32 new lawyers in Kalinga recognized; reminded of the new CPRA

Top left: Atty. Taguinod and Atty. Casiw; photo opportunity of the proud Kalinga lawyers after the recognition. Photos courtesy of Atty. Taguinod

TABUK CITY, Kalinga– The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) -Kalinga Chapter recognized the 32 successful 2022 Bar Examination Passers here during the Testimonial Dinner for New Lawyers and Newly Appointed members of the Judiciary and was reminded of the new Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) at Katrina Hall, Davidson Hotel recently.

Atty. Bryant Gamonnac Casiw, deputy director on Bar Discipline of the IBP graced the said occasion as guest of honor and speaker.

Atty. Gamonnac in his speech said,” As we honor our new lawyers, our newly-appointed judges, and other pillars of justice we are reminded by the Supreme Court (SC), speaking through Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen in Luna vs. Atty. Galaritta that those in the legal profession must always conduct themselves with honesty and integrity in all their dealings.”

He also said that the CPRA which became effective in May 2023 is not just an amendment but a major overhaul of the old code. The IBP National Office’s Commission on Bar Discipline and the SC will jointly conduct a nationwide rollout in 12 major venues nationwide.

Moreover, Atty. Gamonnac lauded the resiliency of his fellow indigenous people and members of the indigenous cultural communities amidst innovations. He took pride in citing the history that the IBP Kalinga has made. “For the first time in IBP history since 1973, IBP Kalinga now has a female IBP Governor for Northern Luzon in the person of our beloved Governor Atty. Minerva R. Magtanao-Taguinod.”

To note, for the first time in IBP-Kalinga, he and Atty. Taguinod were Commissioners on Bar Discipline in 2021-2023. At present, the IBP National Office appointed him as Deputy Director of the Commission on Bar Discipline, helping oversee and supervise the almost 150 commissioners nationwide, whose total number is still growing.

Meanwhile, Atty. Taguinod congratulated the new lawyers and their parents and the new judges. She encouraged them to participate in all legal aid activities of the chapter and handle pro bono cases. After her speech, the recognition of newly appointed members of the judiciary was conducted followed by the presentation of portraits of past presidents of IBP-Kalinga, and new lawyers. # Mae Barangan