BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Supreme Court Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh urged graduates of the Central Philippine University (CPU) College of Law to become men and women of integrity, particularly when they become lawyers.
In her speech during the college’s commencement exercise, Singh underscored the importance of keeping one’s integrity, saying that in this modern world, only a few people have unquestionable integrity.
“Pursue your dreams, but never forget that you must be ruled by the law and guided by your ethical values. Never lose sight of your goals. Remember that not all the money in the world can buy you a good name and reputation. It is the best legacy you can leave behind,” said Singh.
Singh, the 194th associate justice of the tribunal, served as the speaker during the CPU College of Law’s commencement rite of 30 law graduates on July 22.
In her speech, Justice Singh stressed that the true power of legal education lies in how members of the Bar choose to apply it.
“It is my sincerest wish that you apply it not just with dedication, but with integrity. Integrity to me is the most precious commodity in the whole world. It is also the rarest. A lawyer with integrity acts with independence, propriety, fidelity, competence, diligence, equality, and accountability,” said Singh.
The magistrate also encouraged the law graduates to “serve and pay back” to their families, schools, cities, and country.
“Go forth and conquer. Today, your life commences on a new path of service not just for your family, but for the country coupled with the faith in God and the kindness of each other. You will be the instrument of good and beacon of hope,” said Singh.
The magistrate said the law profession is now both empowered and beleaguered by technological advancements, noting the new mode of transforming how law is practiced is not always for the better.
“As future lawyers, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our legal system. Legal education has given you the knowledge, the skills, and the tools to navigate this evolving landscape and to drive change,” said Singh.
Remember that you are not just for yourself. You are becoming lawyers for society. You are all equipped to be in this noblest profession where you can make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Singh said the commencement rite is a day of great celebrations as the college bestows upon the law graduates their Juris Doctor degrees, signifying the completion of four years of legal education.
“But more than the ceremony, today also served as a chance for you to reflect on the journey that you have taken. It is the occasion to remind you of the purpose why you chose to take on this journey,” she added.
Likewise, the magistrate said the commencement rite is also the celebration of love, patience, generosity, charity, and kindness.
“Indeed, the study of the law is not a thing that can be achieved simply or easily. It requires the honing of a mind, deepened reasoning and critical thinking, and the acquisition of interpersonal skills that would make you ready to engage with your future clients and colleagues, and with justices and judges before whom you will appear. Most importantly, instilling ethical values that would guide you down the path you choose from here on,” said Singh.
The magistrate reminded the graduates that being now full-pledged Juris Doctors “carries with it the gravitas that you should hold and keep from any impropriety or illegality.”
“Remember that the title you earned today is not a mere ornament for showing off. Lawyering is the noblest profession. Without lawyers, no one will uphold the rule of law and society can exist and survive without the rule of law,” said Singh.
Singh also revealed the Supreme Court’s ongoing strategic plans for judicial innovation.
“We want a renaissance of the judiciary. We want a judiciary that the people can trust and count on. Otherwise, the people will take the law into their own hands and that will be the end of our civilized society,” stressed Singh.
Justice Singh served as Presiding Judge of the Metropolitan Trial Court, Quezon City (QC) from 2002 to 2007, as Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court, QC from 2007-2014, and as Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals from 2014-2022 before she was appointed the 194th Associate Justice on May 18, 2022./PN
