On September 20, 2025, the JRU Law Student Council held a forum that turned into more than just a legal discussion.
The event, titled “Uphold Dignity: A Forum on Human Rights,” featured Representative Leila M. De Lima as keynote speaker. Her message was clear: human dignity is at the heart of
justice, and defending it is the duty of everyone.
De Lima began by speaking about values familiar to every Filipino—self-worth, respect, hiya, and kapwa. These, she explained, are more than cultural traits. They are the roots of dignity, the reason people deserve to live with freedom and respect.
“Dignity is not given by the State,” she said. “It belongs to us the moment we are born. It is the starting point of freedom and the heart of our humanity.”
But dignity, she warned, is fragile. It weakens when the rule of law is ignored or abused. While governments have the power and resources to protect themselves, ordinary citizens depend only on laws and institutions to defend their rights. “When the rule of law is weakened, so too is the dignity of the people,” she said.
De Lima also pointed out a troubling reality: many Filipinos place their trust in strong leaders instead of in institutions. This, she argued, is dangerous because it leads people to surrender their own rights. “Laws are only as strong as the people who defend them,” she said. “Without vigilance, they become just a scrap of paper.”
Her speech also touched on poverty, which she called one of the biggest barriers to dignity. For millions of Filipinos, generations of inequality mean limited access to education, jobs, and basic needs. Poverty, she explained, is not just about lack of income—it also robs people of opportunity and self-respect. “Without addressing these realities, dignity remains incomplete,” she added. For her, economic justice and human rights go hand in hand.
De Lima then turned to the challenges of today’s world. Corruption, disinformation, cyberbullying, and mass surveillance are new threats that damage not only institutions but also everyday lives. These issues, she explained, spread fear, silence voices, and weaken trust in society. Speaking directly to law students, she challenged them: “Do not grow numb to these challenges. Let your profession sharpen your sense of justice and compassion.”
The forum was more than a formal event. It served as a reminder that dignity is upheld not by words alone but through action. De Lima stressed that human rights are never automatic; they become real only when people choose to defend them and refuse to stay silent in the face of injustice.
As the forum closed, her words stayed with the audience. They were not only a warning about the dangers facing democracy, but also a reminder of the strength that comes from defending what is right.
To live with dignity is to live truly free.
Chynna A. Tamayo
Writer, Rizalian Student Focus