EventsA Message for the Next Generation of Leaders

A Message for the Next Generation of Leaders

-

- JAGUAR F-TYPE -spot_img

“Your graduation from this great college is proof that you’ve got it in you to go out into the world and face tomorrow with great confidence.”

So spoke retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines Vicente Mendoza to the new graduates of the University of the Philippines College of Law at the University Theater last June 25, 2019.

Tackling the urgent need to take good care of the constitutional order, he urged the gravity of the reality of the system of law and advised the graduates to exercise their knowledge with responsibility.

“Like any other mortal contrivance, the constitutional order is not of limitless capacity. It cannot survive the transformation of the public forum as dumpsites of dangerous doctrines or the use of the internet as a means of spreading hatred, gossip, malice, or falsehood.”

Watch Justice Mendoza’s full speech here:

Justice Mendoza further read excerpts from Shakespeare’s play, Troilus and Cressida, to demonstrate the importance of order and consequences of disregarding it with its application to the foundation of the law. It was a message aimed for the new generation to stand firm and strengthen the progress of renewing what has been corrupted by selfish intentions.

“Order is needed because without order there can be no peace —what we want is genuine peace. This order rests on the delicate balance of liberty and authority which requires for its maintenance an alert and vigilant citizenry to whom the public office is a public trust.”

He encouraged the future leaders to practice accountability, wherein every individual will be responsible for his fellowmen or his actions. “Tolerance, goodwill, good faith, self-restraint and the exercise of rights or the use of power are needed to maintain the balance of freedom and authority… Take good care of the constitutional order and it will take good care of you. Abuse it, then it will break down, then anarchy will follow, and the authoritarian regime will not be far behind.”

I’m happy to have this opportunity to talk to you, graduates of the UP law class of 2019, with high hopes and fervent prayers. We may yet witness in our time the reign of law and justice in our land,” Justice Mendoza finished.

Justice Mendoza served at the Court of Appeals in 1980 and was appointed its Presiding Justice in 1994. He was a member of both the Presidential Electoral Tribunal and House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal, up to 2003, and has been a Faculty member at the University of the Philippines College of Law since 1967.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest news

Mary Rose Marbil: Protecting our protectors

THE strongest among us are often taken for granted. They do their jobs, rush to the frontlines at the...

Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City officially opens with grand celebration

The highly anticipated ibis Styles Manila Araneta City has officially opened its doors, marking a new era of hospitality...

RIESA helps kickstart Philippine flag football team’s Olympic journey

Did you know that NFL (the US’ National Football League) star Camryn Bynum of the Minnesota Vikings spends the...

Summer in full color: It’s time for Rustan’s Beauty Source GRLPWR 2025

Rustan's Beauty Source marks its sixth year of GRLPWR with a redefined expression of all things beauty. Experience artistry from...
- Advertisement -spot_img

Hilton Manila appoints new general manager

Hilton Manila is pleased to announce the appointment of Gagan Talwar as its new general manager. A seasoned hospitality...

A Perfect Pairing for a Lucky Night: Best of Luck’s First Anniversary Celebrates with Manille Liqueur x Sioktong

Cubao Expo, Quezon City – Last Saturday, February 22, 2025, Best of Luck marked its first anniversary with an...

Must read

Color theory

It’s all about hue! Bright colors and monochromatic tones...

From Amenities to Zen Design: Garden City Delivers the Ultimate Bliss

Condominiums tend to have a reputation as mere halfway...

Overcoming my cell phone addiction

I must confess: I had become a cell phone...

Designing dreams, delivering quality

Jewels are more than mere adornments. From the delicate...

Why there’s much to love in the Philippines

A FEW years ago, my family and I took...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_imgspot_img