Our Father, almighty, hallowed be Your name.
From Abra to Zamboanga we proclaim
In myriad moods, Your People's trust in You
O Alpha and Omega of all that's good and true!
Deign to bless us in a special way
This day, as we labor and pray
That Your will be done in this Conven-
Tion through the rule of Law and not of men.
Despite diverging thoughts and words and deeds
Despite diverse ideologies and creeds
That our Integrated Bar, now four years old,
Be ever faithful to our goals. Be bold;
Be non-political; a forum, free!
For law, and what jurisprudence ought to be!
And with integrity, effectively
Discharge our public responsibility
To rich and poor, the mighty and the low-
Ly; with fairplay for all --- stranger, friend or foe.
Look kindly on our human failings, Lord!
The countless times we live not by Your Word;
As we forgive, and understand the plight
Of hangers-on of power who indict
Us falsely. Who equate non-political
With regimented thought; uncritical
Amens and hallelujahs, as loyalty;
And dissent as subversion akin to insurgency!
We're told this "temporary" martial rule
Is "under the Supreme Court." Yet only a fool
Would see reality in what is read
But see not what are seen and left unsaid.
The subtle sight of military might
The climate of coercion, where might is right!
The uselessness of writs of liberty!
The labyrinthine of way to normalcy!
But ah, all these we must not fear; instead
Must dare where even Justices fear to tread!
So help us, Lord! And grant us fortitude
To fight for truth, for justice as we should!
For the vows we solemnly professed
Forbid us from deserting the oppressed.
Demanding are the duties that we face
But sacred, this ministry that we embrace!
We seek a bit of heaven here on earth---
Justice for all in this land of our birth!
For those who thirst and hunger for it; still more---
For those who dared not dream of it before!
For we, too, realize that what we do
To the least of our brethren, we do to You!
And finally, dear Lord, grant us Peace.
Of sorrow; peace thru just reconciliation
Of everyone! Peace throughout the nation!
And keep our Philippines, forever, one
And indivisible! Your Will, not ours, be done!
AMEN.
(Delivered by IBP Governor J. Antonio M. Carpio of Bicolandia, at the Opening Ceremonies of the First Annual Convention of the Third House of Delegates, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, held at the Manila Hilton, May 20, 1977, with President Ferdinand E. Marcos as the Guest of Honor and keynote Speaker. The proceedings were telecast live.)
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