BY ATTY. JULIUS GREGORY B. DELGADO
IBP HOLDS 3RD COMMISSIONER’S SUMMIT
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines Commission on Bar Discipline (CBD) hosted the Third (3rd) Investigating Commissioner’s Summit last 28-31 May 28-31 at Diamond Hotel, Manila. The theme of the Summit was “CPRA@2 and Beyond: Challenges and Opportunities”. The Summit was graced by Hon. Jhosep Y. Lopez, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, who delivered a Keynote Speech centered around the key message that Bar discipline should not only be punitive but restorative and reformative.
Hon. Geraldine C. Fiel-Macaraig, Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals, discussed the Lawyer’s Oath, Canon I (Independence), Canon IV (Competence and Diligence) and Canon V (Equality) of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA). Atty. Antonio Ceasar R. Manila, Judicial Staff Head of the Office of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, discussed Canon II (Propriety). Hon. Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta, Associate Justice of the Sandiganbayan, discussed Canon III (Fidelity) while Atty. Tranquil Gervacio S. Salvador III discussed Canon VI (Accountability). Atty. Ma. Soledad Deriquito-Mawis, Dean of the Lyceum of the Philippines University College of Law, discussed the Latest Jurisprudence on Ethics. Hon. Marian Ivy F. Reyes-Fajardo, Associate Justice of the Court of Tax Appeals, lectured on Legal Writing.
The second day focused on issues and challenges revolving around the Canons of the CPRA and concerns of Investigating Commissioners. Atty. Jose Luis F. Geronimo, Senate Electoral Tribunal Director IV, also discussed the topic Using the Supreme Court Stylebook in Preparing Reports and Recommendation, Executive Summary, and/or Extended Resolutions in CBD Proceedings. Another highlight of the second day was the Ceremonial Turnover between the 26th and 27th Board of Governors with the outgoing IBP National President Atty. Antonio C. Pido delivering his Valedictory Speech and the incoming IBP National President Atty. Allan G. Panolong delivering an Acceptance Speech.
During the last day of the Summit, Atty. Pitero M. Reig, Governor for Southern Luzon, discussed the Point of View of the Board of Governors in Reviewing Reports and Recommendations. Atty. Patrick V. Santo, Deputy Director and Incoming Governor for Eastern Visayas, discussed about Procedure, Penalties, and Issues Frequently Encountered by Investigating Commissioners. Overly Deputy Director, Atty. Ernesto A. Altamira III, delivered a Summation of Activities. Afterwhich, Certificate of Attendance and Picture Taking was held before the delegates parted ways and headed home to their respective provinces.
IBP-Bohol Chapter was represented by yours truly and Commissioners Lord R. Marapao IV and Licelle D. Zamora.