SC justice lauds legal aid lawyers

Supreme Court Associate Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez praised the legal aid lawyers of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) — Camarines Sur Chapter, recognizing them as the “silent frontliners of justice” during the induction of the chapter’s 27th Board of Officers and new members on 24 April at Villa Caceres Hotel, Naga City.

Lopez, who chairs the SC Sub-Committee on IBP Oversight, underscored that legal aid is not just an act of charity but a constitutional duty that upholds the rule of law and ensures access to justice, especially for marginalized Filipinos.

“I congratulate the legal aid lawyers who fulfill this duty with unwavering commitment — even when no cameras are rolling, and no fees are paid,” Lopez said, highlighting their essential yet often overlooked role in delivering justice.

He commended the chapter’s efforts not only in courtrooms but also in times of crisis, citing their response during typhoon “Kristine,” which battered the Bicol Region in 2024. Their proactive initiatives — ranging from public legal education seminars and one-on-one counseling to active participation in the Commission on Elections’ Kontra Bigay campaign — were also lauded for promoting both legal literacy and electoral integrity.

“Legal aid is about more than legal solutions; it’s about restoring dignity,” Lopez stressed, adding that compassion in the practice of law is a form of wisdom and strength, not a weakness.