MANILA, Philippines — Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno and two others from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) have asked the Supreme Court to strike off from the records the government’s accusation that they misled a group of fishermen into asking for court protection of the fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea that have been seized by China. Petition withdrawnADVERTISEMENTDiokno, with IBP lawyers Andre Palacios and Gil Aquino, formally withdrew on July 19 the writ of kalikasan petition they filed on behalf of 27 fishermen from Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in Palawan and from Subic, Zambales. The lawyers informed the court that the fishermen have either told them they wanted to withdraw the case, or could no longer be reached. Diokno and the two IBP lawyers joined Solicitor General Jose Calida in asking the Supreme Court to dismiss the writ of kalikasan case. But they also complained how the chief government counsel “attacked the[ir] integrity and credibility” during the oral arguments on July 2, and asked the Supreme Court to expunge Calida’s formal manifestation “in order to preserve the sanctity and integrity of the judicial process.” —Dona Z. PazzibuganRead NextLATEST STORIESMOST READ

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 21, 2019 21:33 UTC