Chief Justice Renato Corona personally announced the results of the Bar Examinations 2011, with 1,913 successful examinees. The Chairman of the Bar Committee, Justice Roberto Abad, is credited with the Multiple Choice Question format of 60% of the examination, in contrast to the previous purely essay type questions. It is one of the highest their passing rate in this millennium, and we welcome the new lawyers, as they take their Oath of Office. This time, it is historic for Siliman University, for producing the Sixth Placer- IVAN MAXINO BANDAL, son of Judge Rosendo Bandal and Dr. Hope Maxino-Bandal.
Now, is a good time to reflect on the nature of the law profession, thus:
“The practice of law is a profession, a form of public trust, the performance of which is entrusted only to those who are qualified and who possess good moral character. If the respect of the people in the honor and integrity of the legal profession is to be retained, both lawyers and laymen must recognize and realize that the legal profession is a profession and not a trade, and that the basic ideal of that profession is to render public service and secure justice for those who seek its aid. It is not a business, using bargain counter methods to reap large profits for those who conduct it. From the professional standpoint, it is expressive of three ideals — organization, learning and public service. The gaining of a livelihood is not a professional but a professional but a secondary consideration. The professional spirit–the spirit of public service-constantly curbs the urge of the instinct.
The law as a profession proceeds proceeds from the basic premise that membership in the bar is a privilege burdened with conditions and carries with it the responsibility to live up to its exacting standards and honored traditions. A person enrolled in its ranks is called upon to aid in the performance of one of the basic purposes of the stated–the administration of justice.” (AGPALO, comments on Code of Prof Resp etc. 2001, page 3)
The release of the bar results came with the backdrop of the Impeachment Trial proceedings, putting into the national consciousness, the roles of the Senator- Judges, the prosecutors and the defense teams. Most people who watch the televised coverage, may find some people interesting, amazing, or disturbing- all of them reflect the best and the brightest of the law profession.
Can you rely on what you see on television? Are lawyers engaged in “smokes and mirrors”, to mesmerize the public, but, divert the quest for truth? Going back to the task of the legal profession in nation building, it is a challenged for the new lawyers to stay the course, and be faithful to their Oath of Office.
Congratulations to all the new lawyers! Special congratulations to Ivan Maxino Bandal for topping the bar at sixth place! Congratulations to judge Rosendo Bandal and Dr. Hope Maxino Bandal for the loving support and guidance.
