New IBP officers told to respect all members

CEBU, Philippines – Briccio Boholst, outgoing president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu City Chapter, advised the newly-elected officers of the chapter to always respect all members when implementing new programs and policies.

Boholst said the voice of all members is necessary in implementing projects and policies because the IBP is a collegial body.

Boholst, who will finish his term as president on March 31, pledged full support to the new administration led by its president–elect Michael Yu.

Yu is Boholst’s current vice president.   Boholst said he hopes that the new administration will continue to carry out the projects initiated during his term and will undertake new ones that would benefit the chapter.

And in carrying out their functions, Boholst said the new officers must keep in mind the objectives of IBP —to elevate the standards of professionalism among lawyers, strengthen the credibility of lawyers, and uplift justice in the society as part of the lawyers’ social responsibility.

During Boholst’s term, the IBP-Cebu City passed significant resolutions, one of which was Resolution No. 14 passed in March 2008, which sought to reconsider a move of the IBP board of governors to make as mandatory the attendance of lawyers in national and regional conventions before he or she can be given a certificate of good standing.

November last year, IBP-Cebu City, through a resolution, called on the Supreme Court to revise a rule on bar matters in order to remove the requirement for lawyers to submit a compliance card or attorney’s compliance report.

When the provincial government wanted to reclaim the lot occupied by the IBP building and disallow parking at an area within the Capitol grounds, Boholst led fellow officers in settling the conflict by initiating a talk with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Now legal aid lawyers can park their vehicles free of charge inside the Capitol compound and other members of the IBP stand to enjoy a reduced rate for utilizing the parking facility.

The IBP’s legal aid program, Boholst said, has handled numerous cases of indigent clients. However, the number of cases reportedly exceeded the number of volunteer lawyers, thus, Boholst said the incoming administration should continue to encourage members to participate and volunteer their services to those who deserve the help.

Boholst hopes that the new administration of IBP-Cebu City will also encourage the younger members to participate in the legal aid program so that more indigent clients can be extended help.

Other newly elected officers of the city chapter included Michelle Mendez-Palmares, vice president; Mae Elaine Bathan, secretary, Anna Marie Militante, treasurer; Nestor Nuez, auditor, and Annabel Pulvera, PRO.

Piedad “Bingo” Gonzalez, Earl Bonachita, Perpetua “Sue” Belarmino, Dave Duallo and Kit Enriquez were elected directors.

Yu won against Pedro Leslie Salva with 248 votes out of the 439 cast.

Meanwhile, Ramsey Quijano won Reuel Pintor as new president of the IBP-Cebu Province Chapter. — Jessica Ann Pareja/JMO (THE FREEMAN)