Justice Singh Extols Boholano Judges and Lawyers for their Efficiency and Commitment to Service
March 12, 2024
On March 1, 2024, Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh graced the Honoring Night of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Bohol Chapter (IBP Bohol) as its Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker. The event was held at the Bohol Tropics Resort in Tagbilaran City, Bohol
With the theme “The Boholano Lawyer for Others: Charting the Next 50 Years of IBP-Bohol Chapter Towards Genuine and Meaningful Service to the Community,” the Honoring Night served as a venue for IBP Bohol to honor the province’s new lawyers, newly retired judges, and judges commended by the Supreme Court for being among those with highest clearance rates for year 2022.
IBP Bohol likewise commended its partners in extending legal aid to the people of the Province of Bohol. Led by its President, Atty. Julius Gregory B. Delgado, IBP Bohol acknowledged the active participation of Boholano lawyers by recognizing various organizations who devoted their time and resources in partnering with the numerous legal aid projects of IBP Bohol. Among the organizations honored by IBP Bohol are the Holy Name University – College of Law, the University of Bohol – College of Law, the Bohol Institute – College of Law, the Public Attorney’s Office – Talibon District, Santa Cruz Parish of Catungawan Sur, Guindulman, Bohol, and various local government units in the Province of Bohol.
IBP Bohol also expressed its appreciation to the Bohol Provincial Police Office for its support and commitment to its Legal Assistance for Effective Law Enforcement Program (LAELEP), the goal of which is to capacitate law enforcement officers to effectively carry out their duties and functions within the bounds of law.
In her Keynote Address, Justice Singh expressed the gratitude of the Supreme Court to Boholano lawyers for being the Court’s constant partner in its many programs, particularly on Legal Aid. Justice Singh encouraged IBP Bohol to support the Unified Legal Aid Service of the Supreme Court, which will be brought to different cities around the Philippines in a caravan led by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa.
Justice Singh likewise commended the judges of Bohol, whom she visited the previous day, February 29, 2024 at the Hall of Justice in Tagbilaran City, for their well-managed dockets.
During Justice Singh’s visit at the Hall of Justice in Tagbilaran City, Justice Singh held a dialogue with the judges and court employees from the Province of Bohol. During the dialogue, Justice Singh shared with them the initiatives of the Court in promoting the welfare of the officials and employees of the Judiciary. Particularly, Justice Singh presented the Court’s programs on mental health, universal healthcare, and career progression through continuing education.
Justice Singh also thanked all the judges and court personnel for rendering service beyond the call of duty. Justice Singh said to them – “Maraming salamat, galling kay Chief Justice Gesmundo at sa buong Korte Suprema. Alam naming lahat ng hirap at pagod niyo, na hanggang hating gabi nagtatrabaho pa rin kayo, na kahit na weekend at holiday, pumapasok kayo, na kayo lahat ang nag-aabono sa mga kailangan ng courts ninyo. You risk not only life and limb, but those of your family and loved ones, just to fulfill your mandate.”
In response, the judges and court employees expressed their gratitude to the Supreme Court, and committed to support its Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027. (Courtesy of the Office of Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh)