Be catalysts for change.

This was House Speaker Martin Romualdez's message to his fellow lawyers on Friday night, Feb. 17 during the 19th National Convention of Lawyers and the golden jubilee celebration of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), of which he is a member.

Romualdez congratulated the IBP members on their organization’s golden jubilee.

“The IBP indeed has come a long way in the pursuit of its mission to elevate the standards of the legal profession, improve the administration of justice, and enable the bar to discharge its public responsibility more effectively,” he said in his speech.

However, Leyte 1st district congressman said the IBP cannot rest on its laurels and should continue to move forward with the times.

He urged his lawyer-colleagues “to seize every opportunity to be catalysts for change, leading the way to bring about a better, more efficient, timely and speedy dispensation of justice".

Romualdez recalled his own admission to the bar in 1993.

“It was a solemn moment for me as I willingly imposed on myself the commitment to continuously uphold the standards of public service excellence in my practice of this noble profession. It is a commitment that I strive to fulfill each and every day,” he said.

He challenged the IBP to consider what it can achieve over the next 50 years. “I dare say that the IBP shall remain an important member of the Philippine society for as long as we continue to abide by the rule of law and justice."

He said lawyers should continue to “play important roles in the fair and speedy administration of justice and upholding the rule of law – as an integral part of Philippine society that actively make substantial and meaningful contributions in our nation’s sustained economic development and peace and security for the Filipino people

“Let us rise to this challenge and continue building a fair and just Philippine society,” the Speaker said.