The National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) joined the welcoming event on the last day of the bar exams on September 14. The NUPL called on aspiring lawyers to stand against corruption and serve the poor Filipinos.

The NUPL chapters carried out the activities in the National Capital Region, Eastern Visayas, Panay, and Cebu. The Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) led the activity in Mindanao. The NUPL law students chapters supported the patriotic lawyers in these actions.

According to the NUPL, the end of the examination also marks the end of a difficult journey. “For the country, however, the more urgent test remains: whether there will be enough lawyers willing to stand against impunity and demand accountability from those in power,” the NUPL said.

The group called for resistance against corruption amid exposed anomalies and collusion between government officials and contractors in flood control projects and others. The NUPL also denounced the prevalence of confidential and unprogrammed funds in the government that remain unaccounted for and carry no accountability to the public, especially in the Office of the President.

The NUPL also criticized the apparent government protection of corrupt officials, shown by the dismissal of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. Duterte was involved in the misuse of ₱125 million confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) within 11 days along with other corrupt practices.

According to the group, Duterte is no different from her father Rodrigo Duterte, who was also involved in numerous corruption issues and other crimes. The NUPL criticized the elder Duterte’s malingering and incapacity to face trial at the International Criminal Court, where he is currently detained.

“This is bureaucrat capitalism laid bare: the use of state resources not to serve the public, but to preserve privilege and shield the powerful,” said the NUPL.

The group said that in light of these and other social issues, there is a greater need for lawyers who will not be content with memorizing statutes and laws while ignoring the abuses of power. “What the people need are lawyers who will challenge not only illegal acts, but the very structures that normalize corruption and protect dynasties,” the NUPL said.

They urged the Bar Exam takers to stand with and for the workers, peasants, women, and indigenous people. In total, no less than 11,000 individuals took the bar exam.