Marcos Urges Lawyers to Ensure Justice for All Filipinos

In a compelling address at the 20th National Convention of Lawyers in Cebu City, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the necessity for the legal system to serve every Filipino, not just the elite. He called on the legal community to strengthen the profession’s foundations and promote inclusive justice. Marcos highlighted the critical role of lawyers in extending justice to underserved communities, stating, ‘The law must serve all Filipinos—not just a privileged few.’ He stressed that justice should reach the margins of society, where it is most needed, and be administered with purpose and compassion as intended by the Constitution. The convention, organized by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, brought together legal professionals nationwide to enhance the legal community’s framework. Marcos also welcomed 3,962 new lawyers, encouraging them to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society. He advocated for law schools to update their curricula to include emerging areas like Human Rights Law and International Law. Additionally, Marcos underscored the Constitution’s role as a unifying document and urged lawyers to protect it, recalling his recognition as the ‘Great Protector of the Constitution.’ He praised initiatives such as the Unified Legal Aid Service Rules, which mandate lawyers to offer pro bono services to indigent Filipinos, and commended the IBP’s efforts in providing free legal assistance. Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s support for the legal community by mentioning the establishment of 14 new laws to create additional courts, aiming to make justice more accessible to the public.