The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Zamboanga del Norte Chapter held its annual General Assembly and conducted the first Pillars of Justice Assessment Program (PJAP) survey simultaneously with all other chapters nationwide on February 24, 2018 at St. La Salle Building, DMC College Foundation.

In the PJAP survey, the members assessed the judges, labor arbiter, City/Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, Public Attorney’s Office, Parole and Probation Office, Bureau of Jail Management & Penology. They name judges who are exemplary and those needing improvements, and recommend lawyers to the judiciary. The results of the confidential survey will be used for awards, recognition, incentives, remedial measures, and disciplinary action by the Supreme Court and other concerned
government agencies. The survey is initiated by the IBP Board of Governors and approved by the House of Delegates.

The chapter officers reported on the financial status of the chapter; announced the upcoming activities like the Western Mindanao Regional Convention, Sports Fest, and the Bench and Bar Dialogue; and listened to the members concerns. The assembly brainstormed on how to raise funds; broached the idea of adopting a schedule of minimum fees for legal services and introducing a chapter membership card offering discounts from merchant partners.

More than twenty members, representing the bench and the bar, attended the General Assembly, including Judge Jose Rene Dondoyano of the Regional Trial Court Branch 6, and Prosecutor Gabino Saavedra II from the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.