Retired judge returns award to IBP over Duterte recognition

Retired Judge Meinrado Paredes returned his Golden Pillar of Law Award to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) after learning that former President Rodrigo Duterte also received the same recognition.

Paredes clarified his action is an expression of solidarity with victims of human rights violations.

Duterte's alleged human rights violations stem from the Davao Death Squad and his war on drugs.

The IBP has drawn flak for its Davao City chapter's conferment of the award on Duterte, who is awaiting trial by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for crimes against humanity.

Amid the indignation, the IBP announced it will review its rules for naming service awardees.

IBP communications director Katrina Mordeno stated the award was not meant to be a legal absolution or a moral endorsement, but merely to recognize a long career in the legal profession.

The Golden Pillar of Law award was bestowed upon 600 members nationwide who have been in the legal profession for at least 50 years and are in 'good standing' by regularly paying membership dues and not being under suspension.