Former Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Cebu City Chapter president Alex Tolentino has passed away on Thursday afternoon after succumbing to colon cancer.
Lawyer Earl Bonachita, who represented Tolentino when the late lawyer got involved in a legal row a few years back, said that his death is a big loss not just for his family but also for the legal community.
“Aside from serving as past president of IBP Cebu City Chapter, he passionately served as legal aid volunteer lawyer,” Bonachita said.
“I could personally attest that he was one of the most diligent and passionate defense lawyers in the city. With him gone, we will sorely miss his legal aid services for the poor. May the young generation of lawyers emulate his passion to defend the marginalized especially in these trying times when many innocent lives are lost without the benefit of due process of law,” he said.
Bonachita said Tolentino died at his residence along Echavez Street in Cebu City at 1:20 p.m. Thursday.
In a phone interview, current IBP – Cebu City president Hidelito Pascual likewise said that Tolentino’s passing is a great loss to the law profession in Cebu City.
“He has always been at the forefront sa mga issues (of issues),” he said. “He really gave his time to (sic) the matter so anogon ba because he was a very good lawyer. He leaves a big hole among Cebu lawyers that is difficult to fill,” said Pascual.
According to Bonachita, Tolentino’s wake will be held at St. Peter’s at Imus Street, Cebu City.
His interment will be on Tuesday, December 20, at Golden Haven in Barangay Talamban, Cebu City.