Lorenzana defends judge from Makabayan bloc’s accusations

December 18, 2020

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana defended Quezon City Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert amid the Makabayan bloc's accusations that she allegedly issued "irregular warrants" against the militant groups.

"The Department of National Defense gives its full support to Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert in the face of the Makabayan bloc’s baseless accusations that she had issued irregular warrants against activists and progressive groups," Lorenzana said in a statement issued on Friday.

"We firmly believe that a judge of the Honorable Villavert’s caliber does not issue warrants without probable cause," he said.

Lorenzana also emphasized that with their accusations against Villavert the Makabayan bloc only shows that they are fronts of the communist group.

"With this act, the Makabayan bloc is not only impugning the character and integrity of Judge Villavert but the nation's entire justice system, as well," he said.

"More importantly, the Makabayan bloc has confirmed what we have been saying all along that their members are fronts of the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army)," he added.

Lorenzana issued his statement after the Makabayan bloc filed a resolution urging the House of Justice Committee to investigate the warrants issued by Villavert.

The resolution said it was Villavert who authorized the raids in various offices of some militant groups in Tondo and Paco, Manila and in Bacolod in previous year. Robina Asido/DMS