By Genalyn Kabiling
Malacañang has congratulated the passers of the 2019 Bar examinations on their "life-changing" achievement and encouraged them to work in government.
As the successful examinees enter the legal profession, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also reminded them to always uphold the law and protect the rights of people.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr.
(YANCY LIM / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
A total of 2,103, or 27.36 percent out of the 7,685 Bar takers, passed the examinations held last November. The top five scorers are women, and two more are in the top ten overall.
"Today is a life-changing moment our bar examinees. The results are out, and congratulations to the bar passers as they -- together with their parents, friends, and loved ones who believe and supported them in law school -- celebrate this moment of triumph," Roque said in a statement Wednesday.
"As we wish all the incoming lawyers all the best, we hope that many, after taking their oaths and signing the rolls, would consider a career in government," he added.
Roque asked the incoming lawyers to take the opportunity "to give back to the community for earning the privilege to practice law in the country."
"Our new lawyers' idealism and integrity are welcome additions in building a strong, healthy, and prosperous nation which every Filipino deserves," he added.
The successful examinees should also always bear in mind that the legal profession is a “noble profession,” according to Roque.
"Lawyers pledge to uphold the law at all times and use it to protect people’s rights. I, therefore, strongly urge all to bring life to this ideal,” said Roque, a lawyer by profession.
Roque also advised those who were unable to pass the exams not to be dismayed by the results and instead carry on.
"To those who are not fortunate in their attempt, my advice as a professor of law is not let the results dishearten them. Continue to believe in their passion," he said.
'Frontliners in post- COVID world’
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles has extended his congratulations to the Bar passers, saying they will become the “frontliners in a post-COVID world” as advocates of truth and justice.
Nograles said they would enter the legal profession at “very challenging time” amid the quarantine restrictions enforced in the county. He noted that courts of justice have temporarily ceased operations and the practice of law will certainly change due to the pandemic.
"Always be guided by your sense of idealism that law is a tool for justice, and be fully aware that no matter what the situation, you are called upon to uphold and protect the rule of law,” Nograles said in a statement.
"You will be frontliners in a post-COVID world as advocates of truth and partners in rebuilding. Prove to the country that you are most worthy of being new lawyers for the Filipino people,” he added.
READ MORE: UST-Legazpi law graduate lands on top of 2,103 bar passers