MANILA, Philippines — Democracy demands dissent.
The Commission on Human Rights stressed this point Thursday, saying that it is important that citizens speak up at a time when the system of checks and balances is in question.
“Exercising our freedoms of expression and to peaceably assemble allows the common people to have their voices be heard. These are opportunities for the government to listen to our grievances and provide redress,” CHR said.
The 1987 Constitution guarantees "the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances" in the Bill of Rights.
The commission made this statement to condemn supposed threats to silence dissent.
“Any threat to silence dissenters is an affront to our ideals as a nation,” it said.
CHR cited the threats by certain personalities to get aspiring lawyers who questioned the Supreme Court’s decision on the quo warranto petition against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno be banned from taking the Bar exam.
It did not identify the personalities who threatened the law students but a day after the landmark ruling, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio asked his Twitter followers to take screenshots of criticism of the SC decision by aspiring lawyers.
Guys, help me monitor accounts ng mga law students na magmumura sa SC. Screen shot po ninyo. Such insolence DISQUALIFIES them from taking the Bar exams. ????????
— Ferdinand Topacio (@FS_Topacio) May 12, 2018
“This is a direct attack on their freedom of expression and their right as citizens of this country to speak on the issues that affect them. One does not lose their rights by becoming a law student or a candidate for the Philippine Bar,” CHR said.
The Supreme Court requires applicants for the bar exams to be "of good moral character" and requires them to submit certificates signed by two members of the bar to attest to this.
The same testimonial asserts that the applicant "has not been charged with any act or omission punishable by law, rule or regulation before a prosecutor, judge, public officer or administrative body; nor found culpable by any court or administrative body of any criine or offense involving moral turpitude; nor has he/she any pending case or charge."
The Supreme Court requirements do not mention applicants having to agree with the court's decisions.
The commission stressed that dissent is a sign of healthy democracy.
“Allowing the people to speak against injustices is how nations progress and rise above times of trial and hardship,” CHR said.