MANILA -- Supreme Court Associate Justice Japar B. Dimaampao urged all members of the legal profession to guard and protect every legal right of individuals and to always uphold the rule of law.

Speaking as the guest of honor at the 50th Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Western Mindanao Regional Convention in Dipolog City on June 29, 2023, Justice Dimaampao said: “My beloved pañeros y pañeras, I urge you to consider yourselves as frontline soldiers in the battlefield, who must fight mightily, even sacrificially, in the protection of rights and defense of the law. This is the only way you can achieve an approximation of God’s justice here on earth. For it is said that what you do for the least of your brethren, you do it also to Him.

Putting in focus the efforts of the IBP to extend legal assistance to those who need it the most, Justice Dimaampao said: “The IBP’s free legal aid undoubtedly strikes the right chord with the hearts of the disadvantaged, unfortunate, under privileged and underserved sectors of society. I therefore commend those who willingly commit themselves to
this worthy endeavor.”

He extolled the IBP as he expressed his gratitude to his fellow Mindanaoans for the opportunity to celebrate with them the Golden Jubilee of the IBP. He also shared his experience when he attended the 19th IBP National Convention held in Davao City last February, which he claimed was “an uplifting experience to witness how the spotlight shone on the limitless potential of Mindanao.”

Justice Dimaampao shared that Mindanao took center stage in the IBP National Convention, mentioning that IBP National President, Atty. Burt Estrada, is a member of the Bukidnon Tagoloanon Tribe and a product of Ateneo de Cagayan, who has advocated for the cause of the marginalized sectors.

Stressing that the Bangsamoro people now have a voice in the Highest Court of the land, Justice Dimaampao said: “Indeed, this gives us Mindanaoans renewed hope and optimism that greater inclusivity will be indelibly ingrained in the collective consciousness of Filipino people,” he said.

Justice Dimaampao concluded his message by offering a prayer “that the IBP, as an organization, will grow not only in number and strength but more so in its conviction to render selfless service for the glory of Almighty God and for the good of our countrymen.”

Justice Dimaampao is the second Moro to be appointment as Supreme Court Associate Justice.

After attending the IBP event, Justice Dimaampao visited the trial courts in Dipolog City to meet the judges and court employees. (SC)