MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged lawyers to safeguard human dignity and rights in light of the rising threats posed by cybercrimes and the climate crisis.
The Chief Executive emphasized in his address in Cebu City on Thursday that the importance of lawyers taking the initiative to address the challenges presented by the digital landscape.
“In this era of technological advancements, economic transformations, and global interdependence, you stand at the forefront of an unprecedentedly dynamic and therefore challenging landscape. The emergence of issues such as cybercrime, data privacy, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence present not only technical dilemmas but moral ones as well,” Marcos said.
“And therefore, they demand our continued commitment to protect human dignity in an increasingly digital world,” the President added.
President Marcos also pointed out the role of lawyers in developing environmental policies amid the climate crisis.
“Equally pressing is the existential challenge of our time: and that is the climate crisis. This is no longer an abstract threat that is spoken about at a high level of science. It is a reality that jeopardizes the very survival of future generations,” he said.
“Your field plays a vital role in this endeavor, crafting and upholding stronger environmental policies that protect our shared home, developing the concept of environmental justice,” he added.
“By doing so, you safeguard the rights of today and preserve the dreams and dignity of those that will follow us,” he further said./PN
