Netizens Slam Rape Case Suspects for Endorsing President’s Lawyer

Netizens slam rape case suspects for endorsing the chief Presidential counsel ahead of the Philippine National elections in 2022.

In an Instagram story posted by Valentine Rosales, one of the suspects in the Christine Dacera rape case, he bared that they had a meeting with Secretary Salvador Panelo.

He followed up with a selfie with the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel with the caption “Secretary Panelo for Senator.”

Meanwhile, netizens on Twitter criticized the group for supporting an ally of sexist President Rodrigo Duterte. They added that Panelo is an enabler of the President’s sexist remarks, and he himself is not an LGBTQIA+ ally. This is in opposition to Rosales’ claim that Panelo supports the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“We went to Sec. Panelo after calling us prior to our hearing earlier for legal advice only,” Rosales explained on his Instagram story.

“He also shared, he is an ally of the LGBT community and he believes that every individual is entitled to their own equal rights regardless of their Gender Identity, Race, Status, Educational attainment, etc. He also expressed his thoughts about running for the Senate and we took pictures,” he added.

Rosales also clarified that they do not belong to any political color.

“We’re not DDS, we’re not Dilawan either,” he added.

Twitter users questioned their visit, as it does not make sense to seek legal advice from the Presidential Legal Counsel for private cases such as theirs.

Normally, private citizens with means will hire a private lawyer (or counsel) to defend themselves. For those who do not have enough, a public attorney will be available.

Netizens Slam Rape Case Suspects’ claims

Netizens also reacted on Rosales’ claim that Panelo is an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, as he did not have anything to support that claim.

“What did Panelo do to actually support and advance the causes of Filipino LGBTQIA+ for him to merit your endorsements?,” one netizen asked.

Respect one’s opinion

In the wake of the issue, Rosales tweeted that everyone is entitled to their opinion and individual rights.

“Just because they don’t share the same Insights as you, doesn’t give you the license to label them names like DDS or Dilawan. We are fighting for democracy yet we don’t respect each and everyones freedom of choice,” he said.

One netizen expressed that “You practically campaigned for a key Duterte ally and appointee, months before the campaign season at that. But you’re right; this is a democracy. And that’s why we’re calling you out for your poor choices. Live with the consequences of those choices.”

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