CBCP calls on new lawyers to serve the poor; be advocates of change

By Jimmyley I. Guzman

Saturday 3rd of March 2012

MANILA, March 3 (PIA) -- After the much-awaited release of results of the 2011 Bar exams on Wednesday, February 29, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called on new lawyers to serve the poor and be advocates of positive change.

In a release, CBCP’s National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace Fr. Edu Gariguez said that nothing is nobler for lawyers than to serve the marginalized and the oppressed.

“This is a good opportunity to call on our new lawyers to really become advocates of positive change and not just to earn money,” said Gariguez.

The prelate also challenged the new 1,913 lawyers to champion the rights of ordinary Filipinos, adding that there are many people who are seeking justice but does not have the access to legal assistance due to lack of financial capabilities.

Noting that being a lawyer is a profitable profession, Gariguez however expressed hopes that “alternative lawyers” will still serve the interests of the underprivileged. (CBCP/RJB/JEG-PIA-NCR)