ANTIQUE — At 51, Rev. Fr. Gerald Lacson has finally fulfilled his long-time dream of becoming a lawyer after passing the 2025 Bar Examinations, the results of which were released on January 7.
Fr. Lacson, a graduate of Central Philippine University College of Law in 2015, first took the Bar examinations in the same year but failed. He tried again in 2016 but did not succeed. After two consecutive failures, he took a six-year break before retaking the exam in 2022, but again fell short. He also failed on his fourth attempt in 2024.
Last year, on his fifth try, Fr. Lacson once again entered the Bar Examination room — and this time, he emerged victorious.
He said that despite repeated setbacks, what kept him going was his firm determination to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer.
He added that it would have been a waste of his years in law school if he did not eventually practice the legal profession.
A memorable moment unfolded at his parish in Barangay Villavert-Jimenez, Hamtic, when he was preparing for his next Mass and convent personnel suddenly shouted and cheered after learning he had passed the Bar.
Fr. Lacson said his eyes welled up with tears of joy as he thanked God for granting the dream he had long prayed for.
“Kun aram kaw plus factor, pero dapat tandus gid! Tandus magbasa, mag eskwela, patandus-tandus ah. Kun indi kapasar sa una, sa ikarwa, don’t give-up and never surrender!” Fr. Lacson said, advising aspiring lawyers.
A native of Pandan, Antique, Fr. Lacson has been serving as a priest in the province for 22 years. He admitted that his journey was not easy due to the heavy responsibilities of parish work.
There were moments, he said, when he felt like giving up after several failures.
He also credited his brother, Atty. Joseph Lacson, for helping strengthen his resolve. His brother likewise failed the Bar examinations four times before passing — a struggle similar to what he himself experienced.
Fr. Lacson’s story stands as a testament to perseverance, faith, and unwavering commitment to one’s calling — both in the Church and in the legal profession./PN
