed Advincula to use the premises and the resources of the IBP “free of charge” for a press conference in which the man supposedly uttered “seditious words or speech,” and circulated “scurrilous libels” against “the duly constituted authority and a member” of President Rodrigo Duterte’s family.
The partylist noted that while Advincula was commiting the crime of inciting to sedition, the logo of the IBP was seen in the background, “which creates the impression that the (IBP) is supporting Advincula’s press conference.”
The group said in the first place, the IBP was “non-partisan” and “is not established to cater to political interests.”
“With due respect, Advincula’s press conference is not in accordance with the mission of the (IBP),” the group said.
“It does not elevate the standards of the legal profession, it does not improve the administration of justice, and it does not enable the bar to discharge its public responsibility more effectively,” the group added.