MALOLOS CITY – He hardly comes to Bulacan as he is busy with the Office of the President. But on Friday night, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., received his second award here.
The first was the Gawad Dangal ng Lipi handed last September courtesy of the provincial government, while the second and most recent was the “Pinakamataas na Gawad Dangal Gat. Marcelo H. Del Pilar” from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Bulacan Chapter.
The second award came a recognition to Ochoa as a member of the IBP-Bulacan chapter who was appointed as Executive Secretary of President Benigno Aquino III. The said title is known for its monicker as “Little President”.
A resident of Pulilan town, Ochoa joined the chapter in the 80s and served as vice president in the early 90s.
His father, Paquito Sr., was also a member of the chapter and served its officers in the past, until he was elected mayor of Pulilan town.
In a brief speech, Ochoa expressed excitement in meeting his admiring colleagues again, and gratitude for the recognition handed to him.
He described his post, as executive secretary to the President of the republic, as an ordinary job with “extraordinary responsibilities.”
Ochoa also encouraged members of the IBP-Bulacan chapter to spearhead reforms in the judiciary by submitting proposals.
He said that he had a conference with Justice Secretary Leila De Lima on Thursday where they discussed possible reforms in the country’s judicial system.
Ochoa specifically cited court rules and procedures that needs to be amended to fast track hearing of cases.
“I’m asking your help to submit proposals on the procedures of courts for speedy justice,” he said.
He admitted that results of judicial reforms may not be realized until the end of 2016.
However, he said, “at least we tried since the current administration is giving us this opportunity.”
Ochoa cited that the criminal law of the country was patterned with California’s criminal law which was actually copied from the German criminal law.
He also said that the country’s Revised Penal Code (RPC) needs to be amended as it has been in existence since 1936.
“There are conflicting and overlapping laws that needs to be revised,” he said. He also noted that law practitioners are the ones benefiting from the law saying that “it gives them lost of arguments.”
One specific section of the RPC he cited was the fact that when a crime involves P20,000, it is punishable by life imprisonment.
He said,” I don’t think that’s applicable anymore dahil iba na ang value ng P20,000 ngayon.
Ochoa also told members of the IBP-Bulacan chapter saying “samantalahin natin ang pagkakataon na mayroon tayong Pangulo who is leading by example, para makagawa ng judicial reforms.”
The first was the Gawad Dangal ng Lipi handed last September courtesy of the provincial government, while the second and most recent was the “Pinakamataas na Gawad Dangal Gat. Marcelo H. Del Pilar” from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Bulacan Chapter.
The second award came a recognition to Ochoa as a member of the IBP-Bulacan chapter who was appointed as Executive Secretary of President Benigno Aquino III. The said title is known for its monicker as “Little President”.
A resident of Pulilan town, Ochoa joined the chapter in the 80s and served as vice president in the early 90s.
His father, Paquito Sr., was also a member of the chapter and served its officers in the past, until he was elected mayor of Pulilan town.
In a brief speech, Ochoa expressed excitement in meeting his admiring colleagues again, and gratitude for the recognition handed to him.
He described his post, as executive secretary to the President of the republic, as an ordinary job with “extraordinary responsibilities.”
Ochoa also encouraged members of the IBP-Bulacan chapter to spearhead reforms in the judiciary by submitting proposals.
He said that he had a conference with Justice Secretary Leila De Lima on Thursday where they discussed possible reforms in the country’s judicial system.
Ochoa specifically cited court rules and procedures that needs to be amended to fast track hearing of cases.
“I’m asking your help to submit proposals on the procedures of courts for speedy justice,” he said.
He admitted that results of judicial reforms may not be realized until the end of 2016.
However, he said, “at least we tried since the current administration is giving us this opportunity.”
Ochoa cited that the criminal law of the country was patterned with California’s criminal law which was actually copied from the German criminal law.
He also said that the country’s Revised Penal Code (RPC) needs to be amended as it has been in existence since 1936.
“There are conflicting and overlapping laws that needs to be revised,” he said. He also noted that law practitioners are the ones benefiting from the law saying that “it gives them lost of arguments.”
One specific section of the RPC he cited was the fact that when a crime involves P20,000, it is punishable by life imprisonment.
He said,” I don’t think that’s applicable anymore dahil iba na ang value ng P20,000 ngayon.
Ochoa also told members of the IBP-Bulacan chapter saying “samantalahin natin ang pagkakataon na mayroon tayong Pangulo who is leading by example, para makagawa ng judicial reforms.”
