WHEN I entered law school at Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan in Cagayan de Oro City in 2015, I failed the aptitude test. But the dean told me he really liked my essay, so I was accepted anyway.
At the time, our essay topic was: “Let’s kill all the lawyers.”
I didn’t know where the line came from or who coined it.
I simply wrote what was on my mind at that moment.
And as far as I can remember, I disagreed with the proposition because, nowadays, we badly need lawyers.
Later, I learned that “Let’s kill all the lawyers” was a famous line from William Shakespeare’s play Henry VI, Part 2 (Act IV, Scene 2).
It was uttered by a rebel named Dick the Butcher during a plot to overthrow the government of King Henry VI of England.
The line itself is quite intriguing.
Yes, some say lawyers create chaos — and then solve it. But in the present setup of our society, without lawyers, politicians and other powerful individuals could become “vultures.” They could become excessively greedy and disregard the law.
Lucky for us, we have plenty of lawyers nowadays. At least, they help set boundaries so the “powerful” cannot figuratively swallow people, communities and even the government itself.
So, let’s love — not kill — the lawyers.
WRIT OF AMPARO, HABEAS DATA
Question: Why did I choose this topic?
Just last August 5, the Supreme Court granted the March 5 petition of Atty. Rey Gorgonio and four development workers in Negros for Writs of Amparo and Habeas Data against the military, police and other State law enforcers.
Atty. Gorgonio, a member of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), is now known in Negros communities as the “Lawyer of the Poor.”
He took up the mantle left by the late Atty. Ben Ramos, founder of Paghida-et sa Kauswagan Development Group (PDG), a local grassroots organization working for agrarian reform.
Unfortunately, Atty. Ramos was gunned down in Kabankalan City in 2018.
To date, his death remains a mystery.
Most of the cases now handled by Atty. Gorgonio are controversial, ranging from labor disputes to alleged human rights abuses, with many of the accused coming from poor communities.
But he thrives.
Just recently, he handled another controversial case — the move by Candoni residents to file a Writ of Kalikasan against the P2-billion palm oil plantation in the town.
Amid preparations — meetings, press conferences and other activities — Atty. Gorgonio and four development workers reportedly received a series of threats through text messages and Messenger.
This prompted them to go to Manila and file a petition for Writs of Amparo and Habeas Data before the High Court on March 5.
Six months later, the High Tribunal granted their petition.
The military, police and other State law enforcers were ordered to stay at least one kilometer away from the petitioners and their immediate family members.
Why?
What are these Writs of Amparo and Habeas Data?
The Supreme Court simply explains that the Writ of Amparo and the Writ of Habeas Data are legal remedies under Philippine law used to protect fundamental constitutional rights.
Amparo protects the right to life, liberty and security, while Habeas Data protects the right to informational privacy.
‘VICTORY OF THE PEOPLE’
I met and talked with Atty. Gorgonio and asked for his reaction to the Supreme Court decision. His response: “It’s the victory of the people.”
A simple line, but full of meaning. Why? Because Atty. Gorgonio, as everyone knows, is the “dalangpan sang mga kubos” — the refuge of the poor.
As an NUPL member, Atty. Gorgonio can extend his legal services to those in need pro bono. He could be your “last hope” amid legal troubles. Brilliant, experienced and, above all, low-key and down-to-earth. Subjecting him to red-tagging by State forces, in my view, would be an injustice to the poor. His commitment to defending the poor in court reflects a moral, ethical and even spiritual duty rooted in the pursuit of social justice. It is priceless.
Society, therefore, needs to protect him. He is invaluable!
‘WE RESPECT THE ORDER’
Major General Joey Escanillas, newly installed commanding general of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division in Jamindan, Capiz, told yours truly that they would abide by the Supreme Court order.
“We respect the decision of the Supreme Court, and we will strictly comply to the guidelines set, that is part of a legal process, this is due process, that is democracy, it’s everybody’s right to seek legal remedy if they feel their rights are violated, even us, if we also feel our rights are violated we also reachout for legal action,” he said.
Bow!
I admire Major General Escanillas for those words. There is a sense of respect and, more importantly, an appreciation of due process. Thus, he sounds decent.
Why do I say this? Because, for me, having once been accused and detained without due process, the issue is quite relatable. Due process, in essence, prevents the government from exercising unchecked power or treating people unfairly. It ensures that every person retains the basic rights to life, liberty and property unless these are restricted through fair and lawful procedures.
Hence, my salute to Major General Escanillas!
‘DIRTY LAWYERS’
Moving forward, Atty. Gorgonio et al. can now enjoy greater protection against the threats associated with red-tagging. That means so much to them. Having no less than the High Court grant them legal protection for their safety is remarkable.
And having one of the top military officers in the Visayas commit to respecting the Court’s order is exemplary.
In a nutshell, let’s now forget what Dick the Butcher said in William Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Part 2.
Rather, we need to love the lawyers — except, perhaps, those who are “tulisan,” and more so those judges tagged as “hoodlums in robes.”
Yes, the world of lawyers in this country isn’t perfect. There are also many “dirty lawyers.” But this reality does not justify killing all the lawyers.
Atty. Gorgonio and many others deserve our appreciation and thanks. He is a human rights lawyer who stands against human rights abuses. He represents the poor; thus, he deserves protection from threats and intimidation.
By golly, believe it or not, Atty. Gorgonio is truly a “white knight” in Negros./PN
