Nong Kel Tolentino, an inspiration and idol
BY ATTY. RICARDO IBARRETA, JR.
President, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Inc. Aklan chapter

Press Secretary Crispulo Icban Jr. confers the Lifetime Achiever Award to Atty. Ronquillo Tolentino during the 2nd Anniversary of Kapihan sa Aklan / PHOTO BY BOY RYAN ZABAL

On the occasion of the 2nd anniversary of the successful Kapihan sa Aklan we are giving tribute to an honorable man who had made imprints on two professional fields.
Few indeed had become successful in marrying these two jealous mistresses. But so though is journalism because both demands total dedication and attention. Both are uncompromising vocation, but our honoree Atty. Ronquillo ‘Kel’ Tolentino succeeded in embibing these two vocations.
However, it is not surprising of Nong Kel, had easily donned the two robes because both these vocations have a common avowal: integrity, translated into observance of high ethical standards. The lack of ethical standards in the exercise of these professions signifies the failure of its practitioners.
Nong Kel, however, succeeded in the exercise of these professions because he is a man of integrity.
As a lawyer, Nong Kel had practiced his profession with high ethical standards. He exudes in his person the canons of the code of profession responsibility of lawyers. It is this ethical standard that permeates his life.
I have the occasion to sit with Nong Kel and observe him practice law at close range. We are both sitting as members of the board of directors of Aklan Catholic College.
During board meetings, Nong Kel is a man of few words, but those words are succinct, apt and insightful.
I always rely on his legal insights pertaining to matters on the agenda because they are valuable and suffused in experience.
Many times, sensitive and delicate matters in the agenda are resolved or taken up through the almost solomonic thoughts of Nong Kel. His serene inputs and diplomatic skills have a calming effect that helped the institution.
As an original member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Aklan Chapter, he had showed his concern for the professionalism of the IBP-Aklan.
When some in our ranks are eroding the professionalism in the practice of law by applying the laws of the marketplace to gain clientele, Nong Kel stand forward to remind the profession of its nobility.
Indeed, many times I heard Nong Kel reiterates that the practice of law is a noble profession. Nong Kel epitomizes that because he is a noble person himself, and whose nobility he exudes in his character, and in the way he deals with others.
Nong Kel, the IBP-Aklan salutes you and you will remain our inspiration and idol.