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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Hands off NUPL Negros Chairperson Atty. Rey Gorgonio and PDG development workers! – NUPL

Hands off NUPL Negros Chairperson Atty. Rey Gorgonio and PDG development workers! – NUPL

These attacks against Atty. Gorgonio and his clients, whom the military has labeled as “high value individuals,” are part of the continuing weaponization of counterterrorism measures against development workers and human rights defenders. They create a chilling climate meant to intimidate and hinder human rights lawyers from independently performing their duties and providing legal services without fear.

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