Senators want probe on recent spate of killings in Philippines By DONA MAGSINO, GMA News
Published December 18, 2020 10:40am Several senators believe the Senate should step in and investigate the recent killings in the Philippines this year as two resolutions were filed seeking such action. Senate Resolution No. 599 seeks to launch a probe on the disturbing trend of unlawful killings perpetrated by unidentified gunmen against activists, doctors, lawyers, and journalists all over the country. Their increasing brazenness and daring show how the law enforcement authorities have lost control of the country s peace and order, read the resolution filed by Senators Risa Hontiveros, Ralph Recto, Franklin Drilon, Francis Pangilinan, Nancy Binay, Leila De Lima, and Richard Gordon.
Senator Imee R. Marcos
(Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN)
Marcos filed Senate Resolution No. 593 as she raised concern over the successive crimes committed against members of the legal community in recent months, “thereby instilling fear…and undermining the effective administration of justice in the country.”
In calling for a Senate probe, she cited the deaths of former Batangas Rep. and lawyer Edgar Mendoza who was burned along with his driver and bodyguard inside his car in Tiaong, Quezon last January; of Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Maria Teresa Abadilla, who was shot by her clerk of court in her office at the Manila City Hall last Nov. 11; of Atty. Eric Jay Magcamit, who was killed in broad daylight in Palawan last Nov. 17 by suspects including a police officer; and of Atty. Joey Luis Wee who was gunned down by unidentified men in Cebu City last Nov. 23.
Press Release
IMEE: INVESTIGATE JUDGE, LAWYER KILLINGS AND DISAPPEARANCES
Senator Imee R. Marcos has called for an investigation into the alarming deaths and disappearances of members of the legal community.
Marcos said that in recent months, the entire legal community has been shocked by the successive assaults committed against members of the bar, leading to serious harm, disappearances, and, for some, their untimely death .
In filing Senate Resolution No. 593, Marcos cited five deaths and two disappearances this year, which she said caused grave concern that must be taken up by the proper Senate committee.
Last January 9, former Batangas representative and lawyer Edgar Mendoza, together with his driver and bodyguard, were found lifeless in a burned vehicle in Tiaong, Quezon. A money dispute between Mendoza and his client Sherwin Punzalan was allegedly the motive behind the gruesome crime.