The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) earned praise from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) after arresting an alleged fake lawyer in Tarlac City.

The IBP commended the NBI’s swift action, emphasizing that the practice of law is a “public trust” and not a “trade to be imitated.”

The suspect, identified as Jenny Macanas Sapad, who also allegedly used the aliases “Sheila Castillo” and “Angel Roxas y Sotero,” was apprehended by the NBI Criminal Intelligence Division (NBI-CRID) for multiple violations, including Syndicated Estafa through Falsification of Public Documents in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

In a statement, the IBP hailed the NBI’s decisive move, saying it “reinforces a truth that anchors the legal profession: that the practice of law is not a trade to be imitated, but a public trust to be upheld with integrity, competence, and honor.”

The group reiterated its firm stance against any form of deception that exploits the dignity of the legal profession.

The IBP further stated, “Every false claim to the title of ‘attorney’ erodes public confidence and desecrates the oath that real lawyers bear with duty and sacrifice.”

Issuing a stern warning, the IBP reminded the public that “the unauthorized practice of law is not merely deceit—it is a crime.”