Supreme Court unveils new Lawyer’s Oath

Supreme Court. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court on Thursday revealed the new Lawyer’s Oath during the official launch of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) or the new lawyers’ code.

Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen said that for a time, they have been bothered by the formulation of the current lawyer’s oath, which he described as crafted in “archaic language befitting western colonizers.”

He said the present lawyer’s oath does not reflect the current constitution’s ambitions, which resulted from various revolutions, “including the one in 1986.”

Leonen added that the current oath did not mention a lawyer’s most important duty “to do justice or even to ensure access to justice.”

The senior magistrate reminded lawyers of the importance of civility, especially in adversarial conflict, as parties to cases “are deserving of better treatment always as human beings.”

“Our goal in asserting and deciding sides in a conflict is not simply to declare a victor but more to re-establish justice which is the bulwark of what should compel us as humans to do what we should do for each other,” he said.

Below is the full text of the new Lawyer’s Oath:

“I (name) do solemnly swear that I accept the honor, privilege, duty, and responsibility of practicing law in the Philippines as an officer of the court in the interest of our people.

I declare fealty to the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.

In so doing, I shall work towards promoting the rule of law in a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace.

I shall conscientiously and courageously work for justice as well as safeguard the rights and meaningful freedoms of all persons, identities, and communities. I shall ensure greater and equitable access to justice.

I shall do no falsehood, nor shall I pervert the law to unjustly favor or prejudice anyone.

I shall faithfully discharge these duties and responsibilities to the best of my ability, with integrity and utmost civility.

I impose upon myself without mental reservation nor purpose of evasion so help me God.”

The new Lawyer’s Oath was unveiled a day before the country welcomes new lawyers with the release of the 2022 Bar Exam result.

“The first batch of lawyers who will take this new Lawyer’s Oath will be decided the en banc (full court session) tomorrow,” Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said.

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