by Rey David A. Gayas
Trial, in its own sense, has a vast nuance. The word can mean different things. For commerce, a foretaste of subscription. In the legal sense, it is about the bench and the bar. Through life experience, trial is a given phase for a lesson. Last Bar exams, our Bar Operations gave a good grasp for weaving both nuances stating that “where the strong endures, the stars align.” Whatever it may be, trials are means for an end – the crucible where gold is fire-tried in a furnace, which in our current situation, the law school.
Jesting Pilate, my column for the past years, was also about the trial of Jesus, in the presence of Pontius Pilate. Christ, in His innocence, was questioned whether the allegations against Him – what is the truth? But the response was His silence, and the clamor of the people. For in the seeking of truth and integrity, the question is timeless. I believe that we are also called for such query within ourselves. We are tasked in search for truth with the present age. Now, this semester’s issue was weaved with the current events, which may be a continuation of Beyond San Beda. Outside the classroom, we are still confronted with questions, or rather recitations regarding the opinion with the Philippine socio-political landscape. Not worthy of answering much, we are laden for unbiased news and worthy opinion from legal authorities, which is also in other articles.
Iudicium, being so ancient as to inquest or inclined to have iusticia, is the The Trial. Latin Vulgate may have evolved but remained timeless and essential to the legal profession. Reading between lines, iudicia is the courts now. Iudicium is the inquest where people seek justice and fairness. It does not cling to gossips, immaterial to the clamor, nor the clout chased through flattery. That is why, in this issue also, there is a plight from colors, but to the linear and monochromatic theme. For some things are decided only through the lens of the law and common good. Many things, even in its wide spectrum, are given whether it is light or dark.
Straight to the point: colors write stronger than words. Let the spectacle of blending colors and letters mirror each other. The theme seems to be ambitious. Still, I am happy that it was made possible by members who gave their all. You guys were thinking ahead, adjusting with the lapses, and way more talented. I am grateful. This is never possible without your painstaking efforts. Lest you forget, everything you give is paid back hundredfold.
Now, forthwith, dear reader, proceed!
THE BARRISTER 