The Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Davao Chapter on Thursday called the Maguindanao Massacre verdict “a triumph of law and justice.”
The much-awaited verdict on the case involving the world’s worst political massacre and the single deadliest event for journalists in history ended with the accused Ampatuan brothers and several others were meted 57 counts of murder by the court on Thursday.
Lawyer Eleanor Dela Peña, IBP Davao president, said in an official statement that “the conviction of the principal accused in the infamous Maguindanao massacre which claimed the lives of 58 innocent civilians is a triumph of the rule of law and justice.”
“After ten long years of trial, the conviction of the principal accused in the infamous Maguindanao massacre which claimed the lives of 58 innocent civilians is a triumph of the rule of law and justice. The rule of law, in its most basic form, simply means no one is above the law. Justice had caught up on the assailants, albeit after a very long and arduous trial.”
Dela Peña likewise cautioned that, “while some may find “closure” of the case, let the same be a lesson to all. The people themselves shall take an active role in curbing all forms of criminalities and let the criminals feel the chill of fear from the people’s collective anger. In this manner those who mock the rule of law must account and face the consequences of their transgressions – no matter where and how long it takes.”
IBP Davao concluded its official statement saying “Justice is served!”
Meantime, some law practitioners in Davao City said it is not only that justice was finally served but it also shows that the rich and influential litigants no longer enjoy the upperhand against the poor.
Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes, presiding judge of Branch 221 of the Regional Trial court of Quezon City sentenced the Ampatuan brothers to reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years in jail without parole.
The Ampatuan brothers and other principal accused were found guilty of the Maguindanao massacre that put an end to a decade-long case that saw the deaths of 58 people, 32 of whom were media practitioners.
Philippine Association of Real Estate Boards Inc. -Davao Board of Realtors Foundation, Inc. (PAREB-DBRFI) President lawyer Raymond Batu told Edge Davao that the decision will bring back the people’s trust and faith in the judiciary system of the Philippines.
“Nemo est supra legis. No one is above the law! Justice has been served finally,” Batu said.
Another lawyer, Heraclio Malaki III said the decision shows that justice system in the country is “alive” and is acting on the case. He also said that the presiding judge is really focused on the case and was really weighing both sides of the case.
“Tungod sa decision nadungagan ang pagsalig sa justice system sa Pilipinas nga dili ug walay gipaboran bisan pa ug datu ang kalaban. Justice has been served,” Malaki said.
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) head Martin Andanar said the proceedings of the case was slow as it has to go through process as warranted by the country’s democratic system.
“It’s a good day for the victims of the Maguindanao massacre. The decision of the Regional Trial Court shows that the justice system in the country really works,” said lawyer-juris doctor Algene Cutamora.
