Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla strongly urged law students to master the law to ensure a robust justice system for the future.
“Mastering the law at the present is ensuring that a robust justice system is upheld for our future,” Remulla told the students during the Justice in Action Lecture Series organized by the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC) at San Beda University – College of Law.
Materializing its commitment to upholding justice and protecting individuals in vulnerable situations, the DOJ—through DOJAC—in partnership with San Beda University – College of Law (SBU-COL), conducted the Justice in Action for the Dean Emeritus Virgilio B. Jara Lecture Series, benefiting nearly 700 law students on 28 May 2025.
The event was held at the Jonathan Sy Auditorium in San Beda University – Manila, with a thematic focus on vulnerable sectors. It highlighted laws and jurisprudence concerning Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Senior Citizens (SCs), and victims of online gender-based crimes.
The lecture was attended by key officials from the DOJ, including Undersecretary-in-Charge of DOJAC Margarita N. Gutierrez and Assistant Secretary Randolph A. Pascasio, alongside SBU-COL officials Dean Marciano G. Delson and Administrative Officer Atty. Lyan Juanico.
In her welcome remarks, Undersecretary Gutierrez emphasized the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals and reiterated the DOJ’s commitment to extending the reach of justice to sectors in greatest need of legal assistance.
The lecture began with Prosecution Attorney Paolo Gonzales, who highlighted the state’s responsibility as guardian of the rights of protected sectors. He discussed key provisions of laws safeguarding the rights and privileges of PWDs and senior citizens, emphasizing the importance of their inclusion and support in society.
The discussion continued with DOJAC Program Director and Assistant State Prosecutor Joan Carla V. Guevarra, who tackled laws and jurisprudence surrounding online gender-based crimes, particularly “sextortion.” Her presentation included real-life case scenarios that offered participants a deeper understanding of the legal processes involved, and underscored the importance of prompt reporting and preserving evidence.
In line with DOJAC’s information dissemination campaign, Katarungan Officer Atty. Augusto B. Cubias III also provided an overview of DOJAC’s mandate and services, highlighting its significant role in delivering legal aid to countless Filipinos nationwide.
The event was marked by active participation from the students, who left inspired to become future vanguards of justice.