CLARK FREEPORT – The new officers of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Pampanga Chapter (IBP-Pampanga) were inducted at the convention center of the Widus Hotel and Resort here on July 19.
The new set of officers included president Peter Paul S. Maglalang, vice president Darwin S. Reyes, secretary Alejandro N. Buan, treasurer Ponciano V. Dela Cruz Jr., auditor Jovy Ann R. Atinaja, PRO Socrates A. Padua, and directors Vicente A. Macalino, Judge Domingo C. San Jose, Judge Serafin B. David, Angelo Justin Iñigo O. Lopez III and Gener C. Endona.
Inducting officer Rep. Oscar S. Rodriguez congratulated the new set of officers but said he is advocating “Filipino on time” saying “this is what I want to strengthen because this is like getting caught in a traffic jam” commenting on the late start of the program. But Rodriguez said it is an honor to be the inducting officer and paid special mention of Judge Romeo Maglalang, father of IBP-Pampanga president Paul.
During his keynote speech, Rodriguez recalled his first and last cases which were pro-bono but earned him self-esteem and fulfilment because he helped in defending the innocent and convicting the guilty.
For his part, newly inducted IBP-Pampanga president Maglalang said his administration will conduct regular dialogues with the bench and bar council to expedite the administration of justice as well as regular dialogues with the five pillars of justice: community, law enforcement, prosecution, the courts and the correctional facilities.
Maglalang said his administration will work on the establishment of “fixing of the schedule of fees” for lawyers which is a mandatory job of the IBP.
A seminar on tax laws will also be conducted since not all lawyers are updated on tax laws in order to avoid cases that can be filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue against lawyers, Maglalang said.
The IBP-Pampanga head said health insurance will also be enhanced to chapter members citing as example Atty. Ryan Rueda who is now quadriplegic after he was shot in the spinal column in April. He said Rueda’s case has highlighted the need to have IBP members insured.
Maglalang said a newsletter which is part of Punto! Central Luzon newspaper has been started which is a venue to give legal advice especially to the poor who cannot afford to consult a lawyer.
Maglalang said a tribute to senior lawyers and retirees will also be in the offing well as a program for the protection of the environment. He said a bloodletting drive, which for some is trivial matter, but is very important because of his first-hand experience in having a hard time trying to look for blood donors.
Maglalang said livelihood programs for inmates and their families will also be made since lawyers are not only out to put criminals behind bars but more importantly to reform them.
Meanwhile, IBP Central Luzon Governor Maria Imelda Q. Tuazon inducted the new lawyers and new members of IBP-Pampanga.
Former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan was guest of honor.
