Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla urged law students to master the law not just for their future careers but to help uphold a functioning and equitable justice system for the country.
“Mastering the law at the present is ensuring that a robust justice system is upheld for our future,” Remulla said during a lecture held at San Beda University’s College of Law.
The event was part of the Justice in Action Lecture Series organized by the Department of Justice Action Center (DoJAC), in partnership with San Beda University–College of Law.
The session drew nearly 700 law students to the Jonathan Sy Auditorium in Manila.
The discussion centered on legal protections for vulnerable sectors, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens and victims of online gender-based violence.
DoJ officials present included Undersecretary Margarita N. Gutierrez, who oversees DoJAC, and Assistant Secretary Randolph A. Pascasio. From San Beda, College of Law Dean Marciano G. Delson and Administrative Officer Atty. Lyan Juanico were also in attendance.
Gutierrez opened the event by emphasizing the challenges faced by vulnerable groups and the importance of legal institutions in extending protection and access to justice.
Prosecution Attorney Paolo Gonzales followed with a discussion on the state’s role in safeguarding the rights of PWDs and senior citizens. He walked students through the relevant laws and the need for society to ensure these communities are not sidelined.
DoJAC Program Director and Assistant State Prosecutor Joan Carla V. Guevarra then tackled online gender-based crimes, particularly “sextortion.” She presented case examples to illustrate how these crimes are prosecuted and stressed the importance of reporting incidents and preserving evidence early.
To conclude, DoJAC Katarungan Officer Atty. Augusto B. Cubias III gave a brief overview of DoJAC’s mandate and services.
He noted the agency’s role in delivering legal assistance across the country, particularly to individuals who would otherwise have little access to legal remedies.
The forum ended with a call to students to not only learn the law but to serve as future advocates for justice, especially for those who need it most.