MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / June 27, 2014) – The Philippine Bar Association or PBA celebrated its 123rd founding anniversary with President Benigno Aquino as its guest of honor.
Aquino praised the PBA for “being a consistent voice for the rule of law.”
In his speech before some 200 lawyers at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City, Aquino lauded the PBA for constantly upholding the rule of law particularly during the Martial Law regime, the Arroyo administration and the impeachment of former Chief Justice Renato Corona.
He said the PBA has always considered the common good in upholding the rule of law. He particularly cited the advocacy of the PBA against human rights violation, which include the investigation into his father’s assassination; the group’s support for the restoration of democracy during the People Power Revolution in 1986; and questioning the “midnight appointments” during the Arroyo administration.
“I made it a point to be here with your association today not just to thank you for taking a similar position with us, but to thank you for being a consistent voice for the rule of law,” he said.
“Even when so many other lawyers’ groups seem so willing to add to the noise and clamor, your association remains sober and measured in its statements. This is what sets the Philippine Bar Association apart from all other groups. Even in disagreement, you do not pander to public sentiment, but raise the level of discourse and uphold the rule of law—in all situations, you have found that there is only one answer to the question, does this redound to the common good?,” he asked.
Aquino extolled the audacity of the PBA lawyers for supporting the administration’s impeachment case despite knowing that such action would jeopardize their careers.
He said ensuring equity and justice is a duty not just by the government but by the lawyers as well, expressing confidence that the PBA will continue to uphold its integrity in serving the Filipino people.
“Whether as lawyers today, or as judges and justices, each time you make a decision that redounds to the benefit of all—each time you choose the straight path, you are not only living up to the oath you swore when you were admitted to the Bar, you are also and more importantly helping to build a more just, a more fair society. Whether or not you are a member of the PBA, whatever your alma mater or area of practice, this is what must unite all those in the legal profession: a firm resolve to uphold both the spirit and the letter of the law, towards serving your fellowmen,” he said.
The PBA is the oldest voluntary national organization of lawyers in the Philippines. It traces its roots to the Colegio de Abogados de Filipinas organized on April 8, 1891 and the bar association organized by American lawyers in the Philippines in 1900.
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