MANILA, Philippines — Former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez delivered a message of purpose and responsibility to newly minted lawyers who graduated from the Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation (DVOREF), urging them to fight for what is right and dedicate their profession to public service. His remarks were shared through a video message posted on Facebook on Saturday, January 10.

Addressing the graduates, Romualdez emphasized that becoming a lawyer comes with a heavy yet honorable duty. He reminded them that the practice of law is not merely a career path but a calling that demands integrity, courage, and compassion—especially for those who have limited access to justice. According to him, lawyers play a crucial role in defending the rule of law and ensuring that fairness prevails in society.

Romualdez also underscored the importance of humility and gratitude. He encouraged the new lawyers not to forget their roots, the institution that shaped them, and the people who supported them throughout their journey. By remembering where they came from, he said, they would remain grounded and committed to serving not just themselves, but the broader Filipino community.

His message carries added significance as DVOREF recently earned recognition from the Supreme Court as the fourth top-performing law school in the country. This distinction places added expectation on its graduates to uphold high professional and ethical standards.

Beyond the celebratory tone, Romualdez’s remarks invite deeper reflection. At a time when public trust in institutions is often tested, lawyers stand at the front lines of accountability, rights protection, and democratic processes. The challenge for new members of the bar is whether they will use their knowledge to advance justice or merely personal gain. As these graduates step into a demanding legal landscape, one question remains: will the next generation of Filipino lawyers choose the harder path of service over comfort, and truly become defenders of justice for the people? (Larawan: Martin Romualdez / Facebook)