And we of the Camarines Sur Bar proclaim
Anew our commitment to the Rule of Law
Over infrastructures held in awe
In a regime of coercion where the strong are right---
The dominance of military might,
The uselessness of writs of liberty
And the labyrinthine way to normalcy.
Lord, do let the Holy Paraclete
Abide in us. That we may not be effete!
That we may conquer the fearsome doubts we dread
And we may dare where Justices fear to tread;
Maintain our chapter as a forum, free,
For law, and what jurisprudence ought to be;
And with integrity, effectively
Discharge our public responsibility.
May we seek You in our quest for truth.
Beyond the brazen brainwashing of our youth;
The deceit upon our people; the "managed" news;
The "freedom" to publish tolerated views
And exposes and other happenings
But, "keep off royalty and royal things."
Because, in seeking, striving for what's true
We are but thirsting, hungering for You!
May we see You in each case we try
Beyond the dockets disposed that satisfy
Statistical efficiency; the size
Of retainers; the want to win at any price
That renders litigations up for sale
And the miniistering of justice bound to fail.
Because, each case is people. And what we do
To the least of our brethren, we do to You!
May we visit you in prison cells
In civil jails and army citadels
Upholding human rights with fortitude
For criminal or rebel as we should.
Because, our Lawyer's Oath and our Christian Creed
See only with compassion, those in need.
And each detainee is a sister or brother
Loved by God--- by You--- if by no other!
May we find You when we stand for right!
With malice towards none, oppose, indict
This continued one-man rule as retrogressive
To self-government and growth! Oppressive
To the dignity of man --- born free
And made unto the image of God! For we
All know we cannot live by bread alone
If we be Christian! If we be God's own!
Forever Filipinos, wherever we roam,
The Philippines will always be our home.
Each dawn, each dusk that we sing our national song
We sing of a people free, heroic and strong!
Today, one wonders, is it still proper and fitting
To claim this land, "duyan ng magiting"
Who'll fight the ones who would, our freedom kill---
"Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil!"?
***AMDG
(Delivered by former Bicolandia IBP Governor J. Antonio M. Carpio at the formal Induction Ceremonies, 3rd Board of Officers, Camarines Sur Chapter, IBP, August 6, 1977, Lindez Hotel, Naga City.)
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