SC justice to new lawyers: Fight tyranny with rule of law

Supreme Court Justice Arturo Brion on Wednesday advised the almost 2,000 Bar passers to fight tyranny by upholding the rule of law, especially in "these interesting times."    In a speech delivered at the oathtaking ceremony for the Bar passers at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay, Brion cautioned the new lawyers that "fighting against tyranny and defending democracy are not, by any measure, easy tasks, for we are not allowed to fight tyranny with the same tools it employs."   "The oath you took today commands you to fight by upholding the rule of law – a phrase that has entered the layman’s lexicon and consciousness but one that is often misunderstood," he added.   Curiously, Brion’s speech came less than a week after impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona said in a speech that the judiciary will continue fighting “one-man rule” — an apparent reference to President Benigno Aqiuno III — that he said threatens judicial independence.   Corona, widely associated with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, has accused Aquino of ordering his political allies in the House of Representatives to initiate the filing of the impeachment complaint against him allegedly as a retaliation for the Supreme Court ruling favoring farmers in the Hacienda Luisita land dispute case.   Hacienda Luisita, a sprawling sugar plantation in Tarlac province, is owned by Aquino’s relatives. Corona was also present during Wednesday's event. A report on GMA News' "24 Oras" said he was seated beside Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, whom he accused of having interest in his position.   No special treatment   Brion, in his speech Wednesday, said the rule of law ensures that the state's power is "defined and limited by law."   The magistrate gave particular emphasis on the importance of the equality of everyone under the law, and even alluded to highly-debated separation of powers between Congress and the judiciary, saying that in the end the Constitution remains supreme among all.   "The rule of law recognizes and gives no special treatment to any President, cabinet member, legislator, justice or judge. It recognizes neither the Supreme Court nor the Impeachment Court as a tribunal higher than the other; both must bow to the supremacy of the Constitution, our highest law," he said.   Corona trial   Brion also made reference to Corona’s ongoing trial in the Senate, which is acting as the impeachment court.   "I am sure that you are all aware of the challenges that our Chief Justice is currently facing – challenges that may have polarized the entire nation," Brion said.   He said he would not tell the new lawyers which side to take on the impeachment case. "I will leave that question to your own judgment as professionals skilled in the law and as aware citizens."   "But I mention this present case because it significantly involves the law and the rule of law, and as an example of the challenges you may face to undertake your role as lawyers, especially in these times of searing emotions when tempers are running high," he said.   Brion said "passion must be tempered with reason... in these charged times" and that the new lawyers should look to law for guidance. — KBK, GMA News