By Gabriela Baron
The Supreme Court (SC) warned on Tuesday, Sept. 27, that fine or imprisonment or both will be imposed on individuals who incite violence against judges and their families.
In a press briefer, the SC En Banc tacked motu proprio possible actions regarding statements made by former anti-insurgency task force spokesperson Lorraine Badoy over her social media post against Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar of the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 19.
NEWS UPDATE: Korte Suprema, nagbabala laban sa mga nag-uudyok ng karahasan o iba pang aksyon na maaaring magdulot ng kapahamakan sa mga hukom at kanilang pamilya. | via Mela Lesmoras pic.twitter.com/9IMXtzvW9S
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“The Court sternly warns those who continue to incite violence through social media and other means which endanger the lives of judges and their families,” the statement read.
“This shall likewise be considered a contempt of this court and will be dealt with accordingly.”
On Sept. 21, Magdoza-Malagar dismissed the petition of the Department of Justice that seeks to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as terrorists.
Badoy, for her part, blasted Magdoza-Malagar for junking the petition.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said the DOJ will no longer appeal the RTC’s ruling.
During Tuesday’s Palace briefing, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said the administration adheres closely to the rule of law.
“We do not endorse any illegal activities and we have relied on the statement of the Secretary of Justice saying that this particular case can be refiled or is to be refiled under the Anti-Terrorism Act,” she said.
“We let the law take its course and allow the judiciary to exercise its full mandate. The SOJ will be directing any way the filing of a proscription case in the Court of Appeals as prescribed by the Anti-Terrorism Act,” she added. -ag
