MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on the country’s lawyers to uphold justice, fairness, and integrity, emphasizing that the law must serve all Filipinos, not just a privileged few.
Speaking at the 20th National Convention of Lawyers of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in Cebu City, Marcos urged legal professionals to be “agents of justice” by defending human dignity and ensuring that justice reaches the underserved.
“As members of the legal community, you are in the best position to safeguard our Constitution—a living document that embodies our collective aspirations and unites us as a people,” Marcos said.
He highlighted the growing legal challenges in the digital era, including cybercrime, data privacy concerns, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
These issues, he said, pose both technical and moral dilemmas that require a strong commitment to protecting human dignity.
The President also underscored the importance of the recently adopted Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, stressing that it should serve as the foundation for ethical legal practice.
Additionally, Marcos pointed to climate change as an urgent challenge, urging lawyers to play a key role in shaping and enforcing environmental policies to protect future generations.
“By doing so, you safeguard the rights of today and preserve the dreams and dignity of those who will follow us,” he said.