Former Ombudsman and Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales speaks during the 115th Commencement Exercises of the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City on Sunday, July 5, 2026. A total of 145 summa cum laude, 927 magna cum laude, and 914 cum laude latin honors led the more than 5,000-strong Class of 2026. —Photo by Grig C. Montegrande/Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines — Former Ombudsman and Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio Morales expressed dismay on Sunday over charges faced by public officials in recent months.
“In a world increasingly divided by arrogance, intolerance, and indifference, the call to gumalang (respectfulness) is not merely timely, but urgent,” the former magistrate said in her speech at the University of the Philippines-Diliman 115th Commencement Exercises, themed “Gumagalang.”
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.”
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