Supreme Court Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa urged aspiring lawyers to reject complacency and help address the "cracks in the system" as he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU).

MLQU conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, on Caguioa during the School of Law commencement exercises at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Quezon City in recognition of his contributions to the legal profession, legal education, public service, governance, and the administration of justice.

Addressing the graduates, Caguioa said the country needs lawyers guided by conviction and principle who are willing to challenge flaws in society rather than simply accept them.

"I humbly ask from each of you, as early as today: refuse to be consumed by 'ganyan talaga.' Do not let it lower your expectations. Do not let it dull your conscience. Do not let it break your resolve to stand for justice," he said.

He urged the graduates not to accept the status quo but to confront wrongdoing and work toward institutional reform, acknowledging that meaningful change is often difficult.

Caguioa also underscored the importance of integrity and competence, saying lawyers must be able to distinguish "fact from rumor, evidence from fabrication, and law from propaganda" amid the spread of misinformation.

The associate justice was recognized for his distinguished public service, including his tenure as justice secretary and chief presidential legal counsel, as well as his work in private legal practice and legal education.

Accepting the honor, Caguioa said every recognition is "an invitation to serve more faithfully, to stand more firmly, and to give more of oneself."