EDITORIAL: Broken Trust

FORMER Ombudsman and Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales delivered more than a commencement speech at the 115th graduation exercises of the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

She delivered a warning. At a time when institutions are under scrutiny and public trust continues to erode, her message about “paggalang” or respect struck at the very heart of the nation’s democratic crisis.

Her words reflected the growing frustration of many Filipinos who witness leaders accused of betraying the very laws they vowed to uphold. “As a magistrate, it pains me to see lawmakers alleged to be lawbreakers,” Carpio-Morales declared.

It was a pointed observation about the disturbing normalization of political controversies involving corruption, abuse of authority, and manipulation of legal processes. When laws are bent to accommodate personal interests, respect for institutions weakens, and democracy itself suffers.

What makes her remarks powerful is that they went beyond politics. She emphasized how disrespect has become deeply embedded in society—from ordinary communities to the highest offices of government.

Her statement that “the powerless have become dispensable” exposes a painful reality: those without influence are often ignored, silenced, or treated as collateral damage in political and economic struggles. In a democracy, however, the measure of leadership is not how the powerful are protected, but how the vulnerable are treated.

Carpio-Morales also highlighted a dangerous trend: the weaponization of the law. Laws are meant to protect rights, guarantee justice, and preserve order. Yet when legal systems are used to intimidate critics or suppress dissent, they cease to become instruments of justice and instead become tools of fear.

Her concern resonates strongly in an era where public discourse is increasingly hostile and where criticism is sometimes dismissed as disloyalty rather than recognized as a democratic necessity.

Equally important was her challenge to the graduating class. She reminded them that every profession carries a responsibility in defending truth and democracy. Engineers and architects must uphold ethics. Journalists and artists must continue creating spaces for truth and expression.

Scientists must combine innovation with imagination. Humanists must adapt to technological change. In emphasizing these roles, she underscored that nation-building is not the burden of politicians alone. Every citizen, regardless of profession, shapes the moral direction of society.

Perhaps the sharpest moment in her speech came when she joked about lawyers needing guidance and suggested that graduates “look at the proceedings in the Senate.” Beneath the humor was a serious critique of public officials whose conduct often appears more theatrical than principled.

Political grandstanding, loud rhetoric, and sensationalism have increasingly overshadowed reasoned debate and genuine public service. Carpio-Morales reminded her audience that truth is not measured by volume. Wisdom and integrity often speak quietly, yet they endure longer than empty noise.

Her statement about character was equally significant. In today’s world of viral speeches, curated public images, and political spectacle, many mistake visibility for virtue. Carpio-Morales argued otherwise.

Character, she said, is revealed not through shouting, self-promotion, or displays of success, but through everyday conduct. This is a lesson that extends beyond graduates and applies directly to public officials whose actions must consistently reflect honesty, humility, and accountability.

The speech ultimately served as both a critique and a call to action. Respect cannot remain a slogan recited during ceremonies while institutions decay and public trust collapses. Genuine paggalang means respecting the law, protecting dissent, listening to reason, and recognizing the dignity of every Filipino. Without these, democracy becomes hollow.

At a time when noise dominates public life, Carpio-Morales reminded the nation that conscience, truth, and respect still matter. Her message deserves not only applause from graduates, but reflection from those who govern.