The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) human rights panel said Christmas should embolden Filipinos in the fight for justice and human rights.

It stressed that the Christmas season is an opportunity for Filipinos and lawyers to have even greater courage to fight against injustice and human rights violations.

The timely reminder was issued by the IBP Human Rights Committee in a post on its Facebook page on Wednesday.

Meantime, the IBP Human Rights Committee extended its warmest greetings to the public and to lawyers as the country marked a festive albeit rainy Christmas Day.

“As Jesus Christ came to empower the defenseless, may this season give us greater courage to fight for justice and human rights,” the IBP human rights panel said.

It also added that the Christmas season should open more opportunities for lawyers to serve the people who are in need of legal help, especially those in the periphery of society.