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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider SC swears into office members of IBP's board of governors

SC swears into office members of IBP's board of governors

Published Jul 6, 2025 04:13 pm
The members of the board of governors of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) have assumed their posts for a two-year term until 2027.
They were sworn into office during the July 1 full court session of the Supreme Court (SC) led by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo
Sworn into office were lawyer Allan G. Panolong, 28th national president and chairperson; lawyer Randall C. Tabayoyong, executive vice president and governor for Bicolandia; lawyer Ma. Elena G. Francisco, governor for Greater Manila Region; lawyer Dick F. Fernandez, governor for Central Luzon; lawyer Voltaire B. Garcia, governor for Northern Luzon; lawyer Thaddeus E. Venturanza, governor for Southern Luzon; lawyer Patrick V. Santo, governor for Eastern Visayas; lawyer Susanne C. Lacson, governor for Western Visayas; lawyer Roxan G. Apostol, governor for Eastern Mindanao; and lawyer Quirino G. Esguerra, Jr., governor for Western Mindanao.
There are about 72,000 lawyers in the Philippines and all of them are mandated to be IBP members.
Aside from Chief Justice Gesmundo, also present during the oathtaking ceremony were Senior Associate Justice (SAJ) Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, and Associate Justices Ramon Paul L. Hernando, Henri Jean Paul B. Inting, Rodil V. Zalameda, Samuel H. Gaerlan, Ricardo R. Rosario, Jhosep Y. Lopez, Japar B. Dimaampao, Jose Midas P. Marquez, and Raul B. Villanueva.
The SC’s Office of the Spokesperson said that in his message, Justice Leonen urged the IBP to empower lawyers to serve with integrity and conscience and should “use their positions to uphold not only the rule of law but the rule of justice.”
Leonen also challenged the IBP to expose corruption in the legal profession and to avoid actions that could undermine the impartiality of the judiciary.
He highlighted that justice is a shared responsibility, built on cooperation and teamwork as he reminded lawyers to stay engaged with the law and its evolving role in society.
Panolong is the first Muslim national president of IBP.
In his remarks, Panolong stressed the strong partnership between the SC and the IBP, grounded in shared goals and values.
He also affirmed the IBP’s support for the SC’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI), especially in promoting judicial reform and innovation.
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