Aquino shrugs off raps vs justice secretary

MALACANANG yesterday dismissed a disbarment case against Justice Secretary Leila de Lima as nothing more than a “demolition job,” and reiterated its support for her decisions related to former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

A private lawyer Monday filed a disbarment complaint against the justice secretary for alleged refusal to implement a Supreme Court (SC) order allowing Arroyo to travel abroad.

Lawyer Ricardo Rivera asked the high court to order an immediate investigation to be conducted by the Integrated Board of the Philippines’ Board of Governors directing said body to act on his complaint with dispatch, and to report its findings to the SC soonest.

He also wanted the SC to suspend De Lima from the practice of law pending the investigation of the case, and after due proceedings, to disbar her and remove her name from the Roll of Attorneys.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a news briefing that Malacanang had anticipated the disbarment case since the camp of Arroyo had threatened to file the case against De Lima.

“We remain in support of the decisions taken by our secretary of justice. … We believe that Secretary Leila de Lima will be able to defend herself properly in the disbarment case,” Lacierda said.

The complaints drew mixed reactions from supporters and critics of De Lima.

Father Ranhilio Aquino, dean of the San Beda College’s Graduate School of Law said De Lima must face the charges.

“I think there is reason to charge her…. Everybody knows she disobeyed the order of the court,” he said. “I only wish we all learn to abide by the rule of law. The law may be imperfect but it is the only guarantee that we have of an orderly society.”

An activist priest, however, defended De Lima, saying the case was “pure harassment.”

Fr. Jose Dizon, convener of National Clergy Discernment Group, said De Lima should just take matter as occupational hazard and just part of her job as justice secretary.

“De Lima can defend herself. She should not be worried, I don’t think she will, knowing how strong and courageous she is,” he said.