President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. delivering his speech as the guest of honor during the 20th National Convention of Lawyers held in Cebu City on Jan. 30, 2025. (Screenshot from RTVM Facebook Livestream)
CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) – Speaking in front of thousands of Filipino lawyers during the 20th National Convention of Lawyers on Jan. 30 in Cebu City, Pres. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. encouraged the legal professionals in the country to remain loyal to the ‘rule of law’ by embodying the acts of justice and integrity in practicing their profession.
The President emphasized the essential role of lawyers in preserving the values of truth and fairness within the legal community.
He also highlighted their crucial role in protecting the country’s Constitution.
“As members of the legal community, you are in the most fitting position to safeguard that Constitution—that living document that embodies our collective aspirations and that binds us together as a people,” Marcos said.
“In this light, we must embrace a simple but profound truth: The law must serve all Filipinos—not just a privileged few. 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,” he added.
Around 3,984 lawyers attended the 20th National Convention of Lawyers organized by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).
The convention is held every two years to enhance the foundations of the legal community and honor the significant milestones garnered by the legal profession.
Anchored by the theme ‘From Milestones to Horizons: Strengthening the Future of the Legal Profession,’ Pres. Marcos also urged new and future lawyers to embrace the challenges brought by their profession, continue to seek knowledge, and contribute to the betterment of society.
“And so, the 3,962 new lawyers: Welcome to the frontlines of justice. Your journey begins now [applause], and that journey with it, a tremendous opportunity is granted you to shape a society that is fairer, more equitable, [and] more inclusive,” Marcos noted.
As lawyers play a vital role in safeguarding the ‘rule of law,’ the President called on Filipino lawyers to be strongly committed to their sworn duty and never abandon their loyalty to the ‘rule of law.’
“And as we move forward, I encourage everyone to enrich your commitment to truth and to fairness. Embrace the highest standards of professionalism and embody the ideals of integrity and of service,” he said.
The convention was one of the four events attended by the President during his first visit in Cebu in 2025.
Other government officials who joined him at the said event were Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, Department of Tourism Sec. Christina G. Frasco, and Special Assistant to the President Sec. Antonio F. Lagdameo Jr. (RGC/PIA7 Cebu)
