MANILA -- The Supreme Court En Banc held a special session for the oathtaking of the 26th Board of Governors of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on July 4, 2023 at the Session Hall of the Supreme Court of the Philippines in Ermita, Manila.

In his message, Acting Chief Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen emphasized the importance that the Court gives to the IBP as its partner
as they “continue to articulate and install the Constitutional expectations of the rule of law, social justice, human rights, and greater access to justice.”

He also underscored the role of lawyers in the society, saying, “being a lawyer requires that we embody the civility, justice, and humanity that we also seek from our laws” and “that we serve to reduce the suffering of our people.”

The Board of Governors is composed of Atty. Antonio C. Pido, 27th National President and Chairperson of the 26th Board of Governors; Atty. Allan G. Panolong, Executive Vice President and Governor for Western Mindanao; Atty. Minerva R. Magtanao-Taguinod, Governor for Northern Luzon; Atty. Maria Imelda B. Quiambao-Tuazon, OIC Governor for Central Luzon; Atty. Pitero M. Reig, Governor for Southern Luzon; Atty. Kriden F. Balgomera, Governor for Greater Manila; Atty. Annalyn Sherry F. Hibo-Gamboa, Governor for Bicolandia; Atty. Marlo V. Destura, Governor for Eastern Visayas; Atty. Rafael Crescencio C. Tan, Jr., Governor for Western
Visayas; and Atty. Peter Neil E. Trinidad, Governor for Eastern Mindanao.

The IBP is the official organization of all lawyers in the Philippines. (SC)