The Integrated Bar of the Philippines 24th Board of Governors on Friday condemned the rumors and “borderline misogyny” against slain Judge Ma. Theresa Abadilla of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 45.
“As we denounce the killing of Judge Maria Teresa Abadilla and grieve a great loss to the judiciary, we call out the speculations and rumors, bordering on misogyny or victim-blaming that circulated upon the news of her death,” Domingo Cayosa, national president and chairman of the 24th Board of Governors, said in a supplemental statement.
“We decry the exploitative sharing of graphic and gory videos or photos of her brutal killing that violate her privacy and offend the feelings of her family and loved ones,” he added.
Cayosa appealed to take down and stop publishing such recordings.
Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 45 Judge Ma Theresa Abadilla was shot by her clerk of the court inside her chamber at the Manila City Hall on Wednesday, November 11.
The Manila Police District (MPD) identified the suspect as lawyer Amador Rebato, the victim’s court clerk.
IBP denounces ‘misogyny’ against slain Judge Abadilla
Navarro said Rebato was filing his resignation letter to Abadilla before the shooting incident happened. He arrived there with his sister.
Rebato acquired COVID-19 in August and suffered depression after his recovery, which later affected his work performance, said Navarro.
“We respect the memory of and do justice to Judge Abadilla and all judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and workers in the justice sector who were killed for doing their sworn duty even under challenging circumstances by adhering to facts, conducting a thorough and credible investigation, quickly ensuring accountability after due process, and instituting reforms to protect and secure those who implement the rule of law,” Cayosa said.
Earlier, the University of the Philippines (UP) Portia Alumnae Association also denounced social media posts, “irresponsibly rushed to judgment and engaged in victim-blaming.”