President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday urged graduating law students to anchor their legal practice in integrity and strict ethical responsibility, asserting that a lawyer’s true worth is defined by character rather than professional accolades.
The President delivered his speech during the graduation ceremony of the West Visayas State University College of Law in Iloilo City.
Notably, a number of the graduates were former students of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who is a member of the university’s law faculty.
Throughout his remarks, Marcos underscored the vital responsibility lawyers hold in guaranteeing equal justice for everyone, particularly individuals who lack wealth or social influence.
He emphasized that the legal system must act as a shield for all citizens, especially vulnerable populations.
He cautioned the new graduates that justice must never be a privilege reserved for the wealthy or well-connected, stating that people should never be “not left without protection simply because they lack wealth, or influence, or power.”
Furthermore, Marcos noted that the public’s faith in societal institutions relies heavily on the moral uprightness of the professionals operating within them.
“At a time when public trust in institutions is tested, responsibility becomes even more important,” he said.
He reiterated that a career in law should be evaluated by ethical uprightness and public trust, rather than conventional markers of success.
“Your success will not be measured solely by the cases that you win or the positions that you will hold. It will be measured by the confidence that people place in you, by the fairness with which you exercise your profession, and by the integrity you demonstrate even when no one is watching,” the President said.
Marcos also shared that his administration remains dedicated to fortifying both the educational and justice systems, noting that sustainable national growth hinges on competent professionals stepping into public service.
To illustrate this commitment, he highlighted the government’s ₱1.3 trillion budget allocation for education, framing it as a critical pillar for citizen empowerment and long-term national development.
“May you always choose principle over convenience, truth over falsehood, and service over self-interest. May you use your expertise to help build a nation worthy of the aspirations of our people,” he added.
Following the commencement exercises, Marcos spearheaded the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the university’s new four-storey law building.
The state-of-the-art facility features six 40-capacity classrooms, a review room, two moot courtrooms, faculty offices, and various academic support amenities.