President Marcos has urged aspiring lawyers to remain steadfast in their principles and use their legal education in the service of the nation, stressing that character matters more than intelligence or eloquence in the legal profession.

Speaking at the third Commencement Exercises of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Law in Iloilo City, the President reminded the graduates that their success would ultimately be measured by their integrity and the public's trust in them.

“As you face a new chapter, I hope you will stay steadfast in the principles that brought you to this calling,” he said on Friday, June 5.

“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,” he added.

Marcos also challenged the graduates to put service above personal gain.

“May you always choose principle over convenience, truth over falsehood, and service over self-interest,” he said.

“May you use your expertise to help build a nation worthy of the aspirations of our people,” he added.

Addressing the 24 graduates of Batch Daguob, Marcos said perseverance and character are the true marks of a lawyer.

“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,” he said.

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

The President said character must be cultivated among those who serve in the justice system, because the strength of legal institutions depends largely on the people who work within them.

President Marcos also invoked former president Ramon Magsaysay's famous statement 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,” Marcos said.

The Chief Executive noted that this responsibility becomes even more important at a time when public trust in institutions is being tested.

“Your success will not be measured solely by the cases that you win or the positions that you will hold,” he said.

“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 added.

The President also led the inauguration of WVSU's new College of Law building, which forms part of the administration's efforts to strengthen legal education.

The four-story facility features six classrooms with a capacity of 40 students each, a dedicated review room, two moot courts, offices, and other essential facilities.

“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,” Marcos said.

The President said the government continues to invest in education and institutional reforms, noting that more than P1.3 trillion was allocated for education this year.

Among those present during the commencement exercises was First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, who also serves as a faculty member of the university's College of Law.

The President joked about the First Lady's role as an educator before expressing confidence in the graduating class.

“My confidence in this graduating class is stronger than most because the First Lady believes in you,” Marcos said.

“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,” he added to laughter from the audience.

Marcos ended his speech by calling on the graduates to help build a Bagong Pilipinas “where the rule of law is respected, where justice is accessible, and where every Filipino is living with dignity and hope.”