Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The law profession is one of prestige and honor.
It’s a feat to become legal counsel — from the rigors of law school, keeping up with the costs, and passing the bar exams.
Something that Roy Lawagan of Baguio City went through.
Lawagan said he entered law school upon the wishes of his parents — but added that he eventually took a liking for the course.
Later, he said he found out that it was not that easy.
He’s a law student in the afternoon, and a security guard at night so that he could fend for his family.
He related there were times he wasn’t able to catch up on his reading.
“Matatawag ka sa recitation, di ka makakasagot.”
[Translation: “During recitation, I would be called and would fumble for an answer.”]
Lawagan’s message to those aspiring to take up law but with limited resources: Keep on holding to your dreams but it should be coupled with sacrifice so you could turn it into reality.
26 percent of over 6,000 students passed the 2015 bar exams.
They are now full-fledged lawyers — after taking their oath at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Thursday.
They begin their new journey with controversial issues facing the legal profession.
Among them, President-elect Duterte’s call to restore the death penalty.
Related: Sotto supports death penalty, doubts Supreme Court, Congress will approve hanging
Lawagan himself is for capital punishment — saying it would deter heinous crimes.
Bar exam second placer Athena Plaza is supporting Duterte as well — saying she would back up the incoming President’s policy.
But not for bar topnotcher Rachel Angeli Miranda.
“From the experiences in our country and in other countries, it doesn’t work. It’s not a very good deterrent for crime.” Miranda said.
She added that new lawyers should remember where they stand and to fight for what they believe in.
Meanwhle, Supreme Court Associate Justice Arturo Brion reminds the new lawyers to always uphold legal ethics.
