By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday pledged to continue strengthening the country’s judicial system by investing in education and institutional reforms, allowing capable and well-equipped future lawyers to become stewards of justice and advocates for the rule of law.
Speaking at the 3rd Commencement Exercises of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) – College of Law in La Paz, Iloilo City, the President assured his administration’s support for the advancement of education in the country, noting the allocation of approximately P1.30 trillion for the sector under this year’s national budget.
“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.
Marcos Jr. likewise urged the WVSU law graduates to champion the rights of the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the disenfranchised and make sure that they are not “left without protection simply because they lack wealth, or influence, or power.”
At a time when public trust in institutions is tested, he said, lawyers now more than ever have the responsibility to value principle over convenience, truth over falsehood, and service over self-interest.
“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 Jr. said.
The President likewise emphasized that a lawyer’s success depends not on the cases they win in court nor the positions they 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 said.
The Chief Executive together with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, who also serves as a faculty member at the university, served as among the guests of honor at the commencement ceremony.
The Batch “Daguob” comprises 25 graduates, 17 of whom were students of the First Lady during their legal studies beginning in 2022.
Established in 2020, the WVSU College of Law is the first and only state university in the Western Visayas Region to offer legal education.
Prior to the event, the First Couple also led the inauguration of the school’s new law building.
Designed to support both academic excellence and practical training, the four-story building houses six theater-type, air-conditioned classrooms with a capacity of 40 students each, a dedicated review room, two moot courts, arbitration rooms, a library, a legal clinic, conference rooms, and other essential facilities.
The First Couple was accompanied by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, College of Law Dean Atty. Ian Thomas Besana, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr, Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu, and Iloilo Vice Mayor Lady Grace Baronda.
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