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Star-studded oath-taking: Imelda, Norman Black watch loved ones become lawyers
Norman Black, wife Benjie and daughter Dominique pose with the Supreme Court seal.
Former First Lady Imelda Marcos and Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) coach Norman Black have something in common: they both have relatives who officially became lawyers on Monday.
Marcos' grandson Michael Marcos Manotoc and Black's daughter Dominique Black were among the 1,174 law students who took their oath at the Philippine International Convention Center after passing last year's Bar exams at the University of Santo Tomas.
Marcos said she cannot contain her excitement over her grandson becoming a lawyer.
"I'm so excited I have a grandson for a lawyer and with our so many cases... we have won most of the cases... and now I have grandson that I'm so proud of," she said.
The former first lady said she hoped her grandson would "work hard and follow in the footsteps" of his grandfather, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
Marcos added she would let the public decide whether her grandson should dabble in politics.
"That depends upon the people. If the people need him, it will be our privilege to serve," she said.
One step at a time
In an interview with reporters after the oath-taking, Manotoc said he will continue working at the Sycip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan law firm.
Asked if he plans to pursue a career in politics, Manotoc refused to answer, saying he would rather take things "one step at a time" and just "earn a living for now."
His mother Imee Marcos beside him interjected jokingly that her son will continue working for the law firm even if it "pays slave wages."
Manotoc responded with a laugh and said: "No, seriously. It is a great firm and I want to be able to keep my job. I will stay there as long as they want me."
Black in SC, CA?
Black kept his answers short when interviewed, instead humbly directing the media's attention to his new lawyer-daughter Dominique.
"I am not the one who graduated," Black said as he beamed at his daughter.
"She worked really very hard for it. I was a witness to that," he added.
Black's daughter said she has not decided yet whether to pursue a law career in the private sector or in government.
"I am not yet working right now. If I eventually choose a private firm, I'd probably practice corporate law. Or if in government, I want to be in the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals," she said.
Habeas Corpuz
Meanwhile, University of the Visayas' Habeas Corpuz, who gained some celebrity status in the media due to his unusual but appropriate name, admitted he was still overwhelmed by the frenzy caused by his passing the bar.
"Iyong mga kakilala ko, proud na proud po sa akin," said Corpuz.
He said he will always keep in mind Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio's advice to stay loyal to the truth and the Constitution.
"We should never break the rule of law just to please our clients," Corpuz said.
The new lawyer revealed that once he returns to Cebu, he plans to set up a small law office with a friend. — BM, GMA News
Marcos' grandson Michael Marcos Manotoc and Black's daughter Dominique Black were among the 1,174 law students who took their oath at the Philippine International Convention Center after passing last year's Bar exams at the University of Santo Tomas.
Marcos said she cannot contain her excitement over her grandson becoming a lawyer.
"I'm so excited I have a grandson for a lawyer and with our so many cases... we have won most of the cases... and now I have grandson that I'm so proud of," she said.
The former first lady said she hoped her grandson would "work hard and follow in the footsteps" of his grandfather, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
Marcos added she would let the public decide whether her grandson should dabble in politics.
"That depends upon the people. If the people need him, it will be our privilege to serve," she said.
One step at a time
Imelda Marcos and her daughter Imee were there to watch Imee's son Michael take his oath.
Asked if he plans to pursue a career in politics, Manotoc refused to answer, saying he would rather take things "one step at a time" and just "earn a living for now."
His mother Imee Marcos beside him interjected jokingly that her son will continue working for the law firm even if it "pays slave wages."
Manotoc responded with a laugh and said: "No, seriously. It is a great firm and I want to be able to keep my job. I will stay there as long as they want me."
Black in SC, CA?
Black kept his answers short when interviewed, instead humbly directing the media's attention to his new lawyer-daughter Dominique.
"I am not the one who graduated," Black said as he beamed at his daughter.
"She worked really very hard for it. I was a witness to that," he added.
Black's daughter said she has not decided yet whether to pursue a law career in the private sector or in government.
"I am not yet working right now. If I eventually choose a private firm, I'd probably practice corporate law. Or if in government, I want to be in the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals," she said.
Habeas Corpuz
Habeas Corpuz talks to the media.
"Iyong mga kakilala ko, proud na proud po sa akin," said Corpuz.
He said he will always keep in mind Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio's advice to stay loyal to the truth and the Constitution.
"We should never break the rule of law just to please our clients," Corpuz said.
The new lawyer revealed that once he returns to Cebu, he plans to set up a small law office with a friend. — BM, GMA News
