Groups hail SC decision granting amparo petition for ex-Bayan Muna solon

MANILA, Philippines — Several individuals and progressive groups applauded the recent Supreme Court (SC) decision granting the petition for a writ of amparo for former Bayan Muna Partylist lawmaker Seigfred Deduro.

In the decision released on Tuesday, the SC said that red-tagging and guilt by association threaten an individual’s right to life, liberty and security.

RELATED: SC grants protection writ for ex-Bayan Muna solon, declares ‘red-tagging’ threatens life, liberty, security

This decision was welcomed by several groups, saying that it could be a potential “shield” for human rights defenders.

“It is not a mere legally meritorious victory, nor a vindication and potential shield of human rights defenders and a tribute to those fallen and already victimized by it, but  a strong slap on self-righteous red-taggers before & now, particularly those who would even spin and distort what the Court says,” Edre Olalia, chairperson of the National Union of People’s Lawyers said in a statement. 

“This is a significant triumph for justice and human rights, and for the victims  who endured countless acts of harassment, unlawful arrest, and threats to their lives,” Free Legal Assistance Group chairperson Chel Diokno said in a separate statement.

“The High Court’s ruling should serve as a stern warning to state forces and individuals to stay clear of this illegal practice. The Civil Service Commission and all government agencies should direct their officials and employees to desist from red-tagging and abide by the rule of law,” Diokno added. 

In a separate statement, Bayan Muna Executive Vice President Carlos Zarate said that the latest ruling will serve as a fair warning to red-taggers. 

In the separate concurring opinion of Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, he cited a previous ruling, Zarate v. Aquino III, which highlighted the dangers of red-tagging.

“This latest ruling apparently reverses the stand of the Supreme Court on the issue of red tagging and will now serve as a fair warning to rabid redtaggers like Jeffry Celiz and Badoy that soon they will be made accountable for their actions", Zarate was quoted as said in a press release by Bayan Muna. 

Zarate was the