Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Cebu City
January 30, 2025
“Justice must find its way to the margins, where it is most needed — reaching the underserved, the unseen, [and] the unheard. After all, the Constitution is meant to be wielded with purpose and compassion, especially for those who need it the most,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the 20th National Convention of Lawyers organized by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.
The President emphasized the critical role of legal professionals in shaping the country’s justice system. He highlighted their responsibility in ensuring fairness and adapting to new challenges in an ever-evolving legal landscape.
“This Administration remains your partner in nurturing the environment where our lawyers excel — where justice is swift, where it is fair, and where it is impartial, and where the rule of law remains the cornerstone of all progress,” he stated.
Furthermore, the Chief Executive underscored the legal profession’s responsibility to maintain a strong and unwavering democracy. He stressed that ethical practice and a steadfast commitment to justice are essential in preserving democratic institutions.
Acknowledging the complexities of the modern legal environment, President Marcos Jr. pointed to emerging issues such as cybercrime, data privacy concerns and the ethical dilemmas posed by artificial intelligence. He highlighted that the legal profession must remain at the forefront of these challenges, addressing not only technical concerns but also moral obligations.
To reinforce public trust in the country’s judicial system, he also urged legal practitioners to make these principles central to their practice. He called on them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and service.
“United by this shared vision of equity, let us build a Bagong Pilipinas where the rule of law reigns supreme, where peace and security shape every community, and where every Filipino enjoys the enduring gifts of liberty,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his speech.
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