SPEAKER Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Tuesday paid tribute to the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), describing its lawyers and personnel as the “shield of justice” for Filipinos, especially those who have less in life.
In a video message at the PAO’s 9th Grand National Convention in the World Trade Center, the Speaker—who was conferred the Lady Justice Statuette in recognition of his service as Outstanding Speaker of the House of Representatives—said “to receive this distinction is an honor—not just for me as Speaker, but for the entire House of Representatives that continues to work for justice and the welfare of our people.”
“But more than the award, I value what it represents. Lady Justice stands for fairness, balance, and truth. Araw-araw, kayo sa PAO ang nagbibigay-buhay sa mga prinsipyong ito. Kayo ang boses ng mga walang kakayahang ipagtanggol ang sarili. Kayo ang nagpapatunay na ang hustisya ay para sa lahat, hindi lamang sa may kakayahan.”
Citing former President Ramon Magsaysay, Dy stressed the importance of ensuring that the law serves those who need it most.
“Naalala ko ang sinabi ni Pangulong Ramon Magsaysay: ‘I believe that he who has less in life should have more in law.’ It is a simple yet powerful message,” he said.
“Kung sino ang kapos sa yaman, koneksyon, o kapangyarihan—siya ang mas dapat pinangangalagaan ng batas. At ito ang diwa ng inyong serbisyo.”
Dy stressed that PAO plays a critical role in making justice accessible, particularly for the underprivileged.
“You are the shield of justice for our people. You help level the playing field and ensure that the scales of justice remain balanced—especially for those who need it most,” he said.
The Speaker also reiterated the role of Congress in ensuring that laws translate into real benefits for the public.
“Bilang Speaker, naniniwala ako na ang batas ay hindi lamang dapat ipinapasa—dapat ito ay nararamdaman. At sa inyong gawain, ang hustisya ay nagiging totoo sa buhay ng ating mga kababayan,” he added.
Dy said he accepts the recognition as a reminder of the shared responsibility among institutions to uphold justice.
“Kaya ang parangal na ito ay tinatanggap ko hindi bilang personal na pagkilala, kundi bilang paalala ng ating mas malaking tungkulin—to work together so that justice is never delayed, never denied, and never out of reach.”
