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The Philippine American Bar Association of Metropolitan Washington, DC (PABA)
The Philippine American Bar Association of Metropolitan Washington, DC (PABA) is a contemporary fraternal organization, formed in 1977, consisting of lawyers residing and/or practicing in the Washington, DC area. The original organizers were all Filipinos and the current membership is largely of Filipino descent. However, PABA is open to anyone allied to the legal profession, committed to justice through the rule of law, and respectful of Filipino culture and the intertwined history of the Philippines and the United States. PABA insists that its members act ethically in both their professional and personal lives.

1. Purposes:

1.1 Community Outreach: PABA assists its members, the larger legal community and the public in understanding how the law surrounds us and affects our lives. Seminars and community outreach projects are scheduled each year. PABA has been recognized by the Governors of Maryland and Virginia and the Mayor of the District of Columbia for its contributions to the community at large.

1.2 Human Rights Outreach: PABA takes public positions in support of victims of human rights abuse throughout the world. PABA has focused on the plight of Filipino's working abroad, particularly in the Middle East, and Filipino veterans of World War II. However, PABA takes heed of injustice to anyone, anywhere. However, there have been disagreements within the membership as to which situations should be addressed first or prioritized.

2. Diversity:

From 1977 to 1995 the PABA membership was entirely Filipino. In 1995, the Board accepted the application for membership of the first non-Filipino. Since then, the membership has grown to include members of all races and ethnic backgrounds.

3. Presidents:

Julio Macaranas, Founding President, 1977-1981, David Valderrama, 1981-83, Oscar Noblejas, 1983-85, Avelino G. Halagao, 1985-86, Roberto Suguitan, 1986-88, Januaro Azarcon, 1988-1990, Inocentes Tecala, 1990-91, Romula M. Quintos, 1991-92, Norman M. Balagtas, 1992-93, Romeo A. Dacquel, 1993-95, Ramon A. P. Paterno, 1995-97, Delfin M Castro, 1997-98, Benjamin Maynigo, 1998-99, Eufemio B. Dauz, 1999-2000, Rodney Garcia, 2000-2002, Miriam Bustamante Riedmiller, 2002-2004, Edilberto Atienza, 2004-2006, Juliette Watlington, 2006-2008, Ludi Cabanas 2008-