Adventist Lawyers Provide Legal Procedures Orientation to SePUM Officers
The legal Procedures Orientation, a significant event, was conducted by four (4) Adventist lawyers today, May 13, at the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) headquarters in Adventist Hospital Davao Building, Davao City. This event aimed to educate officers and administrators of 5 missions and 2 institutions in the territory of SePUM about crucial legal procedures.
Pr. Edwin Magdadaro, SePUM Executive Secretary, welcomed the participants attending the free legal education program from Davao Mission (DM), Northern Davao Mission (NDM), South Central Mindanao Mission (SCMM); Southeastern Caraga Mission (SeCM), Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM), South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC), and Adventist Hospital Davao (AHD). This activity was a long-time dream, even before the bifurcation or creation of 2 unions out from South Philippine Union Conference. The expertise of the Adventist lawyers who led this program added significant value to the event.
Atty. Joel Ybańez gave a review on Republic Act 11232 or the Act Providing for the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, was signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on 21 February 2019. This amendment, among others, provides for the establishment of a one- person corporation (OPC), perpetual existence of corporations, electronic filing and monitoring, alternative dispute resolution, stockholder participation through remote communication, and election of independent directors for corporations. These changes have practical implications for the church and its institutions, making this review particularly relevant.
The second and third lectures were about Salient Features of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 or Republic Act 10173 beautifully explained by Atty. Fritz Tagaloguin while Atty. Steve Bitoon deliberated the Penal Sanctions of the Data Privacy Act which aims to protect personal data in information and communications systems both in the government and the private sector. The DPA created the National Privacy Commission (NPC) which is tasked to monitor its implementation.
Judge Chalmer Gevieso delivered a lecture on Employee Discipline Under the Labor Code, a topic of utmost relevance to the church. As a corporation with a worldwide existence, the church must also abide by the laws of the land. This understanding is crucial for all law-abiding children of God, as the laws of the land are not contradictory to the ordinances of God.
Pr. Danielo Palomares, SePUM President, expressed his profound gratitude to the dedicated Adventist lawyers. Despite their demanding schedules in the judiciary, they are always ready to be summoned by God to serve the church. Their selflessness is truly commendable, and we are fortunate to have them as part of our community. The leaders of this church should be well-informed not only about the law of God but also the mandates on earth. As the saying goes, “ignorantia juris non excusat” or ignorance of the law excuses no one, though such laws are fallible.
In point of fact, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. Psalms 19:7-8. (SePUM Communication)