Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) — 2020 Bar examinations chairperson Associate Justice Marvic Leonen reminded the new batch of lawyers in the country to resist injustice.
“Make it your passion to resist injustice… Be better than us,” Leonen said in the first-ever online oath taking of successful Bar candidates. The ceremony was done via video conferencing in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Quoting activist Lean Alejandro, Leonen said the line of fire is always a place of honor. “Protect those who have less in life. Do not stand for abuse. Be accepting of different identities. Speak up against corruption,” he said
While it’s tempting to live comfortably, get rich, and “succumb to the status quo,” Leonen said there is always a choice to “discover our courage, leave with the discomfort, critically examine our society and use our profession for a greater purpose that humanity not only survives, but thrives with social justice.”
The senior magistrate also pointed out that silence maintains the status quo and makes sure that others will also be victimized. The rule of law is always the rule of just law, he added.
“Your oath to the rule of law is not an oath of surrender to the unjust and oppressive elements of the status quo. It’s license to further marginalize those who are disadvantaged, poor, and abused by power,” Leonen said.
He said the Bar is only a qualifying examination and not a basis to define a good lawyer.
“You are more than your degrees and your professional titles. They are your masks. Behind these masks and titles should still be authentic human beings,” Leonen said.
