Marcos to Iloilo law graduates: Choose service over self-interest

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday called on new law graduates in Iloilo City to always serve the nation with integrity and fairness, and to stay true to their principles, regardless of whether people are watching.

Marcos said this as he delivered the keynote address at the 3rd Commencement Exercises of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Law in La Paz, Iloilo City, where he served as the guest of honor.

"As you face a new chapter, I hope you will stay steadfast in the principles that brought you to this calling. Do not be swayed by fleeting opinions or the allure of convenience. So long as you remain anchored in integrity, fairness, and truth, you shall never lose your way," Marcos said.

"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.

Marcos emphasized that while the law requires firmness, rigor, and objectivity, justice must always be guided by compassion, fairness, and respect for human dignity.

He also cited the famous quote of former president Ramon Magsaysay: "Those who have less in life should have more in law."

"This is a reminder that your chosen profession carries a responsibility to ensure that the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized, the disenfranchised, are not left without protection simply because they lack wealth, or influence, or power," the President said.

"At a time when public trust in institutions is tested, responsibility becomes even more important," he continued.

First Lady and professor

Marcos also told the graduates that their success will not be measured only by the cases that they win or the positions that they 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," he explained.

The President was present at the event, along with his wife, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos—a lawyer and a faculty member at the university.

The batch comprised 25 graduates, some of whom were students of the First Lady for their legal studies beginning 2022.

Education investment

Also in his speech, Marcos said the government allotted approximately P1.3 trillion to advance the education sector in the Philippines.

"This Administration recognizes that the strength of our justice system depends greatly on the quality of those who will serve within it. And that is why we continue to improve the field by investing in education and institutional reform," he said.

The President also led the inauguration of the new law building of the university.

He said the completion of the new College of Law building of WVSU reflected his administration's commitment to investing in future generations of Filipino lawyers and public servants.

The four-storey building houses six classrooms, each with a capacity of 40 students, and features a review room, two moot courts, offices, and other essential facilities. — VDV, GMA News