Duterte urges ASEAN lawyers to instil best practices in profession

PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE has encouraged the ASEAN Law Association (ALA) to promote among its members the best practices in the law profession.

Duterte made this statement as he graced the special commemorative session of the Governing Council of ALA at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace recently. In his speech, the President called on ALA to continue providing opportunities for the meaningful exchange of knowledge and information among lawyers from ASEAN nations.

“Let us work together in instilling upon your members the best practices in the profession so that they can become crucial players in building a stronger and more dynamic regional community,” he said.

Duterte also expressed hopes that ALA would become instrumental in addressing the scourge of poverty that afflicts the region as well as transnational crimes and terrorism. He explained that when these problems are addressed, it will result in the creation of an environment where businesses can flourish and where people can live in lasting peace and prosperity.

ALA is a non-governmental organization of lawyers in the ASEAN region that was established in 1979. As the only non-governmental law organization recognized by the ASEAN Charter, it mandates its members to help form and implement the ASEAN Economic Community.

Also present during the event were ASEAN Law Association President lawyer Avelino Cruz, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, former President Gloria Arroyo, former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban. And also Chief Justice Kifrawi Dato Kifli, of Brunei, Chief Justice Muhammad Hatta Ali, of Indonesia, the Association Secretary General Regina Geraldez, and ASEAN Interparliamentary Secretary General Isra Sunthornvut.