The Regional Trial Court Branch 74 dismissed terrorism financing charges against 27 active and former members of the Cebu-based Community Empowerment Resource Network (Cernet) on May 15, 2026.
Defense attorneys Susan Echavez and Ian Manticajon defended their pro bono work as a shield against state abuse, stating the court found no crime was committed under 2012 laws.
Cernet vice chairperson Nancy Estolloso called for a legislative review of anti-terrorism laws and confirmed the group has filed administrative, civil, and criminal countercharges against state actors.
LAWYERS representing 27 active and former members of a Visayas-based nongovernmental organization defended their pro bono defense as a crucial shield against state abuse following the dismissal of terrorism financing charges against the group.
The Regional Trial Court Branch 74 dismissed on May 15, 2026, a terrorism financing case of the members of the Community Empowerment Resource Network (Cernet), ruling that the alleged acts did not constitute a crime under the law at the time they were allegedly committed.
During a solidarity gathering on Friday, May 29, Cernet honored its 10-member legal team. Defense attorney Susan Echavez said public interest litigation prioritized human rights over financial compensation, calling the dismissal a victory for the Philippine judicial system.
Her fellow defense lawyer, Ian Manticajon, added that the court found it “crystal clear” no crime was committed under the laws in effect in 2012.
Cernet vice chairperson Nancy Estolloso, one of the respondents, called for a legislative review of anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws, arguing they are being weaponized against development workers.
Estolloso said Cernet has filed administrative, civil and criminal countercharges against state actors for malicious prosecution. Founded in 2001, Cernet is a Cebu-based network of nine humanitarian and development organizations operating across the Visayas. / CDF