The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) calling for free, honest and transparent local and national elections in 2022. The signing was attended and witnessed by the national and regional officials of IBP and LENTE.
In his opening speech during the signing, Christian S. Monsod underscored the critical role of lawyers and law students in ensuring that the rule of law is upheld and the voice of the people, especially those coming from vulnerable sectors, are heard. Monsod, a former chairman of the Commission on Elections and member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission, also reminded the Filipinos of the importance of the 2022 national and local elections for the country’s democratic institutions.
In his statement of support, IBP’s National President Burt Estrada stressed it is quite important to pursue accountability and, at the same time, introduce electoral reforms for a credible election.
Estrada said, “The IBP will help capacitate and educate the public on the different electoral laws, issues, and processes. Also, through our regional chapters and legal aid offices, we hope to be able to assist in filing cases against election law violators to serve as examples and deter future violators.”
On the other hand, LENTE’s Executive Director Atty. Ona Caritos commended the MOA signing between the two organizations, stressing it is a significant undertaking for the legal profession, through the IBP, in the pursuit and furtherance of its advocacies to elevate the standards of the legal profession, improve the administration of justice, and enable the bar to discharge its public responsibility more effectively.
Furthermore, Caritos said, “the partnership among the IBP, law students, civil society organizations, and the general public would be pivotal to have a genuine 2022 national and local elections.”