As we celebrate the Rule of Law Month this September, the Open Bar, a monthly podcast initiated by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Eastern Visayas Region, brings to you Her Excellency, Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Gerona Robredo.

A female lawyer, Vice President Robredo has dedicated significant portions of her career to government service, legislative work as a former congresswoman, counsel for indigents at the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), and as an alternative lawyer for Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panlegal (SALIGAN).

In this special episode, she expressed her insights in the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, which is now on its sixth month in the Philippines, the impact of women leaders, and the initiatives of the Office of the Vice-President (OVP) in dealing with the ongoing public health crisis.

The Vice-President also shared her personal experiences on the difficulties of studying law and the lessons she had learned after taking the Philippine Bar Examinations twice. She also recounted the days of being a public service lawyer which plays a pivotal role in assuming the role of Vice-President. As a final note, VP Leni calls lawyers to question and challenge the status quo as instruments of justice.

In a special segment, IBP Leyte shared its programs and initiatives.

Production & Direction: Atty. Ian Vincent Manticajon Editorial Assistance: Atty. Christopher John Menguito Cover Art: Vincent Pepito Cover Layout: Resty Arintoc Content Consultant: Atty. King Anthony Perez Music: bensound.com