SPEAKER Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III urged law graduates to uphold their principles and place service to others above personal success, saying the legal profession fulfills its highest purpose when it advances justice and improves people’s lives.
In a video message played on Friday during the graduation rites of the Isabela State University College of Law Class of 2026, Dy reminded the graduates that success in the legal profession is measured not by personal achievement but by a commitment to serving others.
“Maging matatag sa prinsipyo kahit may tukso ng mas madaling landas. At higit sa lahat, huwag kailanman kalimutan na ang pinakamataas na layunin ng propesyong ito ay hindi tagumpay para sa sarili, kundi serbisyo para sa iba,” Dy said.
The leader of the House of Representatives also called on the graduates to remain faithful to truth even when doing so is difficult.
“Class of 2026, ang inyong pagtatapos ay hindi katapusan ng isang paglalakbay kundi simula ng isang mas malaking tungkulin. Nawa’y manatili kayong tapat sa katotohanan kahit mahirap,” he said.
Dy said the law carries a responsibility far greater than enforcing rules, describing it as a promise to protect justice, defend rights and bring hope to those in need.
“May kasabihan na ang batas ay hindi lamang koleksiyon ng mga tuntunin. Ito ay may dalang pangako na pangalagaan ang katarungan, protektahan ang karapatan, at magbigay ng pag-asa sa mga nangangailangan,” the Speaker from Isabela said.
“Ngayon, kayo ang susunod na magdadala ng pangakong ito.”
Dy also stressed the need for legal professionals with integrity, compassion, and conviction at a time when many institutions are being tested and Filipinos are looking for leaders they can trust.
“Sa panahong maraming institusyon ang sinusubok at maraming mamamayan ang naghahanap ng mga lider na mapagkakatiwalaan, higit kailanman ay kailangan ang mga abogado na may integridad, malasakit, at paninindigan,” he said.
The House chief reminded the graduates that the law is most powerful not when it remains in books but when it is used to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
“Ang batas ay pinakamakapangyarihan hindi kapag ito ay nakasulat lamang sa mga aklat, kundi kapag ito ay ginagamit upang mapabuti ang buhay ng tao,” he said.
Dy congratulated the graduates, their families, faculty members and the Isabela State University community on the milestone.
“Muli, congratulations sa inyong lahat. Mabuhay kayo, mabuhay ang Isabela State University, at mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino.”
metrosundaily
