Two years ago, I summed up my list of Ten Best Lawyers in the Philippines.Today, the number 8 man on my list hit the headlines: Saklolo Leano. According to news reports, Sak -- as people are fond of calling him -- was appointed as co-counsel for the defense of the President in the impeachment trial.
I blogged:
"8. Saklolo Leano
He is considered as one of the few experts in aviation law, and is constantly battling the world's best lawyers in this field. I had the privilege of working with him in the multi-billion peso construction arbitration case against a French contractor and would forever be in awe of this great lawyer. Sak was our hitman against the French's expert witness, a lawyer-engineer with very impressive academic and professional credentials. Sak cross-examined the expert witness like a cook peeling off the skin of an onion. He was subtle, precise, organized, logical and persuasive. The French tried his best to live up to his client's expectations but he was no match. At one high point of the cross-examination, Sak, with his pleasant and clear voice told the witness, 'Mr. Smith, I am very sorry to say this but you do not have the slightest respect for the Philippine courts.' We won PHP 700 million in that case."
Legal 500, a publication, which rates and recomends lawyers based on their expertise, lists Platon Martinez Floes San Pedro & Leano, Sak's firm, as one of the top litigation firms in Manila.
Unlike the defense lawyers in the impeachment trial of Erap Estrada, Sak is a charming mild-mannered lawyer. He doesn't have a reputation of being a cheat. And he is not likely to offend people in the event that he has to object to every question of the prosecution team a la Atty. Flaminiano in the Estrada impeachment. The only factor that might go against him is that Sak is now in his late sixties or early seventies. I hope he will be able to stand the rigors of this impeachment trial. But I'm sure, he will be able to live up to his reputation, give the President a fair trial, and help the nation uncover the truth.
7 comments:
Breakaway group ng Siguion Reyna yang firm nila Platon, di ba? Platon and Ogot San Pedro were senior partners there.
yup! the Philippines' finest...
Personally, it’s a wow for me. our country needs more like you, not more on knowledge ( we already have bunch of them sinking our country) but the heart that you have. Keep it up. I declare God’s blessing in your life particularly long life and may you have a great successor. I don’t know if God would allow us to face each other one day, but when it happens, I’ll give you my salute that only great people can have. I hope at least you can read this. Proverbs 16:32
-A d’ G
Saklolo A. Leano passed away yesterday, 10 November 2010. He was a lawyer's lawyer, whose modesty and integrity even exceeded his considerable legal skills. He left behind his wife and 6 children. He shall sorely be missed by those whom he touched in the profession.
I had the opportunity of working under Sak Leaño and have nothing but the highest admiration for him. He was a brilliant and inspiring litigator who had the temperament of a loving but firm grandfather; a rarity in the legal profession. He was an institution who will always be remembered dearly. I worked for him for less than two years and yet I have a lifetime of stories to tell of this great man.
Saklolo Leano is my grandfather! To see comments like this about him reminds me of Wat a great grandpa, father, uncle, person, human being he was. He will be missed dearly by all that has known him. Especially by our family.
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