The Cebu City chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) was awarded the most outstanding chapter in the recently concluded 13th National Convention of Lawyers held in Subic Bay International Exhibition and Convention Center.
The IBP Cebu City was awarded under category A — chapters that have more than 1,000 members.
For category B, chapters with 200 to 500 members, the outstanding chapter award was given to the IBP Bohol. The outstanding chapter for category C was awarded to the Bataan chapter.
The IBP Board of Governors gave the awards during the end of term of the chapter officers to recognize and honor chapters nationwide that had provided programs and activities consistent with the objectives of the integration of the bar.
The IBP Cebu City has been conducting annual continuing legal education as well as forums with its members to meet the first objective of the integration of the bar which is to elevate the practice of the legal profession.
The launching and implementation of the first-ever Bench and Bar Grievance Committee, the bench and bar dialogue and the other projects like the awarding of outstanding court employees, construction of the archive shelves for court records, among others, were projects that met the second objective of improving the administration of justice.
The third objective is geared towards how lawyers are able to effectively carry out their public responsibilities. The IBP Cebu City chapter accomplished this by holding regular legal aid clinics, legal information to the public through the weekly radio program at dySS Super Radio on Sundays at 4 p.m., jail visits and handling of court cases for indigent litigants. It also included dissemination of public information on legal and constitutional issues and observance of the rule of law.
Other awards given during the 13th National Convention were Outstanding Chapter President, Outstanding Legal Aid Chapter and Outstanding Legal Aid Lawyer.
The IBP Cebu City 19th Board President Michael L. Yu received the Most Outstanding Chapter Award- Category A together with the current IBP Cebu City president, Earl Bonachita, as well as other officers and members.
The 19th Board of Officers is composed of Michael L. Yu, president; Michelle Mendez-Palmares, vice president; Mae Elaine Bathan, secretary; Anna Marie Militante, treasurer; Nestor Nuez, auditor; Anabel Pulvera, public relations officer; Bingo Gonzalez, Earl Bonachita, Perpetua Socorro Belarmino, Dave Duallo and Kit Enriquez, directors; Democrito Barcenas, third delegate; Briccio Boholst, immediate past president; Wilbert Dumon; assistant secretary; Dominador Tangente, assistant treasurer; and Benjamin Cabrido, chairperson on the Committee on Environment.