Judge disqualifies Baguio Councilor from activist representation

A Baguio City judge has removed a local councilor from representing four activists in a case challenging their designation as terrorists. Human rights lawyer Jose Molintas can no longer serve as counsel due to a legal rule that prevents elected officials from litigating against the government. The activists, including Windel Bolinget from the Cordillera Peoples Alliance, argue they were labeled terrorists without due process. They are seeking judicial review of a resolution made by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) in July 2023 and the freezing of their assets by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). The judge, Hilario Belmes, cited a specific section of the Local Government Code which bars council members from appearing in court against government entities. Despite Molintas’ claims that this rule was not absolute and had not been contested at the trial's start, the judge ruled that the law is clear. Belmes stated that while Molintas’ involvement was commendable, the rule must be followed. Other lawyers are still able to represent the activists moving forward. Molintas will continue to represent one of the activists, Sarah Abellon-Alikes, in a separate charge related to terror financing. This case involves allegations that she financed accommodations for rebels involved in a robbery in 2017. Although she was previously accused, she was cleared of those charges.