MANILA – The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Friday criticized President Rodrigo Duterte for threatening lawyers of drug suspects.

Duterte earlier this week warned lawyers of moneyed drug suspects who have allegedly become a hindrance to his war on drugs.

“‘Yung ganong style nila. ‘Pag naka-piyansa ka, may abugado ka. Magaganda mga high-profile na abugado. Sige, tapos maglaro ka ulit. Pati ‘yung abugado mo, isali ko ‘yan,” Duterte said.

The IBP reminded Duterte, a lawyer, that it is the right of every accused to get legal help “no matter crime he may be charged with.”

The group said this right is “not only enshrined in the Constitution but is premised upon the fundamental principles of justice and fairness, particularly in a situation where the accused is faced with the awesome resources of the State.”

“The Bill of Rights exists precisely to address this undeniable inequality,” the IBP added.

The IBP said Duterte’s recent statement is “very dangerous because of its unavoidable ‘chilling effect’ on lawyers handling drug-related cases.”

“Lawyers must be free to decide to accept and undertake the defense in any kind of criminal case without any fear that doing so will place them in any kind of danger. Competent legal representation is not only the right of every accused but, more importantly, the sworn duty of each and every member of the bar to provide,” it added.

The IBP also assured that it will not tolerate unethical conduct of its members.

“However, every lawyer is not only entitled, but even duty-bound, to utilize every right or remedy available under the law and the Rules of Court to zealously protect the interest of his client,” it said.