FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte is facing a disbarment case filed by human rights groups and families of alleged victims of extrajudicial killings, but his former legal adviser has dismissed the complaint as unfounded.
Attorney Salvador Panelo defended Duterte, asserting that the ex-president’s controversial remarks during Senate hearings on the drug war were “hyperbolic” and would not hold up in court.
The case was lodged on Friday by human rights group Karapatan, alongside religious leaders and advocates.
They cited Duterte’s Senate testimony, where he admitted issuing “kill orders” as part of his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.
The petitioners argue that Duterte’s actions violated the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) and displayed conduct unbecoming of a lawyer.
Panelo refuted the claims, stating, “He has not committed any unethical act or breached any laws as a member of the Bar.”
He further insisted, “There was no admission of extrajudicial killings. His statements were exaggerated and will not stand scrutiny in court.”