Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the 3rd Commencement Exercises of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Law

Thank you to the West Visayas State University President Joselito Villaruz. [Please be seated.]

The Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Shirley Agrupis; Vice President for Academic Affairs Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla; Legal Education Board Chairperson Jason Barlis; West Visayas State University College of Law Dean Ian Thomas Besana.

I am now at a quandary how to introduce the next – do I introduce you as the professor doctor or do I introduce you as the First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos? [applause]

To our graduates Batch Daguob and their loved ones; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen

A good day to you all, especially to our 24 graduates and aspiring lawyers. [applause]

Today, we gather to celebrate an achievement that you earned through years of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.

And perhaps there is no more fitting place for this occasion than Iloilo City, or what we fondly call, the City of Love. There is meaning in that title, especially for those who have chosen the study and practice of law.

For while the law demands firmness, rigor, and objectivity, justice must never lose sight of its humanity. It must always carry compassion, fairness, and respect for human dignity.

The legal profession has always been part of my life.

My father, President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., was a lawyer. My wife is also one, as you all know very well. She has had the privilege of teaching in your institution and guiding many of you through your legal education.

In fact, I have heard enough stories about recitations, classroom debates, and examinations to know exactly how much hard work was required for you to be here today

And despite this alleged aversion to the Socratic method, you have clearly survived law school.

My confidence in this graduating class is stronger than most because, the First Lady believes in you. [applause] And as far as I am concerned, if she believes in your capability, then I am inclined to believe her—as most good husbands always do. [laughter]

Kidding aside, you are here because you continued to persevere despite facing I’m sure many difficulties and challenges. You chose to endure the sacrifices that you had to make, knowing that the profession that you seek carries a purpose greater than just personal ambition.

And that, perhaps, is the true measure of a lawyer. Beyond intelligence or eloquence, it is character.

And if character is the true measure of a lawyer, then it cannot be left to chance. It must be formed, nurtured, and demanded of those who serve

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

This year, we have allotted over [one-point-thirty] trillion pesos for the advancement of education — [applause] affirming our belief that the progress of our nation begins with the empowerment of its people.

The completion of the new College of Law building of WVSU also reflects our commitment to investing in future generations of Filipino lawyers and public servants. [applause]

Designed to support both academic excellence and practical training, the four-storey building houses six classrooms with a capacity of 40 students each, a dedicated review room, two moot courts, offices, and other essential facilities

And as we open the doors of this new facility, we also open greater opportunities for aspiring legal professionals to learn, to serve, and then to contribute to our nation.

Dear graduates, our future lawyers, there is a beautiful quote coined by former President Ramon Magsaysay. He once stated that 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

We cannot wait to see the day when the profession welcomes you as members of the Philippine Bar.

In this endeavor, know that your families, your friends, professors, and the whole nation are rooting for you.

Together, let us shape a Bagong Pilipinas where the rule of law is respected, where justice is accessible, and where every Filipino is living with dignity and hope.

To the graduates of the West Visayas State University College of Law: Once again, congratulations!

Maraming salamat po.

Mabuhay po kayong lahat!

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas! [applause]

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