By Gerome Dalipe
Lawyer Mehelinda Penetrante secured a landslide victory in the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Iloilo Chapter elections held over the weekend at the Ramon Q. Avanceña Hall of Justice.
Running under Team Abanse, Penetrante garnered 669 votes, against 109 votes of fellow lawyer Eduardo T. Reyes.
She will assume the presidency of the IBP Iloilo Chapter, pledging stronger Bench-Bar collaboration, transparency, inclusivity, and proactive problem-solving in the legal community.
Her victory was part of a sweeping win for Team Abanse.
Lawyer Edgar Pestaño won the vice presidency with 555 votes over lawyer Victor Decida’s 210.
The team also secured key positions, including secretary, auditor, public relations officer, and seats on the Board of Directors.
Following her proclamation, Penetrante attributed her win to her team’s dedicated efforts.
“This victory is not just for me but for Team Abanse,” she said. “We personally visited lawyers’ offices and government agencies to share our vision of a more transparent and inclusive IBP Iloilo.”
Team Abanse aims to bridge the longstanding divide between the Bench and the Bar, fostering cooperative problem-solving in the administration of justice.
“Our intergenerational leadership is committed to creating an IBP where all members collaborate to address historical obstacles to justice,” Penetrante said.
With over 35 years in legal practice, Penetrante’s experience and reputation for integrity resonated with voters.
“I have met many people who trust my capability to lead the IBP,” she added.
The election, held from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, featured a closely watched vice-presidential race between Pestaño and Decida of Reyes’ slate.
Team Abanse also dominated the Board of Directors race, consistently outpacing their opponents.
Despite the decisive outcome, the election faced controversy.
Lawyer Delicana filed a protest challenging Penetrante’s nomination, citing her roles as a government lawyer and professor at the West Visayas State University College of Law.
Team Abanse refuted the claim, clarifying that Penetrante is not a regular employee and that her contract of service is pending renewal.
The IBP Iloilo Chapter Election Committee dismissed the protest, affirming her eligibility.
Penetrante’s victory drew widespread praise. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed strong support, citing her deep understanding of the legal community’s challenges and her advocacy work.
“I have known Atty. Penetrante for nearly five years through our law firm, and I firmly believe in her capability and vision for the IBP,” Treñas told reporters.
The Women Law Advocates of the Philippines (WLAP) also endorsed Penetrante, calling her a transformative leader. WLAP highlighted her presidency from 2022 to 2024 and her dedication to legal and social reforms, particularly in championing the rights of women, children, and marginalized communities.
With her landslide win, Penetrante vowed to lead the IBP Iloilo Chapter toward stronger Bench-Bar collaboration and a more transparent, justice-driven legal institution.
