Group hits UST law dean’s 2 UCPB posts

MANILA, Philippines - An anti-corruption group questioned yesterday the positions held by University of Santo Tomas law dean Nilo Divina at the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB).

The National Coalition of Filipino Consumers (NCFC) alleged that Divina is holding two positions in UCPB as a member of the board of directors, being a nominee of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), and also as the external counsel of the bank.

NCFC lawyer and spokesman Oliver San Antonio asked the government, particularly the Supreme Court and Office of the Ombudsman, to check on the possible “conflict of interest.”

San Antonio told reporters that as a member of the UCPB board, Divina “is among those who approve the engagement of external counsel and the fixing and payment of fees of that external counsel.”

Divina’s election to the UCPB board by the PCGG was approved by President Aquino in January 2011. Divina is the founding and managing partner of the Divina Law Firm and among the corporate clients listed in the firm’s website is UCPB Savings Bank, a subsidiary of UCPB.

San Antonio said that as a government functionary and member of the Bar, Divina could be held liable for violating provisions of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, as well as the Code of Professional Responsibility for lawyers. The Supreme Court ruled with finality last year that the government owns 72 percent of UCPB.

He said a provision of the lawyer’s code states that “a lawyer in the government service shall not use his public position to promote or advance his private interests” while the government officials’ code of conduct requires public officials to “avoid conflicts of interest at all times.”