On 19 September 2024, the Philippine Bar Association (PBA) celebrated its 132nd Foundation Day and Law Day Celebration. It was held at the Kamagong Room, Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati City. More than 250 of members and guests attended.
President Joel Raymond R. Ayson and the Board of Trustees invited Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. to deliver the Keynote Speech. More than the annual tradition of commemorating its founding, the PBA took the opportune time to discuss the pressing issue affecting our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
Secretary Teodoro emphasized the crucial role of lawyers in defending the Philippines’ maritime claims. He called for “the development of a dedicated cadre of international public law advocates who can elevate the Philippines’ presence in international legal arenas. ” To answer the question, “Can the rule of law prevail over a bully?”, Secretary Teodoro categorically declared that the Rule of Law must prevail over a bully “because if a greater force prevails without any legal foundation, it becomes a bigger bully.”
Secretary Teodoro also urged the lawyers “to use law in an active manner in order to help the government” and emphasized the need for cooperation by the private sector. He added that “[t]he 132 years of law [referring to the PBA] will go to waste if we do not stand up now, take a brave stance, and tell China or other usurpers that want to transgress our sovereign rights, our sovereignty, and our dignity as a Filipino people that they will not win.”
The PBA will heed the call for an active, vigorous, and patriotic legal advocacy.
