THE head of Mandaue City Treasurer's Office has been elected as president of the Cebu Lady Lawyers Association (Cella).
Lawyer Regal Oliva has been chosen president of the association in an election held on February 25.
Oliva is the first transgender woman to be elected president out of the 15 nominees.
In an interview with reporters Monday, March 6, 2023, Oliva said she would like to strengthen policies against gender equality and women's rights.
"There is still discrimination, especially on gender sensitivity, and I like to advocate on that in the Supreme Court," Oliva said.
Michelle Mendez-Palmares, current president of the IBP Cebu City Chapter and a former Cella president, expressed her excitement about the election results, saying they mark a significant turning point not only for Cella but for the entire legal community in Cebu, demonstrating great respect and acceptance for everyone regardless of gender expression.
"This just shows how progressive the Cebu legal community is, much more than Cella," said Mendez-Palmares.
Cella is an organization of women lawyers in Cebu advocating for inclusive society onward gender equality, providing access to justice for the poor and underprivileged women, and lobbying laws in the communities to stop violence against women and girls.
Elected with Oliva are lawyers Georgia Herrera-Klepp as external vice president, Mary Grace Casano as internal vice president, Jizza Raagas as secretary, Elizabeth Reyes as treasurer, Angel Fernandez-Dumon as auditor, and Lalaine Salve-Esmeralda as public relations officer.
Among the Directors elected were lawyers Hazel Espina, Tercel Mercado-Gephart, Rhea Senining-Judilla, Mary Rose Salvatiera-Lubino, and Niva Costanilla-Vilamor.
Oliva is the immediate past president of the IBP Cebu City Chapter and now sits as deputy governor for the Eastern Visayas Region of the IBP.
She also serves as the municipal treasurer of Liloan, Cebu. (HIC)