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Hands Off Bicol People’s Lawyer Atty. Bart Rayco!

At approximately 6:00 a.m. today, staff at Jollikod, a local eatery in Legazpi City owned by the family of Atty. Bartolome “Bart” Rayco, discovered two bullets ominously left at the entrance. The bullets were bound with black ribbons, one tethered to a piece of stone wrapped in paper and plastic. The paper contained a threatening message that read: “Atty. Bart Rayco MALAPIT KA NA!!” (Atty. Bart Rayco, your end is near!!!). Earlier, witnesses reported seeing unidentified men on a motorcycle stop outside the premises at around 4:00 a.m.

Conviction of policemen a soothing balm, but struggle for justice for all continues

Today’s triumph is a comfort to the family of Luis and Gabriel Lois and a sigh of relief for us, the private prosecutors, our clients and friends in Rise Up for Life and for Rights, and others who supported this quest for justice. However, in terms of scale, today’s legal victory is just a footnote in a bloody chapter that has yet to end as bodies continue to pile up until today.

Judicial Independence in the Philippines

The blindfolded Lady Justice, which symbolizes our justice system, aptly describes our predicament and the inadequacy of the legal and judicial system in our country. Because of her blindfold, Lady Justice is unable to see the exploitation, repression, and injustices around her.

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