2 MIN READ

By KIMBERLIE QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — When asked about his son’s successful 2025 Bar Examinations, Cordillera labor leader and musician Michael Cabangon did not immediately speak of prestige, titles, or courtroom expectations.

“My problem now is, I might not be able to tell him to wash the dishes,” he said with a chuckle.

The remark was light, almost playful, but it carried the weight of a hard-won triumph for a family long familiar with economic hardship, social inequality, and political repression.

The news that Marti Josef passed the Bar Exam could not have come at a better time, with the family facing uncertainty. His father, who posted bail on December 27, is facing a terrorist financing charge. He has denied the allegations, which he describes as fabricated.

The older Cabangon said his son’s passing the test is a significant collective achievement for their family, not only because of their financial circumstances but also because of what Marti now promises to do with it—use the law in the service of the poor and marginalized.

“Marti becoming a lawyer is a huge milestone, especially for an underprivileged family like ours, considering the huge gap between the rich and the poor in our society,” he stated.

The labor leader expressed hope that his son would continue to serve the people, as he had done during his years as a student. His son’s passing would also be helpful as the family faces the charge against him.

“I hope he continues to serve the people just like when he was a student until now,” Michael said. “I expect him to be among the ranks of the lawyers defending the oppressed and exploited, for the greater good and social justice.”

Marti, an activist himself who used to organize youth and farmers in Benguet, said he pursued law not only for personal interest but also to advance social justice.

“The law is a weapon against injustice, so we should wield it for the interest of the poor,” he said. “Many Filipinos, especially the poor and marginalized, are in need of legal services.”

Marti has been working at the Molintas Law Office since 2021. He said diligence, organization, and prayer helped him overcome the challenges of law school and the exam. 

“Support from my family and the experience I had working at a law firm helped a lot,” he said.

He also mentioned the difficulties in his father’s case. 

“My father’s case has been a challenge. There is always fear for our security, but I have to put on courage to face all these,” Marti said.

Marti said he initially did not see his name when the video announcing the Bar passers lagged. It was only after a lawyer friend messaged him that he checked again and confirmed that he had passed.

“The first thing I did after confirming I passed was to bow in thanksgiving to God,” he said.

Amid the euphoria, reality sets in quickly as Marti acknowledged that the real work begins after passing the Bar. 

“Honestly, I am still floating right now thinking of the work waiting for me at the office after the celebrations,” he said.

Marti said he hopes to become a simple but pro-people lawyer, committed to serving the poor and marginalized sectors.#nordis.net