On the IBP “Golden Pillar Award” to Rodrigo Roa Duterte: Unbelievable. What a disgrace. No one else could be so undeserving.
And to mindlessly gloss over that this award was given automatically for mere length of years as a lawyer is to bestow it to even those who make a mockery of the lofty IBP ideals of no master but law, no goal but justice, and no guide but conscience.
October 8, 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.

On the IBP “Golden Pillar Award” to Rodrigo Roa Duterte:

Unbelievable. What a disgrace.

No one else could be so undeserving.

And to mindlessly gloss over that this award was given automatically for mere length of years as a lawyer is to bestow it to even those who make a mockery of the lofty IBP ideals of no master but law, no goal but justice, and no guide but conscience.

And to add insult to injury, the award gratuitously lionized him for “distinguished and dedicated service in the legal profession, upholding the ideals of justice, integrity and the rule of law” and his “unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions stand as a pillar of inspiration to the legal community”.

What incomparable irony.

Or is the award supposed to memorialize his controversial record as a lawyer with eloquent sarcasm? ###

Edre U. Olalia
1st IBP Human Rights Awardee (Luzon)
Chairperson, National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL)
President, International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL)

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COMMUNIQUÉ

COMMUNIQUÉ

The 7th National Congress closed with a collective reaffirmation of NUPL’s founding principles: that the law must serve the people, and that people’s lawyering is both profession and protest, calling and commitment. The NUPL leaves Cebu with renewed strength and unity, ready to carry forward its mission to defend rights, fight for justice, and hold power to account.

Seven Congresses Strong: Advancing People’s Lawyering for Rights, Justice, and Accountability

Seven Congresses Strong: Advancing People’s Lawyering for Rights, Justice, and Accountability

As the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers gathers for its Seventh Congress, this work takes on a renewed urgency. From the defense of those arrested on September 21, to legal challenges against repression and corruption, to the pursuit of justice in international tribunals — the struggle continues. Seven Congresses strong, we carry forward this mandate: to use the law to challenge the status quo, confront power, and serve the people.

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