The Supreme Court (SC) hosted the oath-taking ceremony for 3,942 successful Bar examinees on Friday at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
As confirmed by the SC, 3,942 individuals attended the event out of the 3,962 who passed the 2024 Bar Examinations.
Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, the incoming chairperson of the 2025 Bar Examinations, delivered a poignant message to the new lawyers, urging them to anchor their legal careers on humility, honor, and humanity.
“It should not be the title that defines the person, but the person who must define the title,” Lazaro-Javier said. She emphasized that young lawyers should focus on being compassionate individuals before anything else.
Justice Lazaro-Javier reminded the new lawyers that respect is earned through humility and kindness, regardless of position or status. She cautioned them against arrogance and underscored the importance of treating everyone with dignity.
Acknowledging the inevitable challenges of the legal profession, she encouraged resilience, saying, “Gather your strength and rise” whenever faced with setbacks.
“Tread on life lightly. Problems will pass, but how you make others feel will stay with them,” she advised. “Look good to feel good, be kind, and live an honorable life. Being a good lawyer starts with being a good person. Choose to live a life of humility, honor, and humanity.”
The 2024 Bar Examinations saw 10,480 examinees, marking a rigorous journey for aspiring lawyers. The oath-taking ceremony officially marks the start of their professional careers as members of the Philippine legal community.
