A Dose of Law at 25: Journey of justice, calling

A Dose of Law at 25: Journey of justice, calling | Daily Tribune

Fast forward to today, and here we are, commemorating the 25th year of a publication that has become both chronicler and conscience of the Filipino nation.

The theme of this special issue — “Maximum Overdrive at 25” — struck a chord. Because in law, just like in journalism, there are moments when it is imperative to shift to high gear. When justice is delayed, you fight for urgency. When truth is silenced, you push for the voice of clarity. When rights are ignored, you raise your voice louder. The past quarter-century has been precisely that: a journey of steady acceleration toward a more responsive, inclusive, and resilient legal system.

As someone who has worn many hats — law dean, corporate lawyer, educator, entrepreneur — I have seen the law evolve. But more than statutes amended or doctrines overturned, it is the Filipino’s understanding of the law that has changed most dramatically.

Once seen as the language of lawyers, Latin phrases and all, the law is now being reclaimed by ordinary citizens. It is tweeted, TikTok’d, turned into street slogans, and used in petitions that begin not just with “Whereas,” but with “We demand.”

Allow me to reflect briefly on some of the cases that shaped our legal consciousness in the last 25 years — cases that demanded maximum overdrive not just from the courts, but from us all.

We remember Lambino v. Comelec, which taught us that amending the Constitution requires more than ambition — it requires consent that is fully informed and freely given. Or Disini v. Secretary of Justice, where the Supreme Court walked the tightrope between cyber accountability and free expression.

We recall Republic v. Sereno, where the removal of a Chief Justice redefined how we view judicial permanence and due process. Then there was Gamboa v. Teves, modified by Roy v. Herbosa which brought clarity to the question of who truly owns Philippine corporations engaged in nationalized activities.

Each case, in its own way, mirrored the evolution not just of the law, but of nationhood. And if there’s one truth I’ve learned, it’s this: the law is not meant to be admired in bookshelves; it is meant to be lived and imbibed.

In my column A Dose of Law, I’ve always tried to distill the complex into the comprehensible — not to dilute, but to democratize. To invite every Filipino — lawyer or not — into the conversation about what is just, what is fair, and what is possible. Because if we want a better future, the law must not be a locked cabinet — it must be a shared compass.

And so, to DAILY TRIBUNE, under the able stewardship of my good friends Willie and Chingbee, congratulations on 25 years of principled journalism. You’ve not only informed your readers, you’ve challenged them. You’ve been a partner to those of us who believe that words, whether in a column or a court ruling, still matter and matter a lot.

To our fellow Filipinos: Keep reading. Keep questioning. Keep learning the law — not just as a defense, but as a guide — not just as a rule, but an inspiration.

And to my fellow lawyers, especially the young ones just finding their rhythm: Never forget that every case you handle, every opinion you formulate, every client you counsel, every interest you advocate — is a chance to push for something better and greater.

May we continue driving justice forward. Not just with speed, but with soul and purity.

For more of Dean Nilo Divina’s legal tidbits, please visit www.divinalaw.com. For comments and questions, please send an email to cad@divinalaw.com.