Lawyers form new group, ask IBP Cebu prexy to quit

A group of lawyers who disagree with their officials in the Integrated Bar of the Philippines in calling for the president's resignation have formed their own group.

The newly formed Cebu Lawyers for Unity and Brotherhood pointed out that the IBP Constitution and By-Laws prohibits them from participating in any political activity.

The group is set to be formally launched today with the signing of their Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws.

Article I, Section 4 of the IBP Constitution and By-Laws states that "The IBP is strictly non-political and every activity tending to impair this basic feature is strictly prohibited and shall be penalized accordingly."

The group said this provision was clearly violated by the officers of the IBP Cebu City chapter under the leadership of President Alex Tolentino when they passed a resolution earlier asking Arroyo to resign at the height of the "Hello Garci" controversy.

Arturo Fernandez, spokesman of the new group, said they reminded Tolentino of this before the officers passed the resolution calling for Arroyo's resignation without prior consultation of its members.

Tolentino allegedly assured them then that it would not happen again, but then IBP again made a stand on the Proclamation 1017 declaring the country under a state of national emergency and even forged an alliance with the militant groups allegedly without consulting members again.

Fernandez said they and want consultation before the IBP board takes a stand on important issues. They stressed that they are contented with the leadership of Tolentino only that they want a more democratic way of running the organization by way of conducting consultations.

Fernandez said that they already have more than 30 lawyers joining their new club. -Fred P. Languido