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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider IBP commends Abra judge for issuing Writ of Amparo

IBP commends Abra judge for issuing Writ of Amparo

Published Feb 25, 2023 03:30 pm

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has lauded Judge Bonhoffer V. Bernardez of the regional trial court (RTC) in Abra for granting a Writ of Amparo in favor of Excel V. Billedo, who was reportedly arrested, detained and tortured by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Jan. 20, 2023.

Billedo was reportedly arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by a different RTC branch in Abra.

The petition for a Writ of Amparo was filed by Billedo’s mother Remedios who told the court that on Jan. 20, 2023 armed men in civilian clothes ransacked her house in search of her son.  Later, she found that her son was in police custody.

She then filed the petition for a Writ of Amparo, a legal remedy to enforce a constitutional right other than the right to liberty, through lawyer Liwliwa Alzate, immediate past present of Abra Chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).

In a statement, the IBP said that on Feb. 20, 2023, RTC Judge Bernardez issued the writ and directed the PNP in Cordillera to conduct a thorough investigation on the allegations of abduction and torture of Billedo.

The PNP in Cordillera was also ordered to submit a report to the RTC within six months from receipt of its decision.

"The Writ of Amparo is one of the great writs created by the Supreme Court to protect citizens from undue harassment and harm, especially those affected by enforcement agencies. It is not issued lightly but, once it is, it carries the full weight of the judiciary behind it," the IBP said.

Aside from Judge Bernardez, the IBP also lauded the “brave efforts” of Atty. Alzate in behalf of the Billedo family.

"Her able representation of her clients have aided them in their quest for justice despite great risks to herself. It is a sterling example of lawyering for the public interest," the IBP said.

It then called on all members of the legal profession – both the Bench and the Bar --  to emulate the example set by Judge Bernardez and lawyer Alzate, since their actions have proven that the Rule of Law prevails.

"Let us support our brethren who stand for the downtrodden," the IBP stressed.

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