Former Ombudsman urges graduates to uphold “paggalang,” laments disregard for law

National

FORMER Ombudsman and Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales lamented alleged growing disregard for the law among public officials.

Drawing from her decades in the judiciary and public service, Carpio-Morales addressed the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Class of 2026 during the 115th Commencement Exercises, themed “Gumagalang,” warning against confusing genuine respect from blind obedience.

"In a world increasingly divided by arrogance, intolerance, and indifference, the call to gumalang (respectfulness) is not merely timely, but urgent,” she said in an Inquirer.net report.

She added: “As a magistrate, it pains me to see lawmakers alleged to be lawbreakers. Rules bent, redefined, or misinterpreted to suit individual or group interests. There is little paggalang (respect) for those who have limited or no voice at all. The powerless have become dispensable.”

Carpio-Morales told the graduates that respect has at times been invoked to silence criticism and suppress dissent.

"From the humble homes along the “riles” to the halls of both houses of Congress, and even the Palace by the river, paggalang remains a core value that is tragically and sorely lacking in Philippine society today."

Carpio-Morales expressed that "paggalang" extends beyond courtesy and obedience to authority, saying it requires recognizing the dignity and rights of every individual.

"But paggalang is more than politeness, deference, or obedience toward elders and those in positions of authority," she said.

She added: "It also recognizes another person as a human being. Paggalang requires recognizing the dignity of others and their right to speak, disagree, and participate in public life without fear of reprisal.” (Mary Elaine Virtucio, UP Cebu Comm Intern)