New lawyers urged to ‘fight tyranny’, ‘defend democracy’

MANILA, Philippines — “Fight tyranny, defend democracy,” Supreme Court Associate Justice Arturo Brion told new lawyers in their oath-taking Wednesday at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Brion, in his speech, said fighting tyranny and defending democracy could be done by observing the rule of law.

“Fighting against tyranny and defending democracy are not, by any measure, easy tasks, for we are not allowed to fight tyranny with the same tools it employs.  The oath you took today commands you to fight by upholding the rule of law – a phrase that has entered the layman’s lexicon and consciousness but one that is often misunderstood.”

He said the rule of law “means that every person, of whatever rank, class, or condition, is subject to the laws of the land, particularly the Constitution and its underlying principles of its supremacy, the separation of powers, checks and balances, and, most of all, the observance of due process.”

“I am sure that you are all aware of the challenges that our Chief Justice is currently facing – challenges that may have polarized the entire nation. I am not here to tell you which side is right and which side is wrong. I will leave that question to your own judgment as professionals skilled in the law and as aware citizens. But I mention this present case because it significantly involves the law and the rule of law, and as an example of the challenges you may face to undertake your role as lawyers, especially in these times of searing emotions when tempers are running high. It is especially in these highly charged times that we need to look to the law for guidance, for passion must be tempered with reason,” Brion said.
Brion added that while the latest successful Bar examinees are joining the ranks of lawyers amidst trying times, “your adherence to the rule of law may and most probably will be misconstrued as blind and stubborn adherence to the old guard and its antiquated beliefs. But you must not waver in your sworn duty.”

Bar examinees who have taken their oath can only become lawyers after signing the Roll of Attorneys.

A total of 1,913 or 31.95 % out of the 5,987 examinees who completed taking the 2011 Bar examinations passed the first predominant multiple choice question-type tests in the Bar’s 110-year history.

The 2011 Bar Committee was chaired by SC Justice Roberto A. Abad.

Supreme Court Justice Martin S. Villarama, Jr. will chair this year’s Bar exams.