Gabriela Party-list Representative Sarah Elago has filed a complaint before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Commission on Bar Discipline seeking disciplinary action—possibly leading to disbarment—against a lawyer she declined to identify.
Speaking to reporters at the IBP Building on Thursday, Elago said the complaint was meant not only to defend her own dignity but also to stand up for women she represents in Congress and across the country who experience harassment and discrimination.
“This action is not only in defense of my own person and dignity, but more importantly, in defense of women I represent in Congress and the broader sector of Filipino women who continue to face sexism, misogyny, harassment, and attacks meant to degrade and silence them,” Elago said.
“Para po ito sa bawat babae na patuloy na nakakaranas ng pagmamaliit, pangbabastos, pang-aabuso. At bilang representante ng Gabriela Women’s Party, tungkulin namin na igiit na ang anumang uri ng asal na nagmamaliit o nambabastos sa kababaihan ay hindi katanggap-tanggap at hindi dapat palampasin,” she added.
Elago alleged that the lawyer violated the code governing professional responsibility and accountability among members of the legal profession.
“We believe that this certain lawyer has violated their code of conduct for professional responsibility and accountability. That’s why it has been filed or will be filed before the IBP,” she said.
The lawmaker explained that she would not reveal the lawyer’s identity to respect the confidentiality of the complaint and IBP procedures.
“Ginagalang po natin ang proseso ng IBP at lahat po ng mga involved sa mga mechanisms natin for accountability. Kaya po bilang isang babae na naghahanap po ng accountability, tayo po ay mag-a-abide kung anuman po ‘yung mga prescribed rules and policies governing such complaints,” Elago noted.
While Elago did not name the lawyer, controversial attorney Ferdinand Topacio previously drew criticism after remarks he made on his radio program about the lawmaker, statements that Elago and the Gabriela Women’s Party condemned.