Critics Slam IBP for Honoring Duterte with Lifetime Award for Lawyers

Strategic Insights -

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Davao Chapter has come under fire for awarding former President Rodrigo Duterte the Golden Pillar of Law Award, a lifetime recognition for lawyers who have served more than 50 years in the legal profession with good standing. However, critics point out that Duterte's current detention awaiting trial for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) contradicts the award's criteria of a lawyer being in good standing. The controversy has led to a reevaluation of the IBP's recognition protocols, with some recipients of the award distancing themselves from the honor.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IBP Davao Chapter awarded former President Rodrigo Duterte the Golden Pillar of Law Award for his 50 years of service in the legal profession, despite his current detention awaiting trial for crimes against humanity at the ICC.
  • The Union of Peoples' Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) criticized the award, stating that it undermines the rule of law and ignores due process.
  • UPLM pointed out that Duterte's public record of extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations contradicts the ideals of justice, integrity, and the rule of law.
  • Critic retired Judge Meinrado Paredes announced he is giving back his award to the IBP in protest of Duterte's inclusion.
  • The IBP National Office announced that it will review its recognition protocols to ensure that future honors reflect both integrity of service and fidelity to the ideals of justice.
  • The controversy has led to a reevaluation of the IBP's recognition protocols, with some recipients of the award distancing themselves from the honor.

Statistics:

  • Duterte has been detained awaiting trial for crimes against humanity at the ICC since [no specific date mentioned].
  • 26 other lawyers in Davao were awarded the Golden Pillar of Law Award by IBP Davao Chapter.
  • UPLM Chairperson Atty. Antonio Azarcon received the first Human Rights Award from the IBP in December 2024.
  • Former Secretary General Carlos Isagani Zarate was awarded the IBP President's Award in January 2025 for doing pro-bono human rights lawyering.

Sources:

  • Facebook post by IBP National Office on October 9
  • Statement by UPLM on October [no specific date mentioned]
  • Statement by IBP Davao Chapter on October [no specific date mentioned]
  • Letter from Judge Meinrado Paredes to IBP National President Allan Panlolong on [no specific date mentioned]