CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – “Ang pagtupad sa rule of law ay makakaalis ng lawlessness, ng kawalan ng peace and order. Dapat sinusunod talaga yung rule of law, ‘yun ang panlaban natin.”
Thus, former Senator Leila De Lima predicated her lecture “Weaponizing the Law” before students, educators and members of civil society at the St. Scholastica’s Academy Pampanga (SSAP) on Nov. 8.
Her talk on the manipulation of legal frameworks to suppress dissent and target political opponents was part of SSAP’s Centennial Lecture Series.
Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB, highlighted the importance of such discussions within the SSA community, saying, “Hosting talks like this, especially for the youth, is crucial.”
“As we celebrate our 100 years, we want to highlight Benedictine education and the significant societal roles our speakers play,” she noted. “It’s important for our youth to understand the problems our country faces and what solutions can be implemented.”
She furthered: “As Leila De Lima pointed out, we must have the courage to speak out against injustice and human rights violations. Courage is as infectious as cowardice. When one person acts courageously, it can inspire many others.”
De Lima shared personal anecdotes from her time as a senator, illustrating her experiences in the fight for justice. She urged the audience to remain vigilant and informed, highlighting the youth’s potential to shape the nation’s future through civic engagement.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, allowing students to interact directly with De Lima and explore her message further. Many attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to hear from a figure who has faced significant challenges in her pursuit of justice.
The Centennial Lecture Series, which commemorates a century of academic excellence and spiritual formation at SSAP, aims to engage students and the wider community in meaningful dialogue about critical issues.
The series continues with its final lecture, “Empowering Filipino Women Towards Transforming Philippine Society,” featuring Senator Risa Hontiveros on March 7, 2025. SSAP remains committed to inspiring its students to become thoughtful leaders and advocates for justice in an ever-changing world.
