- Atom Araullo highlighted Panelo’s irony in Maguindanao massacre case.
- Atom Araullo tweeted Panelo’s 2 different statements about Ampatuan case.
Atom Araullo slammed Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo for changing his tune on the Ampatuan case.
In a tweet, the Kapuso journalist posted a screenshot of Inquirer.net articles containing 2 different views of Panelo regarding the Maguindanao massacre.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo in 2014 vs 2019. #MaguindanaoMassacreVerdict pic.twitter.com/FAXA8POswa
— Atom Araullo (@atomaraullo) December 19, 2019
In 2014, Salvador Panelo accepted the role as a defense lawyer to the Ampatuans regarding the Maguindanao massacre case. During that time Panelo said the charges against the Ampatuans were fabricated and that he believed in his client’s innocence.
“I believe in their innocence. There’s injustice. Somebody has to take this case,” said Panelo.
Five years later after, the suspects were sentenced guilty of the crime and the now Presidential Spokesperson Panelo hailed the decision as a victory for human rights and press freedom.
“The Palace welcomes as it respects the decision rendered by Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes,” he said.
“The Maguindanao Massacre marks a dark chapter in recent Philippine history that represents merciless disregard for the sacredness of human life, as well as the violent suppression of press freedom. This savage affront to human rights should never have a duplication in this country’s history,” Panelo added.
A number of netizens also pointed out Panelo’s flip-flop and called him out for the change in tune.
tanga di ba ikaw defense attorney nila dati sldkdkksks ANO KAME MAY AMNESIA DAPAT IKULONG KA DIN HAYUP KA https://t.co/Y9s7OSh4iO
— Mamatay na Sinungaling Era (@vengefulJC) December 19, 2019
Panelo used to be the lawyer of the Ampatuans AND the rapist-murderer Antonio Sanchez. The audacity. https://t.co/c9g2svWSbf
— Lucia Silva (@theluciasilva) December 19, 2019
Tangina mo, ikaw abogado niyang mga yan noon. Walang karespe-respeto sa'yo, Panelo. Hanggang nitong nakaraang taon, humahanap pa sila ng tulong sa'yo. https://t.co/VsbLOWEeeX pic.twitter.com/rqfFECQxPI
— james (@jaw_mess) December 19, 2019
Meanwhile, netizens were divided on Atom’s view about defense lawyers. According to Atom, while lawyers have can choose who to defend they are duty-bound to seek the truth.
Look, private lawyers have moral agency too. They can choose who to defend and how to defend them, and will rightly be judged based on their track record. Surely, defending a client is not just about getting paid. More than anything else, lawyers are duty-bound to the truth.
— Atom Araullo (@atomaraullo) December 23, 2019
Some shared Atom’s sentiments and observations.
expected of him. kahit sarili niloloko niya.
— SanteeCollado (@humintulok) December 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/naive1225/status/1207846582344773632
that seals panelo’s gecko-ness
— wingedman (@Wingedguy1) December 19, 2019
This should open the eyes of many to the obvious type of person Panelo really is: A two-faced and unprincipled legal gun for hire. We should all stop buying the pack of lies that he peddles non stop every day.
— Larry Castillo (@LarryCa85527753) December 19, 2019
Others said, it’s part of being a lawyer, to defend anyone who needs legal counsel.
Nice sentiment but defense lawyers know when they choose that profession they’ll have to defend their clients lies and all. Some would claim that’s why they make more money than prosecutors. Not saying it’s moral or right but reality.
— r jordan (@Randy__Jordan) December 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/docmylene/status/1208286581900988416
https://twitter.com/Apocalypse32621/status/1208365868322672642
