Activists freed after court dismisses trumped-up charges
In its ruling, the Court found that the prosecution failed to establish an unbroken chain of custody for the allegedly confiscated firearms and explosives, describing the “irregularities as clear as daylight.”
February 4, 2025
NUPL
The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers is a nationwide voluntary association of human rights lawyers in the Philippines, committed to the defense, protection, and promotion of human rights, especially of the poor and the oppressed.

After nearly six years in detention, Kadamay organizer John Griefen Arlegui and Anakbayan organizer Reynaldo Viernes were released today after the Malolos Regional Trial Court Branch 78 granted their Demurrer to Evidence in their trumped-up case for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

On April 13, 2019, Arlegui and Viernes were aboard a kulong-kulong along the Angat-Pandi Road, participating in an electoral sortie for Bayan Muna Partylist and senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares, when they were arrested by members of the CIDG RFU 3.

In its ruling, the Court found that the prosecution failed to establish an unbroken chain of custody for the allegedly confiscated firearms and explosives, describing the “irregularities as clear as daylight.” The Court further emphasized that the prosecution’s presentation of the case raised serious doubts about the legitimacy of the supposed buy-bust operation.

Upon their release, they were welcomed outside the Bulacan Provincial Jail by senatorial candidate and urban poor leader Ka Mimi Doringo, who expressed solidarity with the two activists.

The case of Arlegui and Viernes underscores the dangerous trend of using fabricated criminal charges as a tool to suppress progressive political candidates and their supporters.

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NUPL At Nineteen

NUPL At Nineteen

“There is nothing more fulfilling than to be devoted to defending our clients and people who work for social change. We shall be with them as they embark on militant actions, engage in empowering undertakings and in the process, strengthen and further unite their ranks. Our commitment to our struggling people is what makes us people’s lawyers.”

On the criminal charges of grave threat against VP Sara Duterte

On the criminal charges of grave threat against VP Sara Duterte

The validity of Sara Duterte’s indictment for grave threat is being questioned in light of the Supreme Court ruling in Ombudsman v. Court of Appeals (G.R. No. 146486, March 4, 2005). According to the ruling, an “impeachable officer cannot be criminally prosecuted for the same offenses which constitute grounds for impeachment”. In applying such ruling in relation to the indictment of Sara Duterte, the following points should be considered:

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