Continuing education

About 265 members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Negros Occidental Chapter joined a four-day Mandatory Continuing Legal Education training recently, at Business Inn in Bacolod City .

The seminar was in compliance with the Supreme Court's Bar Matter No. 850.

Arnel Lapore, the first day emcee, led the invocation, followed by welcome remarks of Rodolfo Parreño, local IBP president.

An “Update in Criminal Law. The New Anti-Rape Law” and Republic Act 9372 was given by C. Estrada, while Samson Alcantara discussed labor laws. Justice Magdangal de Leon gave an “Update in Civil Procedure and Special Proceedings.”

On the second day, Jim Lopez discussed “Transnational Business Transactions,” Jesus Desini Jr. - Technology and the Law, Katrina Legarda – Legal Writing Memorandum and Appeal Briefs, and Edwin Sandoval – Updates in International Humanitarian Law.

Emcee was Jovim Entila.

Pacifico Maghari was emcee on the third day. Lecturers were Justice Jose Sabio - Criminal Civil and Administrative Liabilities of the Lawyer, Hector Hofileña - Necessity of Good Moral Character in the Life of the Lawyer, and Dean Ed Vincent Albano - Recent Jurisprudence in Family Law Cases.

Zenaida Elepaño was the lecturer on the last day. She discussed “Effective Pre-Trial Methods and Trial Techniques,” followed by another speaker, Francis Sobrevinas. Emcee was Maphilindo Polvora.

I observed that almost all lawyers wanted to participate especially during the question and answer.

Delicious lunch and merienda kept on coming.

Even a non-lawyer like me enjoyed listening. It was one seminar where everybody was so attentive.

Kudos to the IBP Negros officers for 2007-2009. They are Rodolfo Pareño – president, Gina Jesena - vice president, Ma. Corazon Katalbas – secretary, Jovim Entila - treasurer; Pacifico Maghari III – auditor, and Joel Dojillo – PRO.

Directors are Jan Anthony Saril, Arnel Lapore, Andrew Pandan, Maphilindo Polvora and Ernesto Pilla.

Remember: Happiness is a by-product of helping others. No man ever finds happiness by being king to himself.*