Official Publication of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines

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ENRILe LeADS SPeAKeRS IN 20TH HOUSE CoNFAB

AT FORT ILOCaNDia
SENATE PREsIDENT JUAN PONCE ENRILE will deliver the keynote address before the IBP 20th House of Delegates which convenes at Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel, Laoag City, on February 16-18, 2012. Senator Enrile is expected to share his reflections on the convention theme IBP: Defending the Constitution, Promoting the Rule of Law in light of the ongoing impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona. The theme was developed by IBP governors and officers with reference to the IBPs official position on the ongoing impeachment trial, which is to ensure that the constitutional guarantees of due process and fairness are observed and upheld at all times. Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos and Laoag City Mayor Michael Farias will welcome the delegates, with. Governor Marcos delivering an Inspirational Message and presenting the symbolic key to the province of Ilocos Norte. Other invited speakers are Supreme Court Associate Justice Roberto Abad, who will talk on SC initiatives to effect changes in the administration of justice Also high on the convention agenda is the discussion of amendments to the 39 year-old IBP By-Laws, focusing on electoral reforms and the reapportionment of the House of Delegates, which aims to enhance representation in the IBP. The IBP Committee on Professional Responsibility, Discipline & Disbarment will also present its proposed revised rules on administrative disciplinary proceedings of lawyers. At the heart of the proposal is the need to promote speedy disposition of cases and integrity in the legal profession.

February 2012

and Atty. Milagros Fernan-Cayosa, a member of the Judicial and Bar Council. Atty. Fernan-Cayosa will discuss the workings of the JBC as it strives to raise the bar of judicial excellence. The convention will devote a significant part of the proceedings to discussion and consensus-gathering on the Comprehensive Legal Aid Service for Practicing Lawyers or CLAS, a set of rules that give flesh to the Free Legal Assistance Act of 2010 [R.A. 9999] requiring lawyers to render mandatory pro bono legal aid service and counseling. Proposals on CLAS have undergone major amendments over the last three years, the result of regional and national consultations organized by the IBP.

MAIN AGENDA
Comprehensive Legal Aid Service Revision of IBP By-laws New SC rules on Adjudication of Cases Revised Rules on Bar Discipline Cases Meanwhile, the Committee on the Administration of Justice and the Committee on Law Practice Management will submit their recommendations for the pilot implementation of the proposed new rules on adjudication of cases, in line with the IBP thrust to achieve speedy disposition of disputes. The House of Delegates is chaired by National President Roan I. Libarios. Overseeing preparations are Convention Director Roland B. Inting, host Governor of Northern Luzon Denis B. Habawel and Chapter President host, Atty. Mariano R. Nalupta, Jr.

Enrile

Abad

Marcos

Message from the President

Pivotal Convention

Message from the Host Region

Most Fitting Theme

his years National House of Delegates Convention in Laoag, Ilocos Norte promises to be pivotal and historic. It is pivotal because it will tackle vital proposals that could bring to a new level IBPs relevance to the public, the bench and the bar. It is historic because it comes on the eve of IBPs 40th founding year.
and Law Practice will submit their recommendations for pilot implementation of the proposed new rules on adjudication of cases. This is in line with our thrust to promote new road maps designed to achieve speedy disposition of disputes. The Convention will be graced by no less than the man of the hour, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. As presiding officer in the ongoing Senate impeachment trial of the Chief Justice, Senator Enrile bears the heavy responsibility of ensuring a fair impeachment trial that lives up to the mandates of the Constitution and the Rule of Law. Thus, on trial in the Senate is not only the Chief Justice but our commitment to the democratic ideals upon which our institutions are founded. As sentinel of law and democracy, the IBP expects no less. May this years Convention, which falls on our 40th founding year, live up to the challenge of greater relevance to the bar, bench and the public.

First on the agenda is the proposed Comprehensive Legal Aid Service (CLAS), IBPs version of the MLAS (Mandatory Legal Aid Service) as recommended by the National Committee on Legal Aid. The CLAS aims to give flesh to IBPs commitment to promote access to justice and its mandate to enable the Bar to discharge, through legal aid, its public responsibility more effectively. Over the last three years, the proposal has undergone major amendments to incorporate suggestions in previous regional and national consultations. Second, the IBP Committee on Revision of Rules will present for plenary discussion its proposed amendments to the 39-year old IBPBy laws. The thrust is to enhance representation in the IBP and make it more dynamic and attuned to the changing times. Third, the Committee on Professional Responsibility will also present its proposed revised rules on administrative disciplinary proceedings of lawyers. At the heart of the proposal is the need to promote speedy disposition of cases and integrity in the bar. Finally, the Committees on the Administration of Justice

he IBP Northern Luzon Region is honored, privileged and happy to host the 20th IBP House of Delegates at The Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

At this crucial time in the democratic life of our nation that the system of checks and balances of the three great departments of our republican government is put to the test in the impeachment trial of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the theme of the Convention IBP: Defending the Constitution, Promoting the Rule of Law is most fitting and proper. Indeed, with the Constitution as bible, it behooves any lawyer worth his salt, determined and committed to discharge his solemn oath, to do justice to defend at all cost the independence of the Supreme Court, the last bastion or bulwark of democracy. I warmly welcome all the delegates and guests on behalf of the grateful IBP Northern Luzon Region with the fervent prayer that the Convention contribute in a substantial and meaningful way towards nation-building. Mabuhay tayong lahat!

ROAN I. LIBARIOS National President Integrated Bar of the Philippines

DENIS B. HABAWEL Governor, IBP Northern Luzon

Volume 8

No. 2

Aurora G. Geronimo, Jaryl Ann V. Ranchez, Eumir C. Lambino, Coronacion P. Chu, Precious D. Cazeas, Vivian C. Capiznon, Marissa T. Almocera, Myla L. Bernal, Rhoel B. Lepasana
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The Bar Tribune

IBP Impeachment Watch

Keeping Vigil at the Senate Trial

At the press conference launching the IBP Impeachment Watch. Left to right: Attorneys Trixie Angeles, Patricia-Ann Prodigalidad, Zenaida Elepao, Leonor Gerona-Romeo, Israelito Torreon, Roan Libarios, Vicente Joyas, Olivia Velasco-Jacoba, Florendo Opay, Rose Setias-Reyes and Alice Risos-Vidal.

As ThE ImpEAChmENT TRIAL of Chief Justice Renato Corona unfolds at the Senate, the IBP expressed prayerful hope for a fair trial and credible outcome and launched an Impeachment Watch to closely monitor and observe the proceedings. Its members are former Supreme Court Administrator Justice Zenaida Elepao, Dean of PCU College of Law and former Justice Raoul Victorino, IBP Governor Denis Habawel, IBP General Counsel Pacifico Agabin, Dean of Lyceum of the Philippines College of Law Soledad Derequito-Mawis, private law practitioners Purisimo Buyco and Patricia Ann Prodigalidad. Acting as the coordinator and spokesperson is IBP Public Information Officer Rose Beatrix Cruz-Angeles. In a statement issued on the eve of the trial on January 15, 2012, the IBP Board of Governors called on the public to join in its prayer and vigil and appealed to the Senator-judges to live up

to their oath to render impartial justice based on the Constitution and the law. In an earlier statement adopted unanimously on December 19, 2011, the IBP Board criticized the breakneck impeachment of the Chief Justice, citing procedural and substantive issues. While the President may have valid issues against the Chief Justice and the Supreme Court, the blitzkrieg impeachment (based on collegial decisions) erodes, rather than strengthens, the Rule of Law. The statement added that if the Chief Justice can be removed for rendering collegial decisions despite the absence of any allegation of corrupt motive or illegal consideration, then the Supreme Court will never be the same again, its judicial independence defanged and its magistrates including their decisions -now at the mercy of political bidding of the ruling majority. While criticizing the impeachment, the Board, however, refrained from filing any petition to stop the impeachment

process, even if this was the course of action taken by the IBP in previous impeachment cases against Justice Claudio Teehankee and Chief Justice Hilario Davide. In justifying its present position, the Board cited the need to maintain institutional independence and avoid divisive political alignments. But to fulfill its role as a sentinel of law and democracy, the Board resolved to create an IBP Impeachment Watch Group to closely monitor the case, disseminate information on the appropriate laws and jurisprudence and, if necessary, issue observations on the adherence to the laws by all parties involved. While taking legal issue against collegial decisions being invoked as grounds for impeachment, IBP President Roan Libarios, however, pointed out that the other issues raised by the prosecution, including the alleged 45 real estate properties of the Chief Justice, are valid and deserve to be answered in the interest of transparency.

2 3 4 5 6 7 7

contents

Binay, De Lima honor OFWs, salute the IBP NCLA: Revitalized, reinvigorated IBP OFW Legal Aid Partners ATIPAT: THE A TEAM IBP vs. Human Trafficking ALL ABOARD The CARE-AVAN ICRC AND IBP tackle INtl HUMANITARIAN LAW

8 The IBP Katupa-run for ofws 10 OUR ROAD MAp 12 The 20th IBP BOARD OF GOVERNORS 13 IBP NATIONAL OFFICERS 17 HEADS OF IBP COMMITTEES 18 ThE CBD COMMISSIONERs
1

February 2012

Binay, De Lima honor OFWs, salute IBP initiatives

Vice President Jejomar Binay and Justice Secretary Leila De Lima have applauded the efforts of the IBP in addressing the conditions of overseas Filipino workers. Binay, represented by his daughter Cong. Abigail Binay, and De Lima were special guests during the launch in September 2011 of the IBP OFW Legal Network and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Action Team (ATIPAT), part of the weeklong celebration of National Law Week. Binay is principal Presidential Adviser on OFW Concerns, Chairman Emeritus of the Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking (IACAT), and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force Against Illegal Recruitment (PTFAIR). I have been briefed on your plan to create an OFW legal assistance unit and an action team against human trafficking in every chapter of the IBP, and I have nothing but the highest words of encouragement and support for this initiative, said Binay. This is an unprecedented move on the part of the IBP and will work hand-inglove with our governments on-the-ground program against human trafficking and to protect our OFWs, who remain potential targets of exploitation by criminal minds. Binay drew attention to the strides achieved by the government in the fight against human trafficking, moving from Tier 2 watchlist to Tier 2 standing within four months in 2011, in the US State Departments 2011 Trafficking in Persons Report. The vice presidents goal, however, is to make it to Tier 1. There are no great secrets. We know what needs to be done....We must recognize that human trafficking is not only a crime against its specific victims, but above all a crime against our own people, and against their very future. Meanwhile, Secretary De Lima lamented the fact that millions of Filipinos have to work in other countries just to earn a living. That todays OFWs have to leave home just to provide for their families already smacks of injustice, said De Lima. That they should fall prey to illegal recruiters, oppressive and abusive employers and human trafficking syndicates aggravate the injustice, De Lima added, congratulating the IBP project as a gesture both of charity and of justice. The IBP OFW Legal Network brings together government agencies, private organizations and NGOs to address the legal
The OFW Legal Network
Integrated Bar of the Philippines Office of the Vice President Task Force OFW Commission on Human Rights Department of Interior & Local Government Department of Justice Department of Foreign Affairs Department of Labor & Employment Department of Social Welfare & Development Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Commission on Filipinos Overseas

National Bureau of Investigation

Bureau of Immigration

Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines Epicopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrant & Itinerant People

Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc.

Migrante International

Bantay OCW Foundation, Inc.

Association of Recruitment Agencies Center for Overseas Workers

GMA 7 DZBB RADIO Eagle Broadcasting Corporation Blas Ople Policy Center & Training Insttute International Seafarers Action Center Philippines

Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs

concerns of OFWs. Current estimates place the number of OFWs at 10 million, which means that about one in 10 Filipinos is an OFW. The Bangko Sentral reports that OFWs remitted an estimated $16.5 billion in the first 10 months of 2011. De Lima drew historical parallels between OFWs and the pioneering expatriates of humankind, such as the seafarers from the Malayan peninsula and the Sri-Visayan empire, the European colonizers and missionaries and merchants from China. She was, however, quick to distinguish between the two. The former (seafarers, colonizers and merchants) left home as mighty political and economic powers in the quest for domination. Todays OFWs leave home as vulnerable individuals simply in search of survival and better lives. The non-government organization Migrante International, one of IBPs partners in the project, reports some 3,000 employmentrelated cases involving OFWs. There are also 122 OFWs in death row worldwide, with most of the cases in China, according to Migrante Chair Gary Martinez. Today, we refer to our OFWs as modern-day heroes, De Lima said. With the IBP initiative, we can make sure they will remain exactly that - Heroes, not martyrs. Heroes who will come home one day to their families here. Home one day, alive and well.

Voices at the 4th Mindanao Human Rights Summit CAP Grand Auditorium, Davao City, December 2, 2011

IBP President Roan Libarios, himself a Mindanaoan from Agusan del Norte, challenges the delegates of the 4th Mindanao Human Rights Summit to push for a negotiated settlement on the peace talks in pursuit of human rights. There will be no lasting promotion of HR when people are subjected to the human rights violations of continuing armed conflict, he said.

Mamanwa leader Ginggin Analagan from Kitcharao, Agusan del Sur tells the audience at the 4th Mindanao Human Rights Summit how soldiers burned her village during a military operation.

Evelyn Badol, a pregnant farmer from Arakan, North Cotabato shares how soldiers arrested his relative Noli Badol whom the military alleged is a member of the New Peoples Army.

The Bar Tribune

THE IBP NATIONAL CENTER FOR LEGAL AID: A REVITALIZED AND REINVIGORATED ENTERPRISE
By Atty. Rosario T. Setias-Reyes
National Director, NCLA

The story of Elijah and the widow (1 Kings 17: 07-16) teaches us one very important lesson:

We should be ready to suffer inconveniences, to suffer pains and to be hurt for the sake of helping other people. We should learn to give until it no longer hurts. Give until giving becomes so much a part of us. Give until giving becomes something like breathing. Give until giving becomes like food that will sustain our life. Give until giving becomes so much a part of us that we cannot survive without it.
This is the very heart and soul of the IBP Legal Aid Program which aims to provide free and competent legal services to indigent litigants pursuant to its mandate of enabling the Bar to discharge its public responsibility more effectively. As echoed by President Roan I. Libarios: Legal aid is not a matter of charity. It is a public responsibility. Perhaps it is his way of exhorting all lawyers to be ready to sacrifice for the sake of helping others to give until giving no longer hurts. IBPS REFORM AGENDA In celebration of National Law Week from last September, the IBP conducted a series of activities pursuant to the 5-POINT REFORM AGENDA adopted and approved by the 20th Board of Governors. These activities sum up all the wishes and desires of the present IBP leadership under the stewardship of IBP National President Roan I. Libarios which are all aimed to make the IBP more relevant to its members and society as a whole, and which are expressed more profoundly in the National Law Week theme: INSPIRING TRANSFORMATION IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION AND SOCIETY. The word transformation means to radically change the outward form or inner character. It is synonymous to metamorphosis or conversion or a series of changes. It can also mean transfiguration. President Roans Reform Agenda may be viewed as some kind of transfiguration just like the transfiguration of our Lord at Mt. Tabor, especially its impact on His apostles who went with Him to Mt. Tabor and witnessed His transfiguration. After the apostles saw the Lord transfigured, they all had to come down from the mountain and once again live the rigors of life in Jerusalem and Israel. After the transfiguration, they had to be ready to face the cross, and be ready to face Easter.

Six years after the EDSA Revolution, then Msgr. Socrates B. Villegas delivered a homily in commemoration of the EDSA Revolution. He said:

EDSA is a challenge to us. EDSA was not only a resurrection of the Filipino people. EDSA was a shining moment. It was our transfiguration.
He continued: EDSA is an invitation for us. If it was possible in 1986, it can still be possible in 1992, 1993, 1994, and until the end of our life. It is possible to lay down your life any moment. It is possible to lay down your life for peace any moment. It is possible to sacrifice; it is possible to share. President Roans Reform Agenda can be considered AMBITIOUS, aimed to elevate the IBP from its present position. But more than being ambitious, it is ENTERPRISING as it is characterized by energy and daring in undertaking the projects and tasks that he has lined up, hoping that they will inspire all of us to transform, to convert, TO TRANSFIGURE through sacrifices and sharing our time and talent for others. It could mean facing our own crosses and being ready to face our own Resurrection and Easter. RATIONALIZATION OF THE IBP LEGAL AID PROGRAM One of the pillars of President Roans 5-Point Reform Agenda is the conversion of the National Committee on Legal Aid to a revitalized and reinvigorated NATIONAL CENTER FOR LEGAL AID (NCLA). He said that there is a need to rationalize and re-orient the Legal Aid Program of the IBP to make it more relevant and beneficial to the bigger society concomitant to the third mandate of the IBP to enable the Bar to discharge its public responsibility more effectively. He believes that the strongest platform in responding to the challenge of public responsibility is actually Legal Aid. He wants the new NCLA to be more responsive and effective in facing the challenges of the times. The Legal Aid Program has been the flagship project of the IBP since its integration in 1973. It has been institutionalized in most of its 85 Chapters nationwide The NCLA, according to President Roan, shall serve as the support center of these 85 Chapters in terms of upgrading their skills and competence. Over the years, the IBP Legal Aid Program has evolved and expanded to include Developmental Legal Aid cases which cater to a group or class of individuals with common cause or

February 2012
otherwise known as Public Law Interest cases. Along this line, the IBP embarked on numerous developmental legal aid projects such as the Jail Decongestion Project and Reintegration of the Soon-to-Be Released Prisoners and the Legal Audit of ExtraJudicial Killings, to name a few. President Roan said that there is a need to re-focus the directions of the IBP National Center for Legal Aid to respond to new challenges in areas where the IBP can maximize its leverage like the OFWs who are victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking. LAUNCHING OF THE OFW LEGAL UNIT AND IBP-ATIPAT UNIT Last September, the IBP launched the IBP OFW Legal Network and the IBP-ATIPAT and IBP OFW Help Hotlines and Website. The highlight of the launching of the OFW LEGAL UNIT was the signing of the MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING to symbolize the willingness and preparedness of the parties thereto to work hand-in-hand in order to provide the muchneeded legal assistance to the Overseas Filipino Workers the so-called modern heroes of the land. WORK IN PROGRESS Work continues at the IBP NCLA. Key strategic areas have been identified as a guide or road map moving forward with only one goal in mind to make a difference in the lives of our modern heroes - the Overseas Filipino Workers and victims of human trafficking. Efforts are underway to forge alliances and linkages to achieve that goal. In addition, the IBP-NCLA is also currently working on a Manual of Operations on the efficient and effective implementation of the IBP Traditional Legal Aid Services. The IBP-NCLA will also submit for the approval of the 20th IBP Board of Governors the proposed Comprehensive Legal Aid Service (CLAS) and eventually to the House of Delegates which is meeting in February 2012. It is our ardent hope and prayer that all lawyers will participate and get involved in the Legal Aid Program of the IBP. As the clich goes: Hope springs eternal.

IBP OFW Legal A i d Pa r t n e r s

The IBP Legal Aid Program marks the beginning of a more pronounced partnership and synergy between the IBP and the various stakeholders from the government and private institutions, namely: Office of the Vice President - Task Force OFW Department of Justice (DOJ) National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) Department of Interior & Local Government (DILG) Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs (COWA) Migrante International (MI) Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc. (VFFI) Blas Ople Policy Center and Training Institute Bantay OCW Foundation, Inc. International Seafarers Action Center Philppines Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Case of Migrant and Itinerant People (CBCP-ICMI) Center for Overseas Workers (COW) Association of Recruitment Agencies GMA 7 DZBB RADIO Eagle Broadcasting Corporation

IBP National President Roan Libarios (left) addressed participants composed of volunteer lawyers, professionals and law students who attended the 3-day strategic planning workshop of the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) held January 21-23, 2012 at Manila Park Hotel. The IBP is lead convenor of LENTE, together with One Voice, headed by former Comelec Chair Christian Monsod (seated, third from left). Also in photo are Atty. Rosario T. Setias-Reyes (seated left) LENTE secretary-general, and Atty. Louie Guia, LENTE Executive Director (seated, fourth from left).

The Bar Tribune

ATIPAT: THE A TEAM

By Atty. Rosalie J. de la Cruz

n elite team of trial lawyers and support staff has been organized by the IBP to provide competent, free and maximum possible legal service in the prosecution of cases involving indigent victims of human trafficking. The team is called ATIPAT or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Action Team. It was formed under the Developmental Legal Aid Program of the IBP National Committee on Legal Aid, which has been transformed into the National Center for Legal Aid (NCLA) under the IBP reform program. NCLA is headed by National Director Atty. Rosario T. Setias-Reyes. The formation of ATIPAT is a major step towards ensuring that victims of human trafficking have adequate access to justice under Republic Act No. 9208 (the Law on Anti-Human Trafficking) and related laws. ATIPATs crack team of lawyers will make sure that case build-up is handled properly at the onset. ATIPAT will also establish an efficient case referral and documentation system. ATIPAT was jointly launched in July 2011 in Tagaytay City by the IBP and the Visayan Forum Foundation, Incorporated (VFFI), with support from the US Agency for International Development (USAID). It was formally launched simultaneously with the IBP OFW Legal Assistance Unit in September 2011 during National Law Week, with Vice President Jejomar Binay (represented by his daughter Rep. Abigail Binay) and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima as guests of honor. VFFI is an NGO working for the welfare of marginalized migrants, especially domestic workers and victims of trafficking. It was recently in the news when famous Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling donated cash to build the VFFI Center of Hope, a refuge for victims of human trafficking and slavery. VFFI to date has helped save up to 60,000 children and women from prostitution and exploitation. Present during the ATIPAT launch held at Taal Vista Hotel were IBP president Atty. Roan Libarios, VFFI Founder and Chairperson Ma. Cecilia Flores Oebanda and Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary and former IBP president Jose Vicente Salazar. In his speech, President Libarios promised to broaden the base of ATIPAT volunteer lawyers to cover all trafficking hotspots in the country. Justice Undersecretary Salazar, meanwhile, lauded the IBPs efforts to address the plight of the victims of human trafficking Among the speakers and trainers in the seminar were TIP (Trafficking in Persons) 2011 Report Hero Asst. City Prosecutor Darlene R. Pajarito; VFFI Consultant Atty. Carmela Andal-Castro; DOJ State Prosecutor Clarissa V. Kuong; Atty. Nina Patricia Sison-Arroyo of the Ateneo Human Rights Center and Atty. Scott Ciment, Country Director of American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative.

Founding Team Members: IBP National Committee on Legal Aid: 1. Atty. Rosario T. Setias-Reyes National Director 2. Atty. Rosalie J. de la Cruz Senior Deputy Director 3. Atty. Minerva M.B. Ambrosio Senior Deputy Director 4. Atty. Dante P. Mercado Senior Deputy Director 5. Atty. Romarico V. Ayson Deputy Director 6. Atty. Raymundo E. Rivero, Jr. Deputy Director 7. Atty. Rhoderick D.M. dela Paz Deputy Director 8. Atty. Eunice M. Sta. Maria Deputy Director 9. Atty. Maria Gemma J. Oquendo Deputy Director 10. Atty. Luisito Tan IBP Manila I Chapter 11. Atty. Pedro D. Genato 12. Atty. Ildefonso C. Puerto 13. Atty. Marie Fe. B. Galvez IBP Manila II Chapter 14. Atty. Jewel D. Bulos 15. Atty. Ruth Salome A. Magpayo 16. Atty. Ma. Editha Go-Bias IBP Manila III Chapter 17. Atty. Michelle Frances L. Morales-Paredes 18. Atty. Mitzele Veron L. Morales IBP Manila IV Chapter 19. Atty. Yolando F. Lim 20. Atty. Margarita P. Tamunda IBP Quezon City 21. Atty. Filibon F. Tacordon IBP PPLM Chapter 22. Atty. Eleonor T. Hernandez 23. Atty. Cristela Wednesday N. Patdu-Aguilar 24. Atty. Filipina T. Ribaya-Geronimo

IBP Cavite Chapter 25. Atty. Joseph Q. Orsos IBP Cebu Chapter 26. Atty. Joel M. Seno 27. Atty. Virginia Telesfora B. Redelosa, Jr. IBP Cebu City Chapter 28. Atty. Piedad Y. Gonzalez 29. Atty. Jonathan J. De Paz 30. Atty. Leslie Ann A. Reyes IBP Davao City Chapter 31. Atty. Norman Jacinto P. Doral IBP ZAMBASULTA Chapter 32. Atty. Jose Rizalino L. Ortega 33. Atty. Jules Christian D. Marcos 34. Atty. Arnulfo H. Manigos IBP Bicolandia Region 35. IBP Governor Atty. Leonor I. Gerona-Romeo ATIPAT Staff/Secretariat 36. Radie Y. Cariaga 37. Dondon D. Samoy 38. Jaryl Ann V. Ranchez 39. Mariefel M. Abanilla

THE GOOD NEWS

The ATIPAT now has 135 members, after successive launches at the various IBP regional legal aid summits nationwide. IBP members who wish to volunteer for ATIPAT will please contact the National Center for Legal Aid at: Telephone noS. 6614352/ 6967042 Email ibp.ncla@yahoo.com.

February 2012

IBP expands LEGAL Ibp H olD S L E Gal A i D AID vs. trafficking S U M M i T S

ON SEpTEmbER 24, 2011, a Joint Legal Aid Summit for Northern Luzon and Bicolandia Regions was held in Villa Escudero in Lucena City, organized by Governor Vicente M. Joyas and Governor Leonora I. Gerona- Romeo. The summit was attended by more than one hundred participants representing the 12 IBP Chapters in the Southern Luzon Region and seven IBP Chapters in the Bicolandia Region. This was followed by the Tri-Regional Legal Aid Summit of Greater Manila Area, Northern Luzon and Central Luzon Regions organized by Governor Dominic C. M. Solis, Governor Denis B. Habawel and Governor Olivia B. Jacoba, held on October 1, 2011 at the Shanghai Palace Restaurant in Angeles City, and by the Joint Legal Aid Summit of Western Mindanao Region and Eastern Mindanao Region organized by Governor Florendo B. Opay and Governor Israelito P. Torreon, on October 8, 2011 at the Maria Cristina Hotel in Iligan City. Both summits were well attended despite inclement weather. The latest in the series of legal aid summits was the Joint Legal Aid Summit for Eastern Visayas and Western Visayas Regions held on January 27, 2012 at the IBP Cebu City Building, organized by Governor Manuel L. Enage, Jr. of Eastern Visayas Region and Governor Erwin M. Fortunato of Western Visayas Region. The Regional Legal Aid Summits is a vital aspect of the over-all program of the IBP NCLA aimed at providing a venue for interactive discussions to enhance the implementation of the IBP Legal Aid Program.

At the IACAT workshop, left to right: Atty. Carlos Capulong (Bureau of Immigration), Commissioner Norberto Dela Cruz (Commission on Human Rights), RSP Jesus C. Simbulas (Head, Region 3 Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons), Atty. Felipe Antonio B. Remollo (President & CEO, Clark Development Corporation), Atty. Libarios, Ms. Lisa Andaman Pelia (Acting Chief, Airport Operations Division), SACP Raymond Jonathan B. lledo (Chairman, National Inter-Agency Task Force Against Trafficking), Me. Reynaldo L. Catacutan (VP, Clark International Corporation).

ThE IBP has taken an important step in the full-scale campaign against human trafficking with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with the National Inter-agency Task Force Against Trafficking (NIATFAT). The MOA, which was signed on January 31, 2012, by President Roan Libarios and NIATFAT Chairman Raymond Jonathan Lledo, empowers the IBP to provide free legal assistance to Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel who are charged administratively, civilly and/or criminally in the course of the performance of their offloading functions. Offloading is the process of preventing suspected victims of human trafficking from taking their scheduled journeys, usually from airports or seaports. In a number of cases, criminal syndicates engaged in human trafficking have created obstacles to offloading by filing harassment or retaliatory suits, affecting the efficiency and morale of BI personnel.

The charged BI personnel often need to hire private lawyers to defend themselves before the proper tribunals or courts. With the MOA, BI personnel can now seek help from the IBP, subject to the procedures and parameters laid out in the MOA. The NIATFAT was created by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), the government body created by law to coordinate and monitor the implementation of Republic Act No. 9208, the AntiTrafficking in Persons Act of 2003. IACAT members are composed of the Secretaries and heads of government agencies and sectoral representatives. The IBP-NIATFAT MOA was signed at the end of a two-day workshop of IACAT personnel detailed at the airports of NAIA and Region 3, held at the DOJ Academy, Clark Freeport, Pampanga. Region 3 covers the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales.

For more information on the IBP, visit www.ibp.ph

The Bar Tribune

ALL ABOARD EAGLE BROADCASTINGS CARE-AVAN

hE IBP NATIONAL COmmITTEE on Legal Aid (now the National Center for Legal Aid) headed the legal team that provided free legal services at the Eagle Bayan Care-avan, a medical, dental and legal service advocacy sponsored on August 6, 2011 by Eagle Broadcasting Corporation (EBC).
On the invitation of EBC, IBP worked with doctors from the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), dentists from the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) and other health and wellness groups and the media in a reach-out program that provide basic health and legal services to

By: Atty. Rosalie J. de la Cruz

Directors and legal aid lawyers from the IBP Manila, Quezon City, PPLM, Rizal and Calmana chapters provided legal advice to beneficiaries who patiently queued at the five Care-avan locations in Metro Manila, namely: Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City, Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, Marikina Sports Center, San Andres Gym in Manila and the Oreta Amphitheater in Malabon. Later in the afternoon, Atty. SetiasReyes and Deputy Directors Attys. Rosalie de la Cruz, Eunice Sta. Maria and Gemma Oquendo, participated in live discussions in Net 25, together with their partner volunteer professionals. The whole day event was aired live at Net 25, the television station of EBC and at EBC radio stations dzEC 1062 AM and Pinas FM 95.5.

the public, pro bono. NCLA National Director Atty. Rosario T. Setias-Reyes, together with NCLA Deputy

ICRC AND IBP tackle INtl HUMANITARIAN LAW

By: Atty. Rosalie J. de la Cruz

he IBP was co-host with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) of a seminar on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Republic Act No. 9851, An Act Defining and Penalizing Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity.

The seminar was held on August 18, 2011 at the JBL Reyes Hall of the IBP Building in Pasig City and was attended by some 70 legal aid lawyers from IBP chapters in the National Capital Region.

The MCLE-credited seminar included video presentations and was aimed at promoting knowledge of Republic Act 9851, increase understanding on the application of IHL and International Criminal Law and raise awareness on the role of ICRC and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in IHL. ICRC Legal Adviser Atty. Evecar Cruz-Ferrer lectured on International Humanitarian Law while ICRC Legal Officer Atty. Jeffrey Michael Sison discussed the activities of the ICRC in implementing IHL. Meanwhile, IBP NCLA Deputy Director Atty. Rosalie J. de la Cruz discussed the key features of RA 9851. Established in 1863, the ICRC is a humanitarian, neutral and impartial

organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to assist and protect victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. Its aim is to prevent human suffering by promoting and strengthening international humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. As guardian of IHL, the ICRC reminds parties to a conflict of their obligation under the IHL and contributes to its development. The ICRC endeavors to enhance the knowledge and understanding of IHL among government authorities, the armed forces and civil society. While the ICRC aspires to be the point of reference on IHL, it is not involved in criminal prosecution of IHL violators.

they came, ran and walked, and had fun

It rained the night before, but that didnt dampen the spirits of the participants in the very first IBP Fun Run held September 11, 2011 at SM Mall of Asia, kicking off the celebration of National Law Week. Special guest Senator Francis Escudero set the mood for a happy, lighthearted event when he humored the participants, composed mostly of amateur runners: those who cant play, display; those who cant perform, japorm! Shedding off formal courtroom attire, IBP members trickled into the registration desk that was set up in one of the open parking lots of the mall beside Manila Bay. The Sunday morning sunshine matched the runners colorful running gear, onto which were pasted official number bibs. The Central Luzon chapter, led by Gov. Olivia Jacoba, came in uniform bright pink t-shirts. Preparations for the event, chaired by Atty. Dominic Solis, Governor for Greater Manila, and Atty. Ador Tolentino, former Governor for Southern Luzon, began only three weeks before, and it was remarkable that some 500 runners showed up, thanks to official notices, email, press announcements, word of mouth and Facebook. Wearing bib no. 1, IBP President Roan Libarios welcomed and thanked the runners and guests for supporting the event, which was organized to raise funds for the IBP OFW Legal Aid program, hence the event sub-title KatupaRUN para sa OFW (fulfillment for OFWs). The sub-title was coined by Assistant National Treasurer Atty. Vicky Loanzon. Aside from Senator Escudero, guests included Court Administrator and Supreme Court Spokesperson Jose Midas Marquez, PAGCOR President & Chief Operating Officer Jorge Sarmiento and Catanduanes Representative Cesar Sarmiento. OFW NGO Migrante International came in full force, led by Chairman Gary Martinez and Secretary General Gina Esguerra. Adding glamour to the event was the participation of winners in the recent Miss Earth beauty pageant: Athena Imperial, Miss Philippines Earth; Muriel Orais, Miss Philippines Water; and Tarhata Rico, Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism. The participants ran in five separate events, with medals awarded to the top three finishers in each event. Emcee Atty. Ador Tolentino concluded the ceremonies with an early invitation to IBP Fun Run 2012. (JESD)

February 2012

Inaugural Address of IBP President Roan I. Libarios during the Oath-taking of the IBP National President and Board of Governors for 2011-2013 July 19, 2011, Supreme Court, Manila ThIs mORNINg, as I stand before this hallowed chamber, let me begin with an honest confession. I confess that I am deeply awed, honored and humbled by this rare privilege of being sworn into office before the distinguished members of this august body whose collective word, once promulgated, is the law of the land. As I take my oath of office before this highest court of the land, let me also pay tribute to the founding fathers of IBP like the great Jose W. Diokno, who waged a long, hard and historic campaign, spanning over four decades, in the halls of Congress and the Supreme Court to bring into life an integrated Philippine bar. Today, as I accept the responsibility of leadership, I also reaffirm the articles of faith of our founding fathers for an integrated bar committed to the three-fold mission of elevating the standard of the legal profession, promoting the administration of justice and enabling the Bar to discharge its public responsibility more effectively. In short, a bar that lives up to the standards of competence, integrity and public responsibility. On behalf of the 20th IBP Board of Governors and Officers, let me share this renewal of faith and resolve to build an IBP that lives up to the ideals of our founding fathers and worthy of our support, respect, and trust. I believe that the defining moment has come for the IBP. Barely two years ago, the IBP was rocked by conflict and division. At that time, the term of the old board expired but there was no incoming Board discharging its function, no President, no EVP, not even a Governor from IBPs nine regions. To head off the crisis, the Supreme Court had to step and install a caretaker. Due to the pending election controversies, only six of the nine IBP governors managed to take their oath. But a year later, the Supreme Court put to rest the controversies, sustained the election of the three Governors and called for special election for the EVP, who will assume the Presidency. And to that special election, I owe my mandate today. In the secret balloting, all the Governors re-affirmed my previous mandate as EVP, this time casting a unanimous vote, without a single opposition or abstention. I consider the unanimous mandate as a vote for healing and unity in the IBP. Truly, the crisis has proved to be a defining moment, a lifechanging tonic for unity and growth. To those who doubt the resiliency of the IBP and the wisdom of the Supreme Court in handling the leadership crisis, the answer lies in what the IBP has become today. Res ipsa loquitor. In this years national convention in Subic, the IBP posted the biggest turnout of participants in its recent, if not entire, history. In this years elections for IBP Governors, the IBP also carved out a record of zero election protest or controversy. Except for Western Visayas where the election did not push

Our Road Map

At a glance

National Center for Legal Resource and IBP Casebook to make the IBP the information exchange hub of the Philippine legal community. National Board of Accreditation to accord honorific status to legal practitioners who have earned a reputation for competence and integrity. Commission on Integrity and Bar Discipline for proactive promotion of integrity as its mandate and the speedy resolution of cases as top priority. Peer Assistance Program to provide support systems for the members of the legal profession. National Center for Legal Aid to reorient legal aid services in order to meet new priorities such as OFWs, human trafficking and extrajudicial killings.

ThE fIRsT 5

Amendments to the IBP By-Laws, particularly those involving electoral reforms. New road maps that aim to declog court dockets, including the overhaul of existing trial procedures and active promotion of alternative dispute resolution methods.

PLUs 2

through, the electoral exercises in all regions earned complete acceptance and without even a whimper of controversy, ushering in a smooth transition and transfer of responsibilities that enabled the newly-elected Governors to hit the ground running. Just this year also, the IBP won the international bid to host the upcoming 23rd Conference of the Presidents of Law Associations in Asia-Pacific, which puts the IBP back on track in the international bar leadership. Thus, despite the intramurals in the recent past, we find comfort in the thought that what tried to destroy us has even strengthened us. Today, the IBP appears to be in a much better shape. But I must also confess that in spite of the recent gains, the IBP remains saddled by a crisis which deserves to be seriously addressed, if we are to give justice to its founding ideals. Let me be more specific and to the point. The IBP continues to be saddled by a lingering and daunting crisis of relevance. There is a serious disconnect between the IBP and its members and stakeholders. To many lawyers, the IBP is associated merely with IBP dues, MCLE Compliance Certificate, and nothing more, except probably when they face charges before the Commission on Bar Discipline.

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Today, more than ever, there is a compelling need to bridge this great divide. As the new President, I am committed to address this lingering crisis of relevance. The challenge is to revitalize and reengineer the IBP by instituting structural and policy reforms to make it more attuned to its mandate of service to the legal profession and the justice system. In consultation with the new Board and officers, I have crafted a five-point reform agenda, some of which would require amendments of IBP By-laws and the approval by this Court. May I therefore beg your kind indulgence to please bear with me as I present our 5-point reform agenda designed to revitalize the IBP and bring it to a new level of relevance in the service of the legal profession and the stakeholders of our justice system. On top of the reform agenda is the creation of an IBP national legal resource center that will launch and catapult the IBP as the preeminent information exchange hub of the Philippine legal community. The Center will address and cater to the needs of the members of the legal community in this fastexploding information age for easy access to legal materials, research and networking as well as for latest legal products, solutions and services. As its flagship project, the Center will house and manage a state of the art online and interactive platform to be known as the IBP Casebook, which will make the IBP the most popular online information hub for lawyers. The platform will feature a super e-library of legal materials, information updates, e-profile of lawyers and private messaging, subject to privacy rights and log-in restrictions. It will also feature online payment of IBP dues and subscriptions, on-line tracking of MCLE credits, and on-line publishing of legal materials. From the online database, IBP net citizens may also build and customize their own personal library, calendar, contacts and platform for information exchange on the web, including digital filing of pleadings, once authorized by the rules. The entire system, including the super e-library, will be built at no cost to the IBP and will have its soft-launch by October this year. As the information hub, the Center will also handle the IBP Journal, newsletter and other publications; maintain and upgrade the existing IBP Website; and assemble a network of outside sources for research and information, including from Bar associations worldwide. As a result, the Center will also strengthen IBPs capability to come up with sound positions on relevant legal and social issues, and engage in meaningful advocacy and policy debates, thereby enhancing its relevance and potential contribution to society itself. Second, the establishment under the IBP of a national board of accreditation. Its task is two-fold. One, to identify specialty areas in the practice of law and accredit lawyers who have acquired enhanced level of skills in that specialty area, thereby providing valuable guide to clients, the public and the legal community. Two, to accord honorific status to active legal practitioners who have earned reputation for competence and integrity. Such honorific recognition will hopefully create a counter-culture, inspiring lawyers to stick to the ideals of competence and integrity in law practice to earn the badge of honor after a number of years. Third, the transformation of the Commission on Bar Discipline (CBD) into a Commission on Integrity and Bar Discipline (CIBD) to include the promotion of integrity as its main mandate. Thus, it may engage in pro-active integrity-building and anti-corruption programs among lawyers, including basic prevention courses to retrain attorneys from becoming chronic violators of ethical rules. Together with structural reforms, the Commission and the IBP Board will also submit to the Supreme Court much-needed procedural and policy reforms in bar discipline cases to address docket congestion and elevate performance and standard in the speedy administration of justice. Fourth, the establishment of a peer assistance program under the Office of the IBP General Counsel to provide support systems for members of the legal profession. The program will cover services to lawyers related to career orientation and development, continuing job and career opportunities, welfare and insurance benefits, stress and health management and rehabilitation, and direct legal assistance in cases where IBP members end up being victims of violent crimes. Fifth, the rationalization of the IBP national legal aid by refocusing its priorities and resources. The new thrust is to elevate our legal aid office into a national support center focused and attuned to serving the needs for capability building, monitoring and case assistance of the 85 legal aid chapters nationwide. To maximize its contribution, the national legal aid office will reorient its services to meet new priorities where it can leverage on its strength, such as the ever expanding millions of OFWs, the countrys modern day heroes who are often victims of abuses and violations of legal rights. To address their plight, the IBP will launch a comprehensive OFW Legal Assistance Program to include counselling, representation, and setting up of help hotlines for OFWs and their families as well as legal diplomacy and advocacy, here and abroad, to promote awareness of basic legal rights of Filipino migrant workers. On top of the 5-point agenda, we shall also complete the unfinished business on amendments to our By-Laws, particularly those involving electoral reforms, if only to strengthen the IBP as it marches on to its 40th year of existence. And in line with our mandate to promote the administration of justice, we shall give priority support to new road maps to declog court dockets, including the overhaul of existing trial procedures and active promotion of alternative dispute resolution methods. As I close, allow me to enter my final plea for and on behalf of the new IBP Board of Governors and Officers. As the IBP enters its 40th year during our watch, the time is ripe to take a major leap of faith. We know that the path to structural and policy reform is narrow, long, painful and difficult. But as long as we can stay united and stick to the core values of the IBP as our North Star, we can navigate with audacity the adversities that lie ahead. Thus, as we begin this challenging journey to the high seas of reform and renewal, may I ask everyone, fellow brothers and sisters in the legal profession and the distinguished members of this august chamber, please stay with us and keep your faith in the IBP. Together, we can beat the odds, realize our vision and make a difference. Thank you and good morning.

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Meet the 20th IBP BOARD OF GOVERNORS

RoAN I. LIBARIoS Chairman of the IBP Board of Governors
He was formerly Governor of Eastern Mindanao Region and served as Executive Vice President from 2009 to 2011. He was also former editor-in-chief of the IBP Journal. Atty. Libarios also served the House of Representatives as Congressman for Agusan del Norte. He is the present Chairman of the Presidents of Law Associations in Asia-Pacific (POLA). was a judge; an older brother sat as an RTC judge in Pasig and also served as Governor of Bicolandia; a younger sister presides at an RTC Branch in Iriga; and a younger brother is a practicing lawyer. Atty. Gerona-Romeo finished her basic, secondary and undergraduate studies at the University of the Philippines in Diliman and obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree from Ateneo de Manila. She holds a Masters degree in Public and Business Management from De La Salle University and a Masters degree in National Security Administration from the National Defense College, graduating with high distinction. She is the recipient of an award for judicial excellence from the Society for Judicial Excellence. Atty. Gerona-Romeo is a member of the New York State Bar.

DeNIS B. HABAWeL Governor for Northern Luzon

Governor Habawel served as President of Ifugao Chapter (1985-1987; 1987-1989). He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from De La Salle Univesity in 1977, with honors. He graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Law in 1981. He took and passed the Bar n 1981 and began private practice at PECABAR (Ponce Enrile Reyes & Manalastas), where he once served as its Managing Partner. At present, he is Senior Law Partner and Head of Litigation.

MANueL L. ENAge, JR. Governor for Eastern Visayas

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of the Philippines and finished his Bachelor of Laws degree at Ateneo de Manila University. He is president of IBP Southern Leyte Chapter. Governor Enage practices law and founded his own law firm.

OLIVIA VeLASCo-JACoBA Governor for Central Luzon

She was Deputy Governor for Central Luzon for two terms and was past president of IBP Nueva Ecija Chapter. She earned her Bachelor of Laws degree in 1961 from the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law. She draws attention to her brood of 11 children, formidable achievement for an accomplished lawyer like her. Governor Jacoba was a Charter President of Soroptimist International Club of Metro Cabanatuan (2008-2010) where under her watch was launched the House of Hope project. House of Hope is a civic project dedicated to helping women and girls who are victims of physical and other forms of abuse. The project won first place during the Soroptomist International of the Americas Convention in California (2010), besting projects from 19 other finalist countries.

ERWIN M. FoRtuNAto Governor for Western Visayas

Atty Fortunato, a holdover member of the previous Board, was born on December 26, 1972 in Odiongan, Romblon. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from Manuel L. Quezon University as a working student. Without the benefit of a formal bar review, Governor Fotunato took and passed the Bar in 1999. Governor Fortunato is a Solo Legal Practitioner. He teaches law subjects at Romblon State University where he also serves as its Legal Counsel. His stint as Governor for Western Visayas is his second, having served in the same capacity during the 2009-2011 term.

DoMINIC C. M. SoLIS Governor for Greater Manila

The youngest ever Governor in the IBP BOG served the IBP as Assistant National Secretary (2008-2009), Commissioner of Bar Discipline (2011) and Director, Quezon City Chapter (2007-2009). He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, where he also earned his Bachelor of Laws degree in 2000. Governor Solis is a Partner at Orfanel Alambra Limwan & Solis Law Offices.

ISRAeLIto P. ToRReoN Governor for Eastern Mindanao

A past president of IBP Davao del Sur Chapter (2007-2009), Atty. Torreon earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of the Philippines in Cebu in 1991 and finished his Bachelor of Laws degree at the Ateneo de Davao, where he was a Deans lister. He is currently Dean of Cor Jesu Law School in Davao del Sur. He holds a Master of Laws degree from San Beda College of Law and qualified for scholarship for a second Master of Laws degree on International Humanitarian Law in Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad, India. He was admitted to the Bar in 1998 and founded his own law firm. He is a member of the Faculty of the Ateneo de Davao College of Law. He is presently a Director of the Rotary Club of Davao.

VICeNte M. JoYAS Governor for Southern Luzon

He served as past president of IBP Quezon Chapter and of the Tiaong Jaycees. He was also past regional vice president for Southern Tagalog of the Philippine Jaycees. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from Ateneo de Manila University and passed the Bar in 1964. Governor Joyas is the founding Partner of Joyas Dauz Garcia & Mendoza Law Offices. He is a Professor of Law and is an accredited MCLE Lecturer.

FLoReNDo B. OPAY Governor for Western Mindanao

He served as President of Lanao del Norte Chapter (2009-2011). A former seminarian, Atty. Opay earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from Colegio de San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu. He founded his own law firm, Opay and Associates, and practices law in Lanao del Norte and Siquijor. Atty. Opay is the Past Master of the Glicerio A. Lim Sr. Memorial Lodge 222 of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines.

LeoNoR L. GeRoNA-RoMeo Governor for Bicolandia

She was Past President of the Sorsogon Chapter and has served as RTC Executive Judge. Tita Lee, as Atty. Gerona-Romeo wants to be called, comes from a family of lawyers. Her father

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IBP NAT I O NAL O FFIC E RS

RoAN I. LIBARIoS
National President ATTY. LIbARIOs is the incumbent National President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP). He was elected to the post by a unanimous vote of all the IBP Regional Governors who had previously elected him Executive Vice President. Before serving as IBP Executive Vice President, Atty. Libarios was IBP Governor of Eastern Mindanao and Editor-in-Chief of the IBP Journal. Atty. Libarios was formerly Vice-Governor and Congressman of his home province of Agusan del Norte. In Congress, he served as a Member of the Prosecution Impeachment Panel in the 2001 trial of former President Joseph Estrada. He was also a member of the Peace Panel of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and of the Investigating Panel on the Hong Kong Tourist Bus Tragedy (2010). Atty. Libarios is presently chairman, Presidents of Law Associations in Asia-Pacific (POLA); Philippine Country Councilor, LAWASIA; member of the American Bar Association (ABA) and lead convenor of the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE). He is Founder/Managing Partner of LIBRA Law. Atty. Libarios earned his Political Science and Law degrees from the University of the Philippines, where he was once Editorin-Chief of the student newspaper, the Philippine Collegian. Atty. Libarios is married and has two children. in 2011. He has been a member of the Board of Editors of the IBP Journal since 2007. As a Special Assistant to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs from 1989 to 1992, Atty. Marohomsalic was a member of several Special Missions to various states in the Middle East. In year 2000, he was awarded a study tour on grassroots democracy in the United States by the U.S. State Department. He is also currently a consultant of the National Ulama Conference of the Philippines and is a sought-after speaker on various issues affecting Muslim Mindanao.

MARIA TeReSItA C. SISoN Go

National Treasurer ATTY. SIsON GO obtained her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees from the University of the Philippines. She is presently a line partner at the Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles Law Offices. Atty. Sison Go was the President of the Philippine Bar Association from 2010 to 2011. She was President of the University of the Philippines Women Lawyers Circle (U.P. WILOCI) from 2002 to 2004. She is presently a Trustee (since 2007) of the Law Association for Asia and Pacific (LAWASIA Philippines). She was also a Director, from 1997 to 1999, of the Federacion Internacional De Abogadas (FIDA). Atty. Sison Go served the IBP as Assistant National Treasurer from 1995 to 2011. A leading member of the IBP Manila IV (Conrado V. Sanchez) Chapter, she has held various positions in this chapter continuously from 1991 to the present. She continues to be an active member of the Asean Law Association (ALA), the Women Lawyers Association of the Philippines (WLAP), the Immigration Lawyers Association of the Philippines (ILAP) and the Academy of American and International Law Alumni Association, Philippine branch. She was named one of the Outstanding Scholastican Alumnae Awardee during the St. Scholasticas College Manila Centennial Celebration in 2006.

NASSeR A. MARohoMSALIC
Acting National Secretary ATTY. MAROhOmsALIC was IBP Governor for Western Mindanao in 2009-2011. He is a graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Law (1981). He was appointed by President Fidel V. Ramos as Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights in 1994, serving until 2001. Born in Lanao del Sur, Atty. Marohomsalic previously served as Commissioner-at-Large of the Regional Consultative Commission for Muslim Mindanao in 1988. A prolific writer and a keen political observer, he wrote the ground-breaking book Aristocrats of the Malay Race: A History of the Bangsa Moro in the Philippines, published in 2001. His service to the IBP is equally prolific. He served as the IBP Governor for Western Mindanao from 2009 to 2011, while also serving as the Chairman of the IBP Committee on Human Rights

AttY. JoSe V. CABReRA

National Executive Director for Operations Atty. Jose Villanueva Cabrera has the distinction of carrying on a tradition of service and commitment to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. The former IBP Governor for Bicolandia (2009-2011) and former president of the Catanduanes Chapter is the proud son of Atty. Bruno

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February 2012
Sabeniano Cabrera, who himself was IBP Governor for Bicolandia in 1995-1997. Atty. Cabrera is a certified public accountant who finished his accountancy degree with honors, eventually pursuing his law studies at the Lyceum of the Philippines College of Law. During his term as IBP Governor, Atty. Cabrera chaired the IBP Committee on Legislation and attended hearings in Congress in behalf of the IBP. Atty. Cabrera was also a consultant for the National Housing Authority. Outside of law practice, Atty. Cabrera counts badminton and tennis as his interests. Atty. Cabrera is involved in a number of advocacies, including environmental awareness and protection, IBP involvement in national issues, IBPs constitutional independence, and constitutional amendments limiting the Judicial and Bar Councils role in filling vacancies in the Supreme Court. Atty. Cabrera is a member of the Philippine Bar Association. country. She has served as consultant of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and was Vice-President of the Bank Lawyers Organization of the Philippines. She has also served as Treasurer of the Women Trial Lawyers Organization of the Philippines and Secretary General of the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE). Atty. Setias-Reyes has been the IBP National Director for Legal Aid since 2007. She is presently the President of the IBP Manila II Chapter; President of the Manila Benevolence Lions Club; and a Cabinet Secretary of Lions Club International (District 301-A1).

ALICIA A. RISoS-VIDAL

Director, Peer Assistance Program Atty. Risos-Vidal is a Senior Partner of the Morales Rojas and Risos-Vidal Law Offices. She is presently a Professor of Law at the University of the East College of Law and was past president of the University of the East Law Alumni, Inc. She is a Governor of the Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution and is presently Secretary of the IBP Manila I Chapter. Atty. Risos-Vidal completed a Certificate Course on International Law from the Academy of American and International Law, Southwestern Methodist University in Texas, U.S.A. in 2007. She was the IBP Governor for Greater Manila from 2005 to 2007. From 2007 to 2011, she served as the National Director for Bar Discipline of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. She also served in the Department of Justice for several years. In 2011, Atty. Risos-Vidal was given a Dangal ng Pilipinas award by Consumers Choice annual awards for legal and sociocivic affairs. She is a member and/or officer of the following: Philippine Bar Association (PBA), Women Lawyers Association of the Philippines (WLAP), Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution, PHILCONSA, LAWASIA, Kapihan sa Club Filipino, Inc., Las Pinas Classic Lions Club, Lions Presidents League of the Philippines, Technical Working Group on Small Claims Court, Sub-Committee on Revision on Notarial Rules and Sub-Screening Committee of the Society for Judicial Excellence of the Supreme Court. Last June 3, 2011, she was inducted as Treasurer of the of the Federation of Asia-Pacific Womens Association-Philippines. Atty. Risos-Vidal is a regular co-host of veteran broadcaster Tony Calvento in his show Hustisya Para sa Lahat, aired over DWIZ 882 AM radio.

RoLAND B. INtINg

Executive Director for Administration Convention Director, 20th House of Delegates Atty. Inting is a proud son of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, having obtained his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees from Divine Word College (now Holy Name University) in Tagbilaran. He is the son of the late Venancio P. Inting, Tagbilaran Citys first Mayor. A noted law practitioner, Atty. Inting was a professor of law in the Divine Word College of Law. An active pillar of the IBP, he was the Governor for Eastern Visayas from 2009 to 2011 while serving concurrently as the Chairman of the IBP Committee on Bar Discipline. From 1997 to 2001, Atty. Inting was the National Secretary of the IBP and previously served as the IBP Assistant National Secretary from 1995 to 1997. In June 30, 1997, he was awarded the Presidential Distinguished Service Award by the IBP and in June 30, 2001 was conferred the Presidential Plaque of Merit Award. In 1981, Atty. Inting was named as a Group Study Exchange Scholar to California, U.S.A. by Rotary International. In 1991, he was named the USIA International Exchange Visitor to the United States. Atty. Inting became an Honorary Citizen of the City of Oxnard in California on March 30, 1981 and of the State of Nebraska, U.S.A. on April 11, 1991.

PACIFICo A. AgABIN
General Counsel Atty. Agabin hails from Badoc, Ilocos Norte. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines in 1960, and his Master of Laws and Doctor of Laws (J.S.D.) from Yale Law School in 1965. He is currently a professor at the Philippine Judicial Academy and the U.P. College of Law. Atty. Agabin was Dean of the U.P. College of Law from 1989 to 1995 and Dean of the Lyceum of the Philippines College of Law

RoSARIo T. SetIAS-ReYeS

National Director for Legal Aid Atty. Setias-Reyes finished her law studies at the University of Santo Tomas, where she also completed her Bachelor of Arts degree (Cum Laude). A seasoned trial lawyer, Atty. SetiasReyes specializes in corporate law. Atty. Setias-Reyes has worked in various well-known financial and banking institutions in the

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from 2004 to 2009. Recognized as one of the countrys leading appellate litigators, he was awarded by the U.P. Law Alumni Association in 1996 as Most Outstanding Law Alumnus. A prolific writer and legal scholar, Atty. Agabin was awarded by the Manila Critics Circle as the 1997 National Book of the Year Awardee in law for his book Unconstitutional Essays. Atty. Agabin has recently launched his latest books, Mestizo: The Story of the Philippine Legal System and The Political Supreme Court. Atty. Agabin is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi International Honor Society. Atty. Magallona was an Undersecretary in the Department of Foreign Affairs from 2001 to 2002 and a member of the Supreme Court Committee on Legal Education from 1999 to 2003. Recognized as one of the countrys foremost authorities on International Law, Atty. Magallona has represented the Republic of the Philippines as counsel before the International Court of Justice. He was included in the list of experts in Human Rights in the United Nations Human Rights Commission. He was a member of the arbitral tribunal in the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, France from 1999 to 2000. He represented the Philippines in the working group of the UN Diplomatic Conference on the Establishment of an International Criminal Court in Rome in 1998 and headed the Philippine delegation to the meeting of the ICC Preparatory Committee in 2002.

DeNNIS B. FuNA

Acting National Director for Bar Discipline Atty. Funa was former Deputy Director of the Commission on Bar Discipline. He also served as CBD commissioner from 2002 to 2011. He is a graduate of the San Beda College of Law. He obtained his pre-law degree (Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Marketing) from De La Salle University. Atty. Funa is the Managing Partner of his Ortigasbased law firm Funa Balayan Fortes Galandines and Villagonzalo Law Offices. Atty. Funa is a professor of law at the De La Salle University College of Law and regularly lectures under the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) program. He has written a number of books, including: International Law (2009), The Law on the Administrative Accountability of Public Officers (2007), Legal and Judicial Ethics (2009), Copyright Law of the Philippines (2011), Canons of Statutory Construction (2011), and Trademark Law of the Philippines (2011). Atty. Funa was a scholar of the International Bar Association (Committee on Intellectual Property and Business Law) during its Biennial Conference in New Delhi, India in 1997; and a scholar of the Association for Overseas Technical Scholarships for a course on Industrial Property in Tokyo, Japan in 1999. Atty. Funa headed the Philippine Government delegation to the 7th Session of the WIPO Committee of Experts on a Possible Protocol to the Berne Convention in Geneva, Switzerland, 1996 and during the WIPO-Asia Pacific Conference on New Technology and Enforcement of Copyright in Indonesia 1995.

VICtoRIA V. LoANZoN

Assistant National Treasurer Atty. Loanzon majored in Sociology at the former Maryknoll College (now Miriam College), graduating cum laude in 1975. She subsequently earned a Master of Arts degree in UrbanRegional Planning from the University of the Philippines in 1977. She was a member of the Order of the Purple Feather, the academic honor society of the University of the Philippines College of Law, where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws in 1987. Atty. Loanzon is a lecturer at the Supreme Courts Mandatory Continuing Legal Education program. She is also a professorial lecturer at the Faculty of Civil Law of the University of Santo Tomas, the University of the East College of Law and the Far Eastern University Institute of Law. As a lawyer and licensed Environmental Planner, Atty. Loanzon has lent her expertise to various strategic government and nongovernment projects in the Philippines and overseas. She has also worked in the legislative and executive branches of government, including the Office of the President, the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Office of the Quezon City Mayor. In the IBP, Atty. Loanzon is concurrently President of the Quezon City Chapter. She is also Assistant National Secretary of the Asean Law Association and Director at LAWASIA Philippines. Atty. Loanzon is a member of various professional organizations, including the Philippine Bar Association, the Immigration Lawyers Association of the Philippines (ILAP), the Intellectual Property Attorneys of the Philippines (IPAP), the U.P. Womens Lawyers Circle (WILOCI), the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) and the U.P. Law Alumni Association, Inc.

MeRLIN M. MAgALLoNA
Editor-in-Chief, IBP Journal Atty. Magallona is a professorial lecturer at the University of the Philippines College of Law. He was Dean of the U.P. College of Law from 1995 to 1999. Atty. Magallona was a Visiting Fellow at Oxford University in 1969 and Visiting Research Fellow at the Graduate School of International Development in Nagoya University in 1994. In 1999, he was nominated by the Judicial and Bar Council to the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

RoDoLFo G. URBIZtoNDo
Deputy General Counsel Atty. Urbiztondo is a graduate of the College of Law of the University of the Philippines, where he also obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree, Magna Cum Laude. He is presently a member

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February 2012
of the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Governing Board and of the Legal Education Board. Atty. Urbiztondo is a professorial lecturer at the U.P. Law Center. He served the Philippine government as Assistant Solicitor General, retiring in 2006. A consistent student scholar, Atty. Urbiztondo was Chancellor of the Order of the Purple Feather, an academic honor organization in UP. He was the recipient of various foreign study grants including a study grant on International Labor Relations at the University of San Francisco, Comparative Law at the University of Texas, and Program of Instructions for Lawyers at Harvard Law School. He is also a graduate of the Academy of American & International Law and a scholar of the South Western Legal Foundation. She is a heritage conservation lawyer and former Commissioner for Cultural Heritage. she gained public attention for her successful defense of Magdalo officer and fugitive Capt. Nicanor Faeldon and the Scout Rangers and Marine Officers of the 2006 Fort Bonifacio standoff. Atty. Angeless career combines advocacy, litigation and conservation work.

PAtRICIA-ANN T. PRoDIgALIDAD
Assistant National Secretary Atty. Prodigalidad graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Law, cum laude. She obtained her Master of Laws degree from Harvard University School of Law. She was admitted to the Bar in 1997. Atty. Prodigalidad is a partner at the Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW), specializing, among others, in banking, investments, securities, litigation, intellectual property and alternative dispute resolution. Atty. Prodigalidad is a member of the Women Lawyers Circle (WILOCI) and the Federacion International de Abogadas (FIDA).

ROSE BEATRIX CRUZ-ANGELES

Public Information Officer Atty. Angeles graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Law in 1997 and was admitted to the bar in 1998. She is also the coordinator and spokesperson of IBP Impeachment Watch.

IBP Deputy General Counsel Atty. Rodolfo G. Urbiztondo (sixth from left) poses with participants to the exchange study program held October 2011 in Berlin, Germany, titled Crafting a Modern Criminal Code for the Philippines. The program is a joint undertaking of the Hans Seidel Foundation and the Department of Justice.

Left to right: Administrator Manuel G. Co of the Parole and Probation Administration; Atty Persida R. Acosta, Chief of the Public Attorneys Office (PAO); Mr. Paul G. Schafer, Hans Siedel Foundation Resident Representative for the Philippines; Assistant Secretary Geronimo L. Sy of the Department of Justice; Atty. Oscar B. Bernardo, representing the Philippine Association of Law Schools; Atty. Urbiztondo; Chief Parole Officer Atty. Girlie F. Yulores-Dimaculangan of the Board of Pardons and Parole; Atty. Eduardo Victor J. Valdez, Esq. from the Office of Senator Chiz Escudero; Prosecutor Feliciano A. Aspi, Office of the City Prosecutor of Makati; and Atty. Eleanor Agnes F. Abellar, Office of the Chairman, Committee on Justice of the House of Representatives.

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The Bar Tribune

HEADS OF IBP COMMITTEES

GOV. DOMINIC C.M. SOLIS Chairman, COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & FINANCE Governor Solis is also the incumbent Governor for Greater Manila. GOV. VICENTE M. JOYAS Chairman, COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AID Governor Joyas is also the Governor for Southern Luzon and an old hand in the IBP, having held various posts in his home chapter. ATTY. FERDINAND Y. MICLAT Chairman, COMMITTEE ON CHAPTER AFFAIRS/MEMBERSHIP Atty. Miclat is the immediate past Governor for Central Luzon and past president of the Tarlac Chapter. JUSTICE ZENAIDA N. ELEPAO Chairperson, COMMITTEE ON LEGAL EDUCATION AND BAR ADMINISTRATION Justice Elepao is a former SC Court Administrator. GOV. DENIS B. HABAWEL Chairman, COMMITTEE ON PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY, DISCIPLINE AND DISBARMENT Governor Habawel is the incumbent Governor for Northern Luzon. ATTY. ADEL A. TAMANO Chairman, COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION, ADVOCACY AND REVISION OF RULES Atty. Tamano is the Dean of the Liceo de Cagayan in Cagayan de Oro City and is a partner in Kapunan Tamano Javier & Associates Law Offices. ATTY. DOMINGO EGON Q. CAYOSA Chairman, COMMITTEEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND PROTECTION Atty. Cayosa, a former President of IBP Cagayan Chapter, is a long time advocate of environmental protection. ATTY. NASSER A. MAROHOMSALIC Chairman, COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS Atty. Marohomsalic is also the Acting National Secretary of the IBP. He was the immediate past Governor for Western Mindanao and was also formerly a commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights. ATTY. PERRY L. PE Chairman, COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS Atty. Pe is a senior partner of the Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles Law Offices and is Dean of the College of Law of the Palawan State University. GOV. OLIVIA VELASCO-JACOBA Chairperson, COMMITTEE ON WOMEN AND CHILDREN Governor Velasco-Jacoba is the current Governor for Central Luzon and has previously served the IBP in various capacities. ATTY. PURA ANGELICA Y. SANTIAGO Chairperson, COMMITTEE ON INTER-BAR RELATIONS Atty. Santiago is a former IBP Governor for Southern Luzon and is Managing Partner of the Santiago Sarte and Associates Law Offices. ATTY. VICTORIA V. LOANZON Chairperson, COMMITTTEE ON ASSET MANAGEMENT Atty. Loanzon also holds the post of Assistant National Treasurer of the IBP and is the incumbent President of the IBP Quezon City Chapter. ATTY. RENATO B. VALDECANTOS Chairman, COMMITTEE ON INTERPROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS RELATIONS Atty. Valdecantos is former commisioner of the Professional Regulations Commission is also the former head of the Asset Privatization Trust. ATTY. MANUEL M. MARAMBA Chairman, COMMITTEE ON OFW AFFAIRS Atty. Maramba is the immediate past Governor of Greater Manila Region. GOV. LEONOR GERONA-ROMEO Chairperson, COMMITTEE ON AMENDMENT OF THE RULES AND BY-LAWS Governor Gerona-Romeo is also the incumbent Governor for IBP Bicolandia. DEAN JOSE MANUEL I. DIOKNO Chairman, COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE Atty. Diokno is the Dean of the De La Salle University College of Law. ATTY. AMADOR Z. TOLENTINO, JR. Chairman, COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Atty. Amador Z. Tolentino, Jr. is a former Governor for IBP Southern Luzon and is an active Rotarian. ATTY. VICTOR C. FERNANDEZ Chairman, Task Force on Killings of Lawyers and Journalists Atty. Fernandez was a former Director of the IBP Commission on Bar Discipline. He was also the former Ombudsman for Northern Luzon. ATTY. CYNTHIA ROXAS DEL CASTILLO Chairman, Committee on National Bar Accreditation Atty. Del Castillo is a Partner at Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles Law Offices and a former Dean of the Ateneo Law School. ATTY. PATRICIA ANN T. PRODIGALIDAD Chairman, Committee on Law Practice Management Atty. Prodigalidad is a partner at the ACCRA Law Offices. Atty. FLORIN T. HILBAY Chairman, COMMITTEE REsEARCh & SpECIAL PUBLICATIONS Atty. Hilbay was formerly research fellow at the Max Planck Comparative Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law and former associate solicitor at the Office of the Solicitor General.

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The CBD COMMISSIONers

The Commission on Bar Discipline (CBD) of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines is tasked to investigate and submit recommendations on disciplinary charges against members of the bar pursuant to Rule 139-B (Disbarment and Discipline of Attorneys) of the Rules of Court. It handles approximately 1,000 to 1,200 administrative disciplinary cases every year. The investigating Commissioner submits his investigation report to the IBP Board of Governors which in turn submits its recommendations to the Supreme Court. All Commissioners of the Commission on Bar Discipline are appointees of the IBP president. The present crop of Commissioners comes from varied fields of specialization in the legal profession, bringing into the CBD a rich mix of experiences derived from their respective areas of competence: the academe, government service, business and corporate law, local government, the judiciary, public service and more. Meet the present CBD Commissioners:

Commissioner

Leland R. Villadolid, Jr.

Atty. Villadolid received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the Philippines and Bachelor of Laws degree from the Ateneo de Manila University. His graduate education includes a Master of Laws degree from the George Washington University School of Law and training at the Environmental Law Institute in Washington D.C. Atty. Villadolid also underwent fellowship training under the auspices of the United States-Asia Environmental Partnership (US-AEP) Exchange Program, Institute of International Education. He is a Partner at the Angara Bello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices. Commissioner

Practitioner in the Province of Bulacan. He is presently the Chief Executive Officer of the Marcelo H. del Pilar Law Foundation, Inc. and Chairman of the Kapatirang Kaagapay sa Kaunlaran ng Bayan (KAAKBAY) Multipurpose Cooperative in Calumpit, Bulacan. Commissioner

Oliver A. Cachapero

Jose I. de la Rama, Jr.

Atty. Cachapero hails from Ilocos Sur. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Santo Tomas in 1986 and took up his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Colegio de San Juan de Letran in 1982. In 2008, Atty. Cachapero was awarded the Huwarang Ama for Law & Judiciary. Atty. Cachapero was President of the IBP Ilocos Sur Chapter from 2007 to 2009. Commissioner

Romualdo A. Din, Jr.

Atty. de la Rama finished his law studies at Far Eastern University and his banking and finance degree from the University of the East. He was President of the IBP Bulacan Chapter from 2005 to 2007. During his presidency, the Bulacan Chapter was given the Most Outstanding Chapter award during the National Convention of Lawyers held in Cagayan de Oro. Atty. de la Rama is currently pursuing his Master of Laws degree at the University of Santo Tomas. In 2003, he was chosen as the Most Outstanding Law 18

Atty. Din earned his Bachelor of Laws from the University of Santo Tomas. He was President of the IBP Manila III Chapter from 1992 to 1995, 1998 to 2001 and 2003 to 2005. He is a Vice President of the Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution, Inc., and President of the Metro Manila Trial Lawyers Association. He is an active member of the International Bar Association, ASEAN

The Bar Tribune

Law Association, Law Asia Bar, World Association of Lawyers, National Bar Association and the Catholic Lawyers League. Atty. Din was awarded the Presidential Plaque of Appreciation by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines in 1998. Commissioner been in the practice of law for more than thirty years with expertise in banking and finance, labor, and corporate law. He is a member of the IBP Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas Muntinlupa Chapter. He was President of the Association of Barangay Secretaries in Paranaque from 1989 to 1991. He later served as Legal Consultant to the Mayor of Paranaque from 1995 to 2004. Commissioner

Mario V. Andres

Atty. Andres obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and his Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines. He is currently a Partner and Head of Litigation at the Siguion Reyna, Montecillo & Ongsiako Law Offices. Atty. Andres is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Archers National Network and Alliance (PANNA) and Corporate Secretary of Manila Memorial Park Cemetery, Inc.. He previously served in the Office of the Solicitor General. Commissioner

Loreto C. Ata

Manuel T. Chan

Atty. Chan obtained his Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines in 1972 and his Master of Laws from New York University School of Law in 1983. He finished his Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude from the Divine Word University in Tacloban City. He placed in the Top Twenty in the Bar examinations. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1986. He is a lecturer in various law schools in the Philippines.

Atty. Ata obtained his degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Cum Laude and Bachelor of Laws (Magna Cum Laude and Valedictorian) from the Far Eastern University (FEU). He placed 25th in the 1976 bar examinations. He is currently a Partner in the Medialdea Ata Bello Guevarra & Suarez Law Offices. Atty. Ata was President of the FEU Law Alumni Association from 2006 to 2008. He was President of Rotary Club of Makati Northwest in 1995 to 1996 and in 2001 to 2002. He was an officer, in various capacities, of the IBP Makati Chapter. Atty. Ata lectures under the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) program and is a professor of law at the FEU Institute of Law. Commissioner

Salvador B. Belaro, Jr.

Atty. Belaro finished his Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines in 1994. He also obtained Felimon C. Abelita III his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Cum Laude from Commissioner the same university in 1989. He finished his Master of Laws from Cornell University in 2004. He is a member Atty. Abelita obtained his Bachelor of Laws from San of the New York State Bar. Atty. Belaro is a partner in Beda College of Law in 1977. He was the IBP Governor for Belaro & Associates. He regularly lectures under the Bicolandia from 2006 to 2007. He was also the President Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) program. of the IBP Masbate Chapter from 2000 to 2002. A former He is an active member of the American Bar Association, prosecutor and Regional Trial Court judge, Atty. Abelita the Makati Toastmasters Club and the Cornell Club of is now an active law practitioner. He is President of the the Philippines. Sacro Costato Lay Association and Past President of the Diocesan Union of Holy Name Society in Masbate. Roland B. Beltran Commissioner Pablo S. Castillo Commissioner Atty. Beltran completed his law studies at San Beda College in 1989. He hails from Bukidnon and is the son Atty. Castillo is a product of the University of the of former Bukidnon Governor Nemesio G. Beltran. He is Philippines, obtaining his Bachelor of Arts in Political presently a partner in the Beltran & Reyes-Beltran Law Science in 1964 and his Bachelor of Laws in 1971. He has Offices.

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February 2012 Generosa R. Jacinto

Officer in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs of the Department of Education Culture and Sports in 1989. She is currently a Supreme Court-accredited Mediator of the Philippine Mediation Center and a co-anchor in Talking Points of Satellite Cable Network Infomax Channel 8 in Pampanga. Commissioner

Commissioner

Atty. Jacinto finished her A.B. Social Science and her Bachelor of Laws at the University of the Philippines and has taken up a masteral degree course at the University of Asia & the Pacific (UA&P). An active practicing lawyer, she specializes in litigation, corporate and labor law. Atty. Jacinto is an accredited voluntary arbitrator and an accredited patent attorney. She serves as corporate secretary and General Counsel in several top Philippine corporations. Commissioner

Michael F. Fabunan

Leo B. Malagar

Atty. Malagar graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Law in 1998. He obtained his Master of Laws from the University College London in 2001. Atty. Malagar specializes in international technology law, telecommunications, industrial and intellectual property law and international economic law. He is presently the Legal Manager of Smart Communications, Inc. He is a lecturer in various colleges and universities. Commissioner

Atty. Fabunan obtained both his Accounting and Law degrees from San Beda College. In both the CPA board examination and the bar examination, Atty. Fabunan obtained the identical grade of 82.3%. He was the President of IBP Zambales - Olongapo City Chapter from 2007 to 2009. He was ex-officio Director of IBP Zambales Olongapo Chapter from 2009 to 2011. Atty. Fabunan served as the Majority floor Leader of the Sangguniang Bayan of San Marcelino, Zambales from 1992 to 1995. He is currently the Managing Partner of Fabunan Ubiadas Gavino Law Offices. Commissioner

Peter Irving C. Corvera

Jaime G. Oracion

Atty. Oracion graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Law in 1981. He was formerly a Vice President and General Counsel of Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Inc. (CCBPI). He also served as member of the Board of Directors of various CCBPI subsidiary companies. He was First Vice President of the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) until 2003, having served as Trustee of the UCPB Retirement Plan. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the UCPB Properties, Inc. Atty. Oracion is now in private law practice, concurrently serving as consultant in various Philippine corporations. Commissioner

Atty. Corvera finished his law studies at the University of the Philippines College of Law in 1995, graduating in the top 25 of his class. While in the College of Law, Atty. Corvera worked as Research Assistant to the late Atty. Perfecto Fernandez at the UP Law Institute. He is currently a Senior Partner in the Tolentino Corvera Macasaet & Reig Law Offices. Atty. Corvera was a consultant of the World Bank in 2007. Atty. Corvera was President of the IBP Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas and Muntinlupa Chapter from 2009 to 2011. He is a member of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Licensing Executives Society International, and the Philippine Bar Association. Commissioner

Jose Alfonso M. Gomos

Ma. Imelda B. Quiambao-Tuazon

Atty. Quiambao-Tuazon completed her law studies at San Beda College of Law. She was President of the IBP Pampanga Chapter from 2007 to 2009. She is presently a Partner in the Villanueva De Leon Hipolito & Tuazon Law Offices. She served as Assistant Legislative Liaison 20

Atty. Gomos finished his Bachelor of Laws at Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan) where he was a consistent Deans Lister. He is presently a Partner in the Villegas Gomos Dayao & Ricafrente Law Offices. Atty. Gomos serves as Corporate Secretary or Legal Counsel of various corporations. He is a volunteer lawyer under the Social Action Program (Prisons Ministry) of St. James the Great Parish in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

The Bar Tribune

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INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES

CHAPTER DIRECTORY

February 2012

Chapter President Address Tel./Mobile Chapter President Address Tel./Mobile NORTHERN LUZON EASTERN VISAYAS Abra Conde Claro C. VenUs IBP Office, 2/F, Hall of Justice, Bangued, Abra (074) 752-8322 Biliran Meljohn B. De la Pena IBP Office, 2/F, Solite Building cor. (053) 500-9389 Baguio-Benguet Franklin B. Calpito IBP Office, Hall of Justice, Baguio City (074) 442-8937 Vicentillos & Ballesteros Sts., Naval, Biliran Cagayan Orlando D. Beltran IBP Office, Hall of Justice, Carig, Tuguegarao City (078) 844-1221 Bohol Cristifil D. BalUma RTC-IBP Law Library, Capitol Bldg.Tagbilaran City, Bohol (038) 235-5919 Ifugao Romeo U. Habbiling IBP Office, Hall of Justice, Lagawe, Ifugao Cebu Ferdinand A. Pepito IBP Building, Capitol Compound, Cebu City (032) 254-7787 Ilocos Norte Mariano R. NalUpta Jr. IBP Office, 2/F, Marcos Hall of Justice (077) 772-0845 / Cebu City Earl M. Bonachita IBP Building, Capitol Compound, Cebu City (032) 253-6713 Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 792-3045 Eastern Samar Jose Vicente R.M. Opinion IBP Building, Borongan, Eastern Samar Ilocos Sur Jose Rosario JimeneZ IBP Office, Provincial Capitol, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur (077) 722-3364 Leyte Roy Percival M. PereZ IBP Building Leyte Sports Development Center Comp. (053) 321-3615 Isabela NeriZa M. Dasig-Cacatian IBP Bldg. Alibagu, Ilagan, Isabela (078) 622-2323 / Sta. Cruz., Tacloban City 0939 557-8257 Northern Samar Rolando P. DUbongco Allen, Northern Samar Kalinga-Apayao Francis B. Calsiyao IBP Office, Magsaysay St., Tabuk, Kalinga-Apayao Samar Cesar T. Mabansag IBP Building, Court House Compound, Catbalogan, Samar La Union Abraham F. Datlag IBP Office, 2/F G.E.Antonio Bldg., (072) 888-5579 / Southern Leyte ManUel L. Enage, Jr. IBP Office, Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Maasin City, southern Leyte (053) 381-2191 San Fernando City, La Union 0905 411-0640 WESTERN VISAYAS Mountain Province Wilson K. Kalangeg IBP Office, Bontoc, Mountain Province (078) 805-1068 Aklan Flora B. Almero IBP Office, Hall of Justice, Godofredo Ramos Street, Kalibo, Aklan (036) 621-1499 Nueva Vizcaya EmmanUel C. Rasing IBP Office, Justice Hall Bldg. (078) 805-1068 / Antinque Cornelio P. Aldon San Jose, Antique Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya 0908 862-5152 Capiz Lorencito B. DiaZ IBP Office, 2/F, Hall of Justice, Roxas City (036) 621-1499 Quirino Edwin O. BetgUen IBP Office, Hall of Justice, Cabarroguis, Quirino Province 0917 580-7360 Guimaras Rommel C. Bellones M. Chavez Hall, Hall of Justice, San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras (033) 329-6440 CENTRAL LUZON Iloilo PaUlino L. Salmon, Jr. 4/F, Hall of Justice, Iloilo City (033) 337-5224 Bataan JUliet S. Salaria IBP Bldg., Capitol Compound, City of Balanga, Bataan (047) 921-1085 Negros Occidental Filomeno B. Tan, Jr. IBP Building, Nursery Compound, Gatuslao Ctreet, Bacolod City (034) 433-1611 Bulacan Cecilio Alejandro C. VillanUeva IBP Office, Provincial Capitol, Malolos, Bulacan (044) 662-4768 Negros Oriental ArtUro M. DUpio IBP Office, Hall of Justice, Capitol Area (035) 225-2624/ Nueva Ecija Lydia BaUto-Hipolito IBP Bldg., Ramos St., Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija (044) 600-2553 / Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental 225-4579 311-2106 Palawan Nesario G. Awat G/F, Capitol Building, Capitol Compound, Fernandez St. Pampanga Casiano C. Sabile IBP Bldg., Capitol Compound (045) 963-5007 Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (048) 434-8411 San Fernando City, Pampanga Romblon Mark Anthony N. Ganan Batiano, Odiongan, Romblon Pangasinan Farah Marie G. Decano IBP Bldg., Judge Jose R. De Venecia Sr. Memorial Hall, (075) 614-3119 Siquijor Alfonso L. Salcedo Camangki, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor Bonuan, Tondaligan, Dagupan City, Pangasinan EASTERN MINDANO Tarlac Arnaldo P. DiZon IBP Bldg., Tarlac City (045) 982-7813 Agusan del Norte Arcedel I. Libarios IBP Office, Capitol Building, Capitol Site, Butuan City (085) 342-5224/ Zambales Christopher Lawrence B. Monato IBP Bldg., Ohio St., Upper Kalaklan, Olongapo City (047) 811-1534 342-8980 SOUTHERN LUZON Agusan del Sur RUstico A. Peas IBP Office, Beside RTC, Government Center, Patin-ay (085) 343-8847 Aurora Sharon T. Ylanan IBP Office, Brgy. Suklayin, Baler, Aurora Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur Batangas Loida C. Conti IBP Office, Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Pollocan West, Batangas City Bukidnon Isidro L. Caracol Free Legal Aid Office, Malaybalay, Bukidnon (088) 221-3225 Calmana Emiliano A. Mackay IBP Office, 3/F, Aurelio Bldg., 9th Avenue, Caloocan City Camiguin Carlo C. Borromeo Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Cavite Renante C. Bihasa IBP Chapter Bldg., E. Aguinaldo Highway, Imus, Cavite Davao City Jonathan M. Jocom 2/F, Hall of Justice, Candelaria Street, Ecoland, Davao City (082) 296-0070 Laguna Virgilio B. Galeon IBP Office, Don Tomas Dizon Hall, Hall of Justice, San Pablo City Davao del Norte Casiano S. Retardo, Jr. Solaon Building, Quezon Street, Tagum Ciyt, Davao Del Norte (084) 400-5468 Makati Grace P. QUevedo-Panagsagan IBP Office, UG 39, Cityland Dela Rosa Condominium, Dela Rosa St., Makati City Davao del Sur Cynthia Carado Doromal IBP Building, Hall of Justice Compound, Digos City Marinduque Ma. AUrora P. Sori-Romano IBP Office, Unit 5, 3K Bldg., Barangay 2, Poblacion Gasan, Marinduque Davao Oriental Gilberto M. MadUay Mati, Davao Oriental Occidental Mindoro Alfredo A. Castillo IBP Office, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro Misamis Oriental Alphon R. Lagamon IBP Bldg., Provincial Capitol Compound (088) 856-4209 Oriental Mindoro Charlotte F. AgUba-Goco IBP Office, Capitol Square, Calapan City Cagayan De Oro City, Misamis Oriental PPLM Paterno S. Larracas IBP Office, Rm. 217, Pasay City Hall, F.B. Harrison St., Pasay City Surigao del Norte Alfonso S. CasUrra IBP Office, Parola P. Reyes Street, Surigao City, 8400 Surigao Del Norte (086) 826-6015 Quezon Ronaldo A. Salamillas IBP Building, near RTC, Lucena City Surigao del Sur Edwin M. MalaZarte RTC IBP Law Library, Palace of Justice Building, (086) 211-3414 Rizal JUlian R. TorcUator Jr. Rizal Provincial Jail Compound, Cabera Road, Sitio Kaytikling, Brgy. Dolores, Taytay Capitol Hills, Tandag, Surigao Del Sur GREATER MANILA WESTERN MINDANAO Manila I Francisco A. SancheZ III IBP Office, 1929 Tomas Mapua Street Zambasulta Jose RiZalino L. Ortega 2/F, Room 201, Hall of Justice, Zamboanga City (062) 993-2899 Manila II Rosario T. Setias-Reyes Unit 427, Madrigal Building, No. 286, Escolta, Manila 0919-8184068 Cotabato Noel A. Ben Hall of Justice, Regional Complex, Cotabato City, Cotabato (064) 421-3841 Manila III Gisela F. Lood IBP Office, Rm. 504, Doa Amparo Bldg. 735-7275 Lanao del Norte AliZedney M. DitUcalan IBP Bldg., Badelles Street, Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte (063) 352-0328 Catalua Street, Sampaloc, Manila Lanao del Sur Basari D. MapUpUno IBP Building, Bongon, Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur (063) 352-0328 Manila IV Yolando F. Lim IBP Office, L2 F1 UG Floor, Bugundy Transpacific Place 0915-1804059 Misamis Occidental Daniel C. Lao Hall of Justice, Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental (088) 521-3306 2444 Taf Ave., Malate, Manila North Cotabato Vicente C. Andiano Public Attorneys Office, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato (064) 288-5429 Quezon City Victoria V. LoanZon IBP Office, Rm. 235, 2Flr, Justice Hall, 925-7183 South Cotabato Elvie E. Albano IBP Room, Hall of Justice, lagao General Santos City, South Cotabato (083) 552-3221 City Hall Compound, Quezon City Sultan Kudarat RUtillo B. Pasok Magsaysay Avenue, Poblacion, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat (064) 201-3550 BICOLANDIA Samboanga del Norte Michael L. Ajoc 2/F, Hall of Justice, Dipolog City, Zamboanga Del Norte (065) 212-2638 Albay Viente P. Del Rosario IBP Office, RTC Hall, Rawis, Legaspi City (052) 4820281/ Zamboanga del Sur Edgar B. Bongalos 2/F, Hall of Justice, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur (062) 214-3953 4814640 Zamboanga Sibugay Richard B. RambUyong Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay (062) 333-5704 Camarines Norte Elaine Gay R. Belen IBP Office, Daet, Camarines Norte (054) 440-0902 Sarangani Rosalio C. Cario Rm. 206 Arenas Building, Pioneers Ave., General Santos Camarines Sur Antonio C. Rivero IBP Building, J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City (054) 473-2042 Catanduanes Gregorio M. Sarmiento, Jr. IBP Office, Hall of Justice, Capitol Compound, Virac, Catanduanes (052) 811-2245 Masbate Rosalito B. Apoya IBP Office, Hall of Justice, Masbate, Masbate Compiled by Aurora Geronimo, Ron-ron Chu and Roel Lepasana Sorsogon William E. Erlano IBP Office, Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon (056) 211-3272 Encoded by Precious Caseas