NOT EVERYTHING LEGAL IS JUST: ATTY. KRISTINA CONTI INSPIRES CSU LAW GRADUATES TO SERVE WITH INTEGRITY AND COMPASSION

"You will be defined by who you represent and how you understand the law."

With these bold yet reflective words, Atty. Ma. Kristina C. Conti, guest of honor and speaker at the 23rd Academic Convocation for the Conferment of Degrees and Titles of the Cagayan State University (CSU) College of Law, challenged the 38 graduates with her deep reflections on law, justice, and service.

Held on June 20, 2025, at the CSU Claude Andrews Convention Center, the event carried the theme, “Principle to Practice: The Rule of Law in Pursuit of Justice.” Atty. Conti, a journalist-turned-lawyer and human rights advocate, delivered a compelling and thought-provoking address to the graduates.

Drawing from her experience representing controversial figures and cases, she reminded the graduates that the practice of law must always be grounded in fairness, not in technical victories.

Atty. Conti warned of the seductive dangers of power and winning at all costs. “Remember, not everything legal is just,” she emphasized. She concluded with a powerful reminder: “Lahat ay may karapatan sa makatarungang batas at patas na pagpapatupad nito.”

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐬

The ceremony opened with a Baccalaureate Mass presided over by Reverend Father Vincent Miguel, who offered a heartfelt reminder to the graduates in his homily: “Don’t forget the Lord, who has always been with you.”

He urged them to become people of gratitude, “because gratitude keeps us humble; it grounds us.” He emphasized that their calling goes beyond defending the law. “You are called by God to serve. Offer not just legal knowledge, but compassion, just as Jesus did,” he said.

𝐀 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

With the theme, “Principle to Practice: The Rule of Law in Pursuit of Justice,” the convocation echoed the aspirations and responsibilities that come with the profession. The formal proceedings began with the presentation of candidates for graduation followed by the address of petition, concession, and the nomination of candidates.

The highlight of the ceremony came during the imposition of the doctoral beret, donning of the academic hood, and the distribution of diplomas, a moment that embodied both achievement and anticipation for what lies ahead.

𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧'𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞: 𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡

In his valedictory address, Mr. Marc Stephen L. Melad, the class valedictorian, spoke on the value of time, which he described as law school’s most elusive resource.

“Time in law school is different. It’s so limited that we miss moments with family and loved ones,” he shared. “But time taught us preparation. It taught us to learn from our failures and show up stronger.”

Mr. Melad reminded his fellow graduates that while passing the bar remains the goal, graduation itself is a gift. “Our future lies ahead, but this day, this present, is a gift to us.”

𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬

The ceremony concluded with the charge to the graduates from OIC President Arthur G. Ibañez, delivered by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Mariden V. Cauilan.

In his message, he congratulated the Class of 2025 for choosing CSU and for exemplifying the values of competence, skill, and integrity. He also expressed confidence in the legal training and moral foundation instilled by the university’s College of Law faculty, led by Dean Atty. Norman Clarence T. Lasam.

Following the Pledge of Loyalty and Induction into the Alumni Association, the graduates sang their graduation song and walked down the aisle for the final recessional. This time, they march not merely as law graduates, but as future lawyers.