Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Thursday said human rights lawyer Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) manipulated a group of fishermen into petitioning for an environmental protection order from the Supreme Court. Panelo was reacting to Diokno’s accusation on Wednesday that state lawyers used underhanded tactics by talking secretly to his clients, who then disavowed the petition filed in their behalf by the IBP in April. “I think it’s the other way around,” Panelo told reporters. “He should ask himself in the mirror because that questions applies to him.”

Aurelio, J. M., & Salaverria, L. B. (2019, July 12). Who manipulated fishermen? Palace points to Diokno, IBP. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A12.