CARL JUNE G.

NARAISO Blog 1: INTRODUCTION TO LAW 1

POLSCI 3-B ATTY. ROMEO CABARDE JR.

As defined by Sanchez Roman, the Law is a rule of conduct, just and obligatory, promulgated by a
legitimate authority and of common observance and benefit. The crux of this definition pertains to the
substance of Law being a supreme order based on guiding principles of justice, social contract, and common
good that indiscriminately govern all of humankind and excuses no one. However, according to the reading by
Louis Weble, the Law or the legal system, despite its intrinsic substantial beauty, has its chief defects, which
include: (a) inability to adapt itself to changing standards of public policy; (b) procedural vices; (c) private Law
remains distant from societal disruptions caused by economic changes and scientific advancements; and (d)
obstructive Law of evidence. These defects stem from the lawyers' distant and theoretical approach,
preventing them from clearly understanding how their established principles function. On the other hand, the
legal profession is the arbiter of the Law that ultimately pursues a mutual calling to obtain justice in the spirit of
public service, highlighting those who deserve justice but have less in life.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law is a concrete example of a law that promotes social justice and the common
good for the peoples of Mindanao as it establishes a political entity, provides for its basic structure of
government in recognition of the justness and legitimacy of the cause of the Bangsamoro people and their
aspiration to chart their political future through a democratic process that will secure their identity and posterity
and allow for meaningful self-governance. Years-long armed conflict between the national government and
local armed groups across Mindanao aspires to be ended through this Law, as it paves the way for the
Bangsamoro identity to be recognized, institutionalized, and given autonomy in governance. On the side of the
legal profession, it promotes social justice and the common good for the Mindanaoans through local court
decisions and even up to the jurisprudence of the Supreme Court. One particular example is the 2011
Maguindanao Massacre. The families of the victims of the massacre are now seeing the light in their long-
standing quest of seeking justice for their departed loved ones as the Quezon City Regional Trial Court has
convicted the perpetrators of the massacre to reclusion perpetua without parole. However, the fight continued
as the convicted murderers appealed their case in the Court of Appeals. The families of the victims pray that it
would not take another 13 years for the case to be fully closed through the Supreme Court.

The Law and the legal profession, geared towards justice, are two of human society's most vital aspects as
they indiscriminately seek to protect and uphold human rights. Government leaders and officials are duty-
bound to ensure that the Law is properly implemented, not skirted to their advantage, and that new laws are
within the country's constitutional framework. Legal education must go beyond merely legal matters. It must
take a proactive part in developing laws, legislation policies, and reforms. Legal education can substantially
contribute to creating a dynamic legal system that adapts to shifting circumstances and norms by using a
sociological and scientific approach. Our laws must be at par with our constantly changing times so that
impunity will cease.