2006 - Lualhati Buenafe

Lualhati Buenafe, Class 1953

Government and Public Service

Atty. Lualhati Buenafe has rendered exemplary services to the country and demonstrated the true meaning of public service - a life highlighted with honesty, integrity and commitment to the welfare of the people over and above her own - a public servant worth emulating.

Atty. Buenafe joined the government service in 1961 at the Justice Department. She was appointed State Prosecutor by Pres. Marcos in 1980, Senior State Prosecutor after the EDSA I People Power Revolution; Assistant Chief State Prosecutor under the regime of President Ramos and served as OIC-Under Secretary of Justice in 2001. She is the first woman to hold the position of Chief State Prosecutor and Under-Secretary of Justice.

Among her notable accomplishment was her unwavering fight against infringers and pirates of the audio and video industry. In 1993, she headed the Task Force on Anti-Intellectual Property created by Sec. Franklin Drillon, and because of this achievement in fighting video piracy, she was awarded a Plaque of Appreciation by the MMFF in 1997. Eventually, she became head of the Videogram Regulatory Board during the time of Pres. Arroyo. In 2002, she was appointed Vice Chairman and Exec. Director of VRB, assisting Sen. Bong Revilla,Jr. Atty, Buenafe also served in various government agencies, such as the NAPOLCOM, NCIS, and the Dangerous Drugs Board. She is a CESO II, the second highest rank granted by the President of the Philippines for government executives.

Atty, Buenafe is a native of Angono, Rizal and is happily married for 43 years with another public servant, Buenaventura Buenafe, a retired Revenue District officer and OIC governor of Abra.

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