Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez recognized legal aid lawyers, describing them as the “silent frontliners of justice.”
During the induction ceremony of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Camarines Sur Chapter’s 27th Board of Officers and new members, Justice Lopez congratulated legal aid practitioners and praised their quiet dedication.
He referred to them as “the silent frontliners of justice—who take this vow seriously, even when no cameras are rolling and no fees are paid.”
In his speech, the Associate Justice emphasized that legal aid is not merely about providing legal solutions, but also about restoring dignity.
He also commended the chapter’s community efforts, particularly its one-on-one counseling activities and its participation in the Commission on Elections’ Kontra Bigay campaign, which aims to protect the integrity of elections.
“Compassion in law is not a weakness,” he said, “but a form of wisdom.”
Justice Lopez further noted that the SC is pursuing reforms to make legal aid more accessible and IBP services more sustainable.
He encouraged the newly inducted IBP-Camarines Sur officers to become active partners with the SC in these initiatives.
“[Y]our actions today define the future of our profession. When a chapter like IBP-Camarines Sur chooses to lead with compassion, competence, and courage, you remind us all what it means to be a true advocate—not only of law, but of justice,” he stressed.
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