Congratulations to all the new lawyers, especially the 2019 Bar Passers from the University of Cebu School of Law, who took their oath during the first-ever virtual oath-taking ceremony for the successful Bar candidates, a special en banc session of the Supreme Court (SC) of the Philippines, held earlier today. 

To the new lawyers, remember this powerful message from SC Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen (2020 Bar Chairperson)– 

“Protect those who have less in life. Do not stand for abuse. Be accepting of different identities. Speak up against corruption. Do not succumb to having more than enough. Do not trade kindness for the false badge of success. When you enter public office, discharge it for the public trust that it is. Do not temper principle with pragmatism. Do not hide behind comfortable acquiescence. Do not use comfort in lieu of integrity at critical times. Do not disguise your complicity, instead, be at the frontlines. 

As a lawyer, resist injustice. Make it your passion, to resist injustice. Strive for excellence, not only in order to get you more titles, not to land yourself in top 10 lists of lawyers. Strive for excellence, because you need excellence with honor to enable and empower the weak, the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed. 

Remain humble. Listen and learn. It is wisdom in the difficulties of our people. These are your responsibilities. There is a lot to be done out there.”

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