IBP exec named DND legal services chief

MANILA, Philippines - An official of a local chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has been named by the Department of National Defense (DND) as its legal services head.

In a statement, the DND said Cherrie Belmonte-Lim was appointed Feb. 10 to replace Patrick Velez, who is now the DND assistant secretary for acquisitions, installations and logistics.

Belmonte-Lim is currently the director of IBP Quezon City chapter. She is also a senior partner at the Soriano, Torres Yap Belmonte Law Office.

Belmonte-Lim served as officer-in-charge of the procurement and logistics service of the Department of Health in 1998. She was also a legislative officer of the Senate from 1997 to 1998.

Belmonte-Lim obtained a degree in statistics from the University of the Philippines in 1986. She finished her law studies at the UP College of Law in 1993.

The DND’s new legal chief has a master’s degree in national security administration and is an Air Force reservist with the rank of lieutenant colonel.