CEBU CITY, Philippines — A Facebook post by former government official Lorraine Badoy has sparked online discussion after she claimed that lawyer Amando Virgil Ligutan is affiliated with the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) and linked him to an organization that the government has designated as a terrorist group.
Badoy, a former spokesperson of the government’s anti-insurgency task force, alleged that Ligutan is “a member of the CPP-NPA-NDF front, NUPL” and also linked him to Lumaban, an organization designated as a terrorist group by the Anti-Terrorism Council.
Ligutan recently came into the spotlight as one of the private lawyers representing the House of Representatives’ prosecution panel in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
According to the Philippine government, NUPL is a nationwide organization that handles human rights and public interest cases. Over the years, the group has repeatedly denied allegations that it serves as a legal front for communist organizations.
The NUPL secretary-general, Kristina Conti, rejected Badoy’s claims. She said Ligutan is not a member of the organization.
“It would be a real pleasure to have Atty. Amando Virgil Ligutan be part of NUPL. It is unfortunate that he is not a member,” Conti said in a Facebook post.
She described the allegations as “false” and “malicious,” saying they were intended to “poison the well,” particularly amid the impeachment proceedings against Duterte.
Conti also denounced what she described as red-tagging, saying lawyers who challenge those in power or represent marginalized sectors are often accused of having alleged political affiliations.
Badoy previously served as spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). She has frequently drawn public attention for social media posts alleging links between individuals or organizations and communist groups.
As of posting time, Ligutan had not issued a public response to Badoy’s allegations.
Human rights lawyer Kristina Conti has repeatedly denounced allegations that lawyers who challenge those in power or represent marginalized sectors are often accused of having alleged political affiliations.
Badoy’s post has sparked a heated debate online, with many users questioning the legitimacy of her claims.
The NUPL has consistently denied allegations that it serves as a legal front for communist organizations.
Meanwhile, Ligutan has been at the forefront of high-profile cases, including the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The recent allegations have brought attention to the NUPL’s stance on communist affiliations and the implications of red-tagging.
The Philippine government has repeatedly denied allegations of targeting human rights lawyers and activists.
The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte are ongoing.
Ligutan has been representing the House of Representatives’ prosecution panel in the proceedings.
Badoy’s claims have sparked a heated debate online.