BY ATTY. JULIUS GREGORY B. DELGADO
IBP TO HOLD 20TH NATIONAL CONVENTION OF LAWYERS IN CEBU CITY
Once in every two (2) years, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (“IBP”) hosts a National Convention of Lawyers. The 20th National Convention of Lawyers will be held on 30-31 January and 01 February 2025 at the Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center in Cebu City. The 20th NCL will be jointly hosted by IBP Cebu City and IBP Cebu led by its Presidents, Atty. Gimbo Hernaez and Atty. Michael Francis Hubahib, respectively.
No less than the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Hon. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is the invited Guest of Honor. If he attends, he will be introduced by Atty. Ma. Esperanza Christina G. Frasco, Secretary of the Department of Tourism, who will also deliver the Welcome Address. After the Report of the National President, Atty. Antonio C. Pido, the Chief Justice of the Republic of the Philippines, Hon. Alexander G. Gesmundo, will deliver his Keynote Speech which is credited for one (1) Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (“MCLE”) credit unit under MCLE-prescribed subject. Senior Associate Justice Hon. Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen will discuss Artificial Intelligence and its Effects on the Practice of Law still for one (1) credit unit under MCLE-prescribed subject. After the lunch break, Associate Justice Hon. Jhosep Y. Lopez will discuss Updates in Criminal Law and Procedure with three (3) credit units under Substantive Law. Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier will then discuss the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability for one (1) credit unit under Legal Ethics. This will be followed by a lecture on Philippine Island Territories in the West Philippine Sea by retired Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio for one (1) credit unit under MCLE-prescribed subject. Retro (70s)-themed Fellowship Night will culminate the opening day of the National Convention.
On the second (2nd) day of the National Convention, Atty. Victor P. Lazatin, former Senior Partner of ACCRA Law, will discuss Updates on Legal Arbitration for two (2) credit units under Alternative Dispute Resolution. Atty. Jose Manuel I. Diokno will discuss ABCs of Legal Writing and Oral Advocacy for two (2) credit units under Legal Writing and Oral Advocacy. In the afternoon, Atty. Luis Jose F. Geronimo will discuss Salient Features on the SC Stylebook for two (2) credit units under Legal Writing and Oral Advocacy. Atty. Andre C. Palacios assisted by Atty. Takayuki Obata will discuss Developing Trial Skills in Proving Foreign Law – Focusing on Japanese Divorce Law for two (2) credit units under Trial and Pre-Trial Skills. Masquerade-themed Governor’s Ball will end the second (2nd) day of the National Convention wherein Chapter and Service Awards will also be held. On the third (3rd) and last day of the National Convention, National Labor Relations Commission Commissioner Cecilio Alejandro Villanueva will discuss Amendments to the NLRC Rules of Procedure for one (1) credit unit under Substantive Law. Retired Court of Appeals Justice Magdangal De Leon will discuss Applying Trial Skills in Provisional Remedies and Special Civil Actions for two (2) credit units under Trial and Pre-Trial Skills. The National Convention will end with a Plenary Session and Reports by the National Treasurer, Commission on Bar Discipline and National Center for Legal Aid.