Reject broken systems – DOJ exec to future lawyers, public servants

Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez —Photo from DLSU-USG MANILA, Philippines — Despite widespread corruption allegations involving flood control projects, Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez challenged future lawyers and public servants to reject broken systems, even if they had apparently been accepted as normal, and remember that public office is a responsibility entrusted by the people. Gutierrez made her remark during her speech on July 8 at the Sine Qua Non 2026 of the De La Salle University University Student Government (DLSU-USG). Corruption and failures in governance, she pointed out, have direct consequences on the lives of ordinary Filipinos. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Blue ribbon panel to resume flood control probe after Sona She began with an experience familiar to many students in the area, saying: “How many of you have ever been late to class, missed an exam, or gotten stranded because Taft Avenue flooded after a heavy downpour?” “For many Filipinos, flooding has become so familiar that we barely question it anymore. When it rains, there’s flooding. When there’s a storm, there are those who get stranded. So it’s like it has become normal,” she added. She made those remarks in response to questions about why communities still suffer from severe flooding despite billions of pesos spent on flood control projects. The persistence of flooding, she pointed out, has intensified calls for accountability over the use of public funds. Article continues after this advertisement “Because every peso lost to corruption is a classroom not built. Every delayed project is a livelihood interrupted. Every abuse of authority is a betrayal of someone who trusted government to do its job,” she explained. Gutierrez reminded students that public office is “not a reward,” an entitlement, a business venture, a family inheritance, or a “license to enrich oneself.” Article continues after this advertisement “It is a responsibility entrusted by the people,” Gutierrez said. “The Constitution uses the word trust for a reason. Because trust is earned. And once lost, it is incredibly difficult to restore.” Addressing students who may one day become lawyers, judges, prosecutors, legislators, policymakers, and public servants, Gutierrez said integrity is built long before a person enters government. “And that choice does not begin when you enter government. It begins now. In classrooms. In student organizations. In student government. In the decisions you make when no one is watching,” she said. “Because integrity is not acquired after taking an oath. Integrity is practiced long before it.” Drawing from the DOJ’s experience through its Action Center and nationwide Katarungan Caravans, Gutierrez also stressed the need to make justice accessible to Filipinos who lack information and representation. READ: Tinio: Where are other ‘big fish’ in flood works investigation? “The strength of a justice system is not measured by how well it serves those who can afford lawyers. Its strength is measured by how well it protects those who cannot,” she said. Gutierrez ended by challenging students to reject systems that have become accepted simply because they are familiar. “The next chapter of our institutions is in your hands. May you be the generation that will accept a broken system as normal. May you be the generation that will prove that public service is not about power but about accountability,” she added in Filipino. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. “Public office is not about power. It is about trust. And trust, once given by the people, must be earned every single day,” she added. /atm