Reject 'broken systems' rife with corruption, DOJ exec urges future lawyers, public servants

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez urged future lawyers and public servants to reject "broken systems" rife with corruption, emphasizing that public office is a responsibility entrusted by the people, not a tool for power or self-enrichment. Speaking at the De La Salle University University Student Government's Sine Qua Non 2026 on July 8, Gutierrez highlighted that corruption and governance failures have direct consequences on ordinary Filipinos' lives. She used the common experience of flooding in areas like Taft Avenue as an example, noting how frequent inundations have become so normalized that people barely question them anymore. This normalization, she pointed out, occurs despite billions of pesos spent on flood control projects, intensifying calls for accountability. "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," Gutierrez explained. She reminded students that public office is "not a reward," an entitlement, a business venture, a family inheritance, or a "license to enrich oneself." Instead, it is a profound responsibility that requires earning and maintaining the trust of the people. Gutierrez stressed that integrity is built long before entering government, starting in classrooms and student organizations. "Integrity is practiced long before it," she stated. Drawing from the Department of Justice's experiences, she also underscored the need to make justice accessible to those lacking information and legal representation, asserting that the strength of a justice system is measured by how well it protects the vulnerable. In her closing remarks, Gutierrez challenged the students to be the generation that will prove public service is about accountability and trust, not power. "Public office is not about power. It is about trust. And trust, once given by the people, must be earned every single day," she said. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo