THE Public Safety Alliance for Transformation and Rule of Law, Inc. (Patrol) Party-list has extended its congratulatory salutations to the successful 2019 Bar examination passers, and has lauded the newest breed of “Lakan” lawyers who hurdled the said bar exams.
They are Police Major John Paul A. Ragiles (“Oman-Silang” Class of 2008); Police Major Stefanio Andrenicus A. Rabino (“Kaisang-Bisig” Class of 2009); Police Major Benjo E. Clarite (“Mabikas” Class of 2010); Police Major Aleli C. Buaquen (“Masaligan” Class of 2011); and Police Major Sheryl Y. Bautista (“Masaligan” Class of 2011).
“Lakan” pertains to an alumnus from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).
Congressman Jorge “Patrol” Bustos, in a statement, has commended the success of these public safety practitioners-turned-lawyers, and that the PNPA must be a “truly proud” institution to have produced another batch of legal luminaries within its prestigious alumni.
“As a Lakan myself, it is an honor and privilege to congratulate my fellow Lakans for this milestone in their respective careers. Their individual achievements are not only their personal success, but it is also for the benefit of the pillars of public safety, from which they were trained, and now, for the criminal justice system in our country,” Bustos said.
“We are in crucial time now in our history that we need a new generation of law enforcers who will lead us to hurdle emerging challenges and adversities. These Lakans are our hope towards achievement of this goal because they have now the wholistic understanding of how it is to be on the frontlines of law enforcement, with the full license and authority to apply law and justice when and where it matters. The public wins when we do our best,” he added.
Bustos also reminded them that the ideals of the academy should guide them in their arduous path in the legal profession.
“As Lakans, we are first and foremost advocates of public safety. As lawyers, you are advocates of law and justice. These things are correlated to one another, one cannot be without the other. These were taught to us early on, and I hope these ideals of congruence will continue to guide you in your respective paths. Always remember, however we choose to lead, we all should do it to serve the people,” Bustos said.
Patrol Party-list is a first-term organization in the House of Representatives, and the forerunner in public safety and disaster management. It is composed of volunteers and practitioners of public safety working together towards making communities safer, crime-free and more disaster-resilient. It is known for its slogan “Gusto ko, Safe ka!” to emphasize the importance of safety and readiness in our communities and families at all times.
The results of the 2019 Bar Exams were released yesterday, 29 April 2020, with a passing rate of 27.36%, or 2,103 passers out of the 7,699 examinees. The bar exam is regarded by many to be one of the most difficult tests in the country, with its low passing rates and extensive coverage. (Chris Navarro)