Rappler's latest stories on free legal assistance group
Rappler+ Webinar: Implications of the anti-terrorism bill
Happening Tuesday, June 9, 10 am
'Reject this': Human rights lawyers up in arms vs 'repressive' anti-terror bill
'The attempt to use the anti-terror bill as a tool for repression rather than for thwarting terrorism is appalling,' says the Ateneo Human Rights Center, which calls for its rejection
[OPINION DEEP DIVE] The fruit of the poisonous interview
This week’s Deep Dive looks into the admissibility of Mr Ronnel Mas' admission based on case law as well as the finding of the DOJ that his admission 'cured' the illegal arrest
House, DOJ could have done more for ABS-CBN – FLAG
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra defends his refusal to issue a formal legal opinion for ABS-CBN, a document that could serve as a legal defense for the NTC
Protections for free press 'continually threatened' by existing laws – FLAG
The Free Legal Assistance Group says a free, responsible press is 'absolutely essential for a truly transparent, accountable, and democratic government'
Why Duterte doesn't need special powers to address the coronavirus outbreak
'The emergency powers proposed to be granted by Congress are either superfluous and unnecessary, as they are already vested in the Executive Branch by existing laws,' says the Free Legal Assistance Group
FLAG goes to Supreme Court to free ex-NPA chief Salas
The Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) files a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, invoking the extraordinary power of the Court to examine the legality of the murder case itself
Journalists, lawyers call for state accountability after Ampatuan verdict
The state needs to be accountable for crimes committed by its own agents, says NUJP chair Nonoy Espina, whether it's the Ampatuan massacre or the drug war
With Robredo at helm of anti-drug body, Diokno hopes killings will stop
'Under Vice President Robredo's leadership, we hope that the killings will stop, and the government will finally take a better approach to the problem of illegal drugs,' says human rights lawyer Chel Diokno
'Putang ina, pulis ka' is recurring phrase of suspects in TokHang reports
In one police report, 3 suspects allegedly point their guns at one cop, but the cop, by himself, manages to kill all 3. It is movie-like fiction, says the Free Legal Assistance Group.
TokHang documents prove drug war caused cops to kill suspects – FLAG
'Police operatives were already conditioned by these information reports not only to arrest suspects but to neutralize them,' the Free Legal Assistance Group tells the Supreme Court
FLAG demands P5M damages in sedition countercharge vs CIDG
Chel Diokno, Erin Tañada, and Ted Te file a perjury countercharge against the CIDG officer who filed the sedition complaint. Te admits to meeting to Bikoy who wanted a legal consult.
Rappler Talk: FLAG lawyer Jun Viterbo on navigating sedition case vs opposition
On Tuesday, September 3, Rappler editor at large Marites Vitug sits down with FLAG lawyer Jun Viterbo to discuss the complaint against key members of the opposition
Sentiments split on SC ruling freeing convicts like 'beast' Sanchez
It sparks debate on a law that applies to all, even to a convict whom the Supreme Court called an "unthinking beast." It also reignites opposition to death penalty
FLAG lawyers move to disqualify OSG from sedition probe
The lawyers cite a Supreme Court decision from 1990 which says that the Office of the Solicitor General only participates in a criminal case when it has 'reached the appellate courts'
[EDITORIAL] #AnimatED: Kumakahol ang mga tuta sa naghihingalong demokrasya
The howling of the dogs reverberate in the corridors of power as darkness descends on democracy
FLAG on sedition complaint: DOJ panel invalid
'The Secretary of Justice had no legal basis to take any direct action on the matters subject of the letter-complaint,' says the Free Legal Assistance Group
DOJ asks OSG to explain participation in sedition complaint
The country's top lawyers, representing the respondents in the inciting to sedition complaint, bear down on the Office of the Solicitor General
TV, newspaper journalists join Rappler petition vs Duterte coverage ban
(UPDATED) At least 41 journalists from different media organizations intervene in a Supreme Court petition to end President Rodrigo Duterte's coverage ban against Rappler
Initial tokhang documents show lack of genuine probe into killings – lawyers
'It appears that not much effort has been placed into identifying and arresting the assailants, based on the length of time devoted to investigating the case,' says human rights lawyer and former SC spokesman Ted Te
Rappler case: PH Bar Association concerned law being used to silence gov’t critics
'Law students and legal professionals alike look forward to how the courts will resolve threshold issues such as the purported retroactive application of the Cybercrime Prevention Act,' says the Philippine Bar Association
Dismiss cyber libel case vs Maria Ressa, Rappler – Te, FLAG
Te says the Supreme Court finalized the Cybercrime Law only on April 22, 2014, which means that in February 2014 when the article was supposedly republished, there was no applicable law
Lawyers' groups condemn murder of defense attorney Rafael Atotubo
'The attacks on lawyers are part of this dastardly attempt to dismantle the legal system by means of fear and violence,' says Free Legal Assistance Group chairperson Jose Manuel Diokno
What did lawyers, police do wrong in Makati bar raid?
Lawyers present during police searches are guided by the following questions: Does the search team have a search warrant? If so, is it valid? If so, is the proper procedure being observed?
IBP to appeal Sereno ouster; lawyers called to rise up
However, constitutional law experts say it is only Congress which is in a position to challenge the quo warranto
Law groups to U.N. expert: Probe Duterte threats vs judiciary
Malacañang, however, says President Rodrigo Duterte's remarks against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno only show his 'dislike' of her, and not of the judiciary
Will govt be compelled to submit TokHang documents? SC to decide
Petitioner Jose Manuel Diokno says the full documentation 'will go a long way in the fight against impunity and excesses by those clothed with government authority'
Philippines’ 12 biggest cases of 2017
From jailing a sitting senator to debating the constitutionality of the Duterte administration's war on drugs, look back at the high-stakes judgments, decisions, and preliminary investigations of 2017
Calida: Drug war petitions part of 'destabilization' moves
(UPDATED) The Solicitor General says the police circular – while it may be abused – should be looked at by the Supreme Court for its purpose and not its effects
SC's Leonen: Drug list violates fundamental rights
'If it is done by your government, when there is an official process that does that, then would you say that there is a fundamental right that is violated?' says Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen
SC Chief Justice Sereno directs Dela Rosa to appear for EJK oral arguments
Supreme Court Chief Justice Sereno is also calling the heads of the DILG, PDEA, DDB, Napolcom and PNP-IAS to appear during oral arguments on November 28
Leonen: Circulars declared unconstitutional won't stop gov't from fighting drugs
The Associate Justice says adjusting the government's program against illegal drugs so it does not necessarily alienate communities it is supposed to protect would also clarify the rights of individuals vis-a-vis the power of government
Lawyers do dirty groundwork to fight Duterte’s drug war
'There are only a few of us who do this. We are lawyers, we need to find ways to make the law more meaningful and closer to justice.'
Was the PNP’s war on drugs illegal? Here’s why lawyers think so
The Free Legal Assistance Group asks the SC the opportunity to present oral arguments for the public to hear
Bautista impeachment, SWS, PDEA | Evening wRap
Watch the evening newscast with Chay Hofileña
Lawyers file petition to declare drug war circulars unconstitutional
The petitions of the human rights lawyers are the most comprehensive in terms of coverage when it comes to challenging the war on drugs
No cause more worthy: Ka Pepe Diokno's fight for human rights
Statesman Jose 'Ka Pepe' Diokno is regarded as the father of human rights advocacy in the Philippines
Diokno defined courage for the Martial Law generation
On the 45th anniversary of martial law and some 30 years after his death, Jose Diokno lives on, his ideals and his dreams, and his deeply held belief that it is worth building 'a nation for our children'
Robredo on Kian's killing: It could happen to our children
Ilan na ba iyong Kian na dumaan? Ilan pa ba iyong Kian na mangyayari? Kaya tayo naman kapag ganito tingin ko obligasyon natin ipahayag iyong ating pagkamuhi sa ganitong klaseng pangyayari
De Lima, lawyers petition SC to compel Congress to convene on martial law
UPDATED The petition for mandamus has the support of 331 lawyers who signed the annex included in the petition
HIGHLIGHTS: Drug Issues, Different Perspectives – A Policy Forum
Bookmark this page for highlights of the drug policy forum
Diokno's vision for PH as 'nation for our children' not yet realized
The daughter of the late statesman Jose Diokno says her father would urge Filipinos to stand firm find our voice and not seal our eyes against injustices in the country if he were still alive
Lascañas' affidavit: Grisly stories 'just tip of bloody iceberg'
UPDATED SPO3 Arthur Lascañas a self confessed hitman of the so called Davao Death Squad says he lied about its existence before because he was afraid for the safety of his family and himself
Martin, stop being an embarrassment to the Bisaya!
Martin please don t include us in your stupidity Admit that your lies were exposed And seek forgiveness from the journalists including Trillanes and the other senators
Martin, ayaw intawon paka-ulawi ang mga Bisaya!
Martin ayaw na mi intawon i apil sa imong kabuang Angkona na nga nabisto ang imong pambutbut ug pangayo na ug pasaylo sa mga peryodista apila na pud si Trillanes ug uban pang mga senador
Lascañas ready to face perjury, murder charges – lawyer
The retired Davao cop the second confessed member of the Davao Death Squad knows that his revelations have repercussions his lawyer says
#ThewRap: Things you need to know, February 21, 2017
Hello Here s a round up of news you need to know this Tuesday
Meet Lascañas' battle-tested FLAG lawyers
Jose Manuel Diokno Arno Sanidad and Alexander Padilla have taken up the case of retired policeman Arturo Lascañas who is linking President Duterte to death squad killings
Lawyers' group opposes death penalty, 'shoot-to-kill' policy
The Free Legal Assistance Group says the proposals of President elect Rodrigo Duterte are illegal and unconstitutional and would render our legal system impotent and meaningless
