Supreme Court associate justice Joseph Y. Lopez urged graduating law students of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) to consider careers in government, saying the public sector needs principled lawyers committed to serving the people.

Speaking during the PUP College of Law commencement exercises recently in Manila, Lopez encouraged the graduates not to shy away from public office.

“Service does not always need a title. But if public office comes your way, do not automatically run from it. We need good people there,” Lopez said.

He reminded the graduates, many of whom are “Iskolar ng Bayan,” that a legal education carries the responsibility of advancing justice and improving the lives of ordinary Filipinos.

Lopez said lawyers should understand not only the law but also the realities faced by those seeking justice.

“Legal problems come with poverty, fear, delay, unequal bargaining power and lack of access. The law gives remedies. A PUP lawyer must see the lives behind them,” he said.

Drawing from his own career, Lopez recalled that his years as a Manila city councilor taught him that public service often involves making difficult decisions about the fair allocation of limited government resources.

“Who needs help first? Where should limited funds go? Which communities have waited too long? How should government decide when not everyone can receive everything at once?” he said.

He urged future lawyers not to abandon politics and public service to those who would misuse public office.

“Public power must serve the public good. We need lawyers who understand evidence, procedure, fairness and accountability. We need lawyers who can enter public life without losing conscience,” Lopez said.

The associate justice also reflected on his years as a prosecutor and appellate court magistrate, saying every case represents real people waiting for justice.