IBP urges public to report 'fake' lawyers

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Monday encouraged the public to report to the organization or law enforcement agencies persons misrepresenting themselves as lawyers. 

IBP president Domingo Egon Cayosa said support, assistance, and incentives are available for people who help identify, arrest, and prosecute "fake" lawyers. 

He made the statement following the arrest of two people who allegedly misrepresented themselves as lawyers in Manila and in Quezon City. 

Cayosa said one Joselito Name Alegre, who had allegedly posed as IBP Manila 3 Chapter vice president Francisco James Brillantes, was arrested in Tondo, while one Cherry Barabad pretending to be a notary public using the name Salvador Viste, Jr. was arrested in Quezon City. 

"Aside from damaging the individual lawyer impersonated and the legal profession, fake lawyers prejudice the public interest as they compromise and subvert the legitimacy of legal processes and the documents that they deal with," the IBP president said. 

He commended the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation for the arrests. 

"IBP as well as its Chapters and Members shall remain vigilant and resolute against fake lawyers and will see to it that any fraudulent impostor is arrested and punished to the full extent of the law," he said. —KG, GMA News