To All Esteemed Members of our Association,
I am profoundly honored and deeply humbled to have been elected as the new President of the Philippine Bar Association. It is a great personal privilege and a significant responsibility to lead this esteemed association in continuing its mission of advocating for a society based on justice, fairness and the rule of law.
As I assume this office, I am especially proud to acknowledge my kinship with two Past Presidents of our Association, Arturo Del Rosario (1990) and Arturo “Johnny” Del Rosario Jr. (2008). Their leadership and legacy serve as an inspiration, and I pledge to uphold the values of integrity and fairness that have defined our Association for generations.
In our ever-changing world, one of the greatest challenges we face as both a society and a legal community is adapting to the rapid pace of technological advancement. The digital transformation reshaping our world touches every aspect of life-from the way we communicate and conduct business to how justice is administered. As we embrace these changes, it is crucial that our legal frameworks evolve accordingly to ensure that the rights of all individuals are protected and access to justice remains equitable in this new digital landscape.
In response to these changes, the Philippines has recently enacted and amended several laws aimed at strengthening the legal system and protecting the interests of its citizens. Among the most significant is Republic Act No. 11967, known as The Internet Transactions Act, which seeks to regulate e-commerce, protect consumer rights, safeguard data privacy, and preserve intellectual property in the digital realm. Another key piece of legislation is Republic Act No. 12010, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), which addresses the growing issue of financial cybercrimes, ensures the protection of financial consumers, and strengthens the integrity of the country’s financial system.
In addition to these laws, the Supreme Court has taken a vital step toward improving access to justice through the implementation of the Rules on Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS Rules). These rules require lawyers to dedicate at least 60 hours of pro bono legal aid every three years to indigent Filipinos. This initiative is vital in ensuring that justice remains accessible to all, particularly to those who cannot afford legal representation.
While our Association takes great pride in its rich history and tradition, we shall strive to remain agile and responsive to the challenges of the present. By embracing innovation and staying true to our core values, we are not only preserving the relevance of our beloved association but also ensuring that we remain a force for good in the future.
Together, we will navigate the evolving legal landscape and continue to serve our community with the highest standards of integrity and excellence. May we always keep faith in the ideals that unite us, in the pursuit of justice and fairness, and in our unwavering commitment to rule of law for the benefit of all.
Atty. Joseph Manolo R. Rebano