Supreme Court (SC) Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen has called on the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to speak out against corruption in the legal profession and to avoid actions that could undermine the impartiality of the judiciary.
“Justice is a shared responsibility, built on cooperation and teamwork,” Justice Leonen said during the special oath-taking ceremony of the IBP’s 27th Board of Governors on July 1 at the SC Session Hall in Manila.
He reminded lawyers to stay engaged with the law and its evolving role in society, emphasizing that they should “use their positions to uphold not only the rule of law but the rule of justice.”
The SC en banc, led by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, convened the special session to administer the oath of office to the newly elected IBP officers, including Atty. Allan G. Panolong as the 28th National President and Chairperson. Panolong, the first Muslim to lead the IBP, was sworn in by Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando.
Also taking their oaths were Atty. Randall C. Tabayoyong as Executive Vice President and Governor for Bicolandia; Atty. Ma. Elena G. Francisco (Greater Manila Region); Atty. Dick F. Fernandez (Central Luzon); Atty. Voltaire B. Garcia (Northern Luzon); Atty. Thaddeus E. Venturanza (Southern Luzon); Atty. Patrick V. Santo (Eastern Visayas); Atty. Susanne C. Lacson (Western Visayas); Atty. Roxan G. Apostol (Eastern Mindanao); and Atty. Quirino G. Esguerra, Jr. (Western Mindanao). Tabayoyong’s oath was administered by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting.
In his remarks, Panolong highlighted the strong partnership between the SC and the IBP, affirming the organization’s support for the SC’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, particularly in advancing judicial reform and innovation.
The IBP, the official organization of all lawyers in the country and mandated by the SC to raise the standards of the legal profession, elects its officers to serve two-year terms.
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