The Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Negros Oriental chapter has elected its new set of officers starting April this year during an election conducted recently at the Hall of Justice.
Elected president is Atty. Nilo Ruperto who will replace outgoing president Atty. Cyrus Riconalla.
The other new officers are: Atty. Pristine Martinez-Raymond as vice president; Atty. Karen Moleta as secretary; Atty. Deo Eltanal Jr. as treasurer; Atty. Reynaldo Piñero as accountant; and Atty. Arturo Dupio sa press relations officer.
Board of Directors includes Atty. Nerio Bulado, Atty. Elton Abrea, Atty. Jason Bandal, Atty. Rafael Orillana, and Atty. Felix Araula.
During his headship, Ruperto is eyeing the full use of the IBP building which was constructed during the time of former Gov. Emilio Macias II. They will request support from the city and provincial governments to provide for a right-of-way passage towards the back of the Hall of Justice where the IBP building is located.
Ruperto is likewise seeking the help of the City and the Province for the completion of the third floor so the IBP Negros Oriental chapter can maximize use of the building.
Another project being eyed by the IBP is the conduct of a legal clinic among police personnel to enhance their skills in the preparation of charges, to avoid court dismissals due to technicalities.
The most recent dismissal is the case of a social worker who killed her policeman-husband with his own gun.
Kenya Nocete Jardenico, voluntarily surrendered to the police after shooting her husband, and affixed her signature on the police blotter. Her admission, however, was done in the absence of a legal counsel. The City Prosecutor’s office ordered Jardenico’s release from detention because she was not lawfully-arrested pursuant to the provisions of Section 5m, Rule 113 of the Revised Rules on Criminal Procedure. (JFP/JG)
