Philippines: SC potentially strong ally in fight vs repression — Beltran

MANILA — Detained Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran lauded the declaration of Chief Justice Reynato Puno that the Supreme Court will use its power to protect civil liberties. He said that the Chief Justice has already begun doing so when the SC junked the rebellion charges against the Batasan 6. Beltran expressed hope that given CJ Puno’s vow, the SC will also immediately make this decision final and executory and allow his (Beltran’s) release from detention at the soonest possible time, even as the office of the solicitor general files an appeal.

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Philippines: Ocampo lauds High Court’s commitment on human rights

MANILA — House Deputy Minority Leader Satur C. Ocampo today welcomed Chief
Justice Reynato Puno’s assurances that the Supreme Court will use its
authority to enhance the promotion of human rights in face continued
slays, abductions and other human rights abuses under the Arroyo
administration.
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Philippines Supreme Court dared: Stop ‘prosecutorial terrorism’

MANILA — The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan today welcomed the pronouncements of Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno on the role of the high court in protecting civil liberties and stopping the trend of killings and abductions of government critics. The group said it lauded Puno’s resolve in checking the abuses committed mainly by the executive branch and its military.

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Bayan Muna leader cried ‘Pulis! Pulis!’

The human-rights group Karapatan details the abduction of Gilbert Rey Cardino, Bayan Muna's coordinator in the SOCSKSARGEN area. "Ayon sa testigo na driver ng tricycle na sinasakyan ni Jing na si Phinney Tolentino, muntik na niyang mabundol ang L-300 van sa biglang pagharang nito sa daanan. Nagsibabaan ang limang lalaki na halos naka-barber's cut ang gupit o mukhang mga military. Ang isa ay nakablack long sleeve shirt na may 'police' sa likod na nakasulat. Hinatak palabas ng tricycle si Jing ng apat na lalaki, dalawa sa magkabilang balikat at dalawa sa magkabilang paa." | Earlier story: Bayan Muna leader in Koronadal abducted

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Philippines high court fails to review case of ‘Abadilla 5’

UA-182-2007: PHILIPPINES: Supreme Court fails to review death
sentences of five torture victims seven years on

PHILIPPINES: Torture; falsification of police records; denial of the
right to have a fair trial; excessive court delays; denial of
detainees rights to adequate medical attention; lack of domestic
judicial remedy
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