A tarpaulin red-baiting Mandaluyong City Judge Monique Quisumbing-Ignacio found in Metro Manila (Photo courtesy of Rep. Ferdinand Gaite)
The Public Interest Law Center has urged the Supreme Court to look into the case of “red-tagged” Mandaluyong judge Monique Quisumbing-Ignaqacio, who freed Manila Today journalist Lady Ann Salem and labor unionist Rodrigo Esparago.
Tarpaulins that read: “Maraming Salamat! Judge Monique Quisumbing Ignacio RTC Br. 209, Mandaluyong City sa mabilis na paglaya ng kasama nating Lady Ann Salem at Rodrigo Esparago. Ituloy ang laban!! Mabuhay!!!” were posted at some foot bridges in Metro Manila and were made to appear as coming from the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army.
“We call for a thorough investigation of this latest incident, especially by the Supreme Court in its duty to the administration of justice,” PILC said in a statement.
According to the group, the “guileful red-tagging” of Judge Quisumbing-Ignacio is an attack on the court’s independence.
Ignacio released Salem and Esparago over irregularities in their arrest, dismissing the illegal possession of firearms and explosives case filed against them.
Commission on Human Rights spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia expressed concern over the incident, as this could expose Ignacio to danger.
“She is being attacked in connection with her decisions involving prosecutorial discretion and the exercise of due process rights,” she said.
Manila Today issued a press statement on its Facebook page condemning the tarpaulins. It asked the Metro Manila Development Authority for help to know who was behind the propaganda. H.B. Oledan