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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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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