IBP to new lawyers: 'Uphold integrity, ethics of legal profession'
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Monday, May 2, reminded the country’s 3,992 new lawyers to uphold the integrity and the ethics of the legal profession.
The 3,992 news lawyers passed the 2022 online Bar examinations and took their oath before the Supreme Court (SC) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICCC) in Pasay City on Tuesday, May 2.
After the oathtaking, they started to sign the Roll of Attorneys, the official list of lawyers in the country.
Automatically, the new lawyers would be members of the IBP, the official organization of lawyers in the country.
In a statement, the IBP said the lawyers have “a duty to uphold the law and promote justice for all.”
“With that in mind, we entreat you to always act with integrity and live ethically, even in difficult situations,” it said.
It reminded: “The legal profession is not for the faint-hearted, nor is it for the morally decrepit. It requires honesty, integrity, and an undying commitment to serving the greater good.”
It also told the new lawyers: “After years of sacrifice, prayers, and countless sleepless nights, you are now all representatives of the legal profession, and your actions and words will reflect on the reputation of the entire legal community.”
Thus, it added: “Never forget the true purpose of being a lawyer--to give everyone their due, to allow everyone their day in court, and to empower those who have less in life, for this has always been the defining characteristic of justice and the spirit of our laws.”
It pointed out that as lawyer they will “face many challenges along the way.” However, it urged them “to always stay true to your values and principles.”
“Most of all, may you never forget the true purpose of being a lawyer--to give everyone their due, to allow everyone their day in court, and to empower those who have less in life, for this has always been the defining characteristic of justice and the spirit of our laws,” it stressed.