President’s Message

TODAY’s weekly convocation of Manila Rotarians promises not merely another meeting, but a vibrant chapter of fellowship and purpose – an occasion where bonds are deepened, ideas take flight, and memories are etched anew.

As we hold our joint meeting with a leading and dynamic club – the Rotary Club of Makati – and as we welcome a respected government lawyer as our Guest of Honor and Speaker, our meeting promises not just deliberation, but delight; not merely routine, but remembrance. This will surely be a gathering where fellowship finds new color, and purpose shines with renewed brilliance.

Despite her busy schedule, Solicitor General Darlene “Lelen” Berberabe has graciously accepted our invitation to speak about her new and exciting role as the Tribune of the People.

I have personally known SolGen Lelen for more than a decade, and I lauded her appointment, first as Dean of the UP College of Law, and later on as the Republic’s top lawyer. She is, indeed, a wise choice for the job.

In a time when the nation yearns for leaders of both competence and integrity, it is essential that the Office of the Solicitor General be helmed by someone who embodies intellectual rigor, a proven track record in public service, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. In my view, our lady Solicitor General exemplifies these qualities, making her more than worthy of the trust and responsibility that comes with being the People’s Lawyer.

SolGen Lelen’s professional journey reveals a consistent pattern of excellence. As a lawyer, she has displayed mastery not only of the law but of its application in addressing complex issues affecting the public interest. Her career is not defined merely by private success, but by the kind of public service that bridges technical expertise with a genuine concern for people’s welfare.

Her leadership as former President and CEO (PCEO) of the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) is proof of this. Under her stewardship, the institution was strengthened with reforms that enhanced transparency, efficiency, and accountability, while also expanding services for millions of Filipinos. It is rare to find a leader who can both uphold institutional integrity and innovate to widen access to social benefits, but she has done so decisively.

I was the Government Corporate Counsel, Pag-IBIG Fund’s statutory counsel, at the time when SolGen Lelen served as its PCEO. This is why I personally know how she so competently and impressively managed this institution.

Another aspect that I find endearing about SolGen Lelen is her reputation for integrity and incorruptibility. In an era when public confidence in institutions can be fragile, the Office of the Solicitor General must be entrusted to one whose moral compass is clear and unwavering. Her public record reflects precisely that— leadership unmarred by scandal, stewardship guided by transparency, and a life committed to service rather than self-interest. She has consistently proven that public office can be exercised with dignity and credibility.

Her academic grounding further complements her professional experience. With her strong legal education and exposure to various areas of the law, she possesses the intellectual foundation required to confront the diverse and complex legal challenges that the Solicitor General must face.

Beyond credentials and achievements, what makes Atty. Lelen truly fit for the role is her deep sense of public mission. The Solicitor General is not merely an advocate for the government, but a guardian of the people’s interest. To be “the tribune of the people” requires the courage to stand for the Constitution, the wisdom to discern the just from the expedient, and the humility to recognize that the law must serve justice above all else. In her career, Atty. Lelen has demonstrated each of these qualities in action.

For all these reasons, I believe that the current Solicitor General is not only fit but destined to serve as such. In her, the nation would find a principled lawyer, a dedicated public servant, and a leader who can bring honor to one of the country’s most vital legal institutions.