Father Antonio Samson, President of the Ateneo de Davao University, Mr. Paul Dominguez, Chair of the Board of Trustees, other members of the Board of Trustees, the Deans of the Colleges, members of the Faculty, other officials of the University, Father Robert Hogan, the Class of 2009, parents and relatives of the graduates, my fellow alumni of this distinguished University, my colleague in the Supreme Court Justice Conchita Morales, Atty. J. Castro of the Judicial and Bar Council, Attys. Nonong and Charito Cruz, my wife Ruth and my daughter Audrey, my fellow Davaoeños, friends – good morning to all.

Allow me to thanks the Board of Trustees for conferring on me this honorary Doctorate of Laws. I am deeply honored with this award bestowed by my own alma mater. And I am of course extremely pleased to address the Class of 2009 this morning.

I welcome this privilege to give you, the Class of 2009, some parting advice before you receive your diplomas and walk out of the gates of this University. As a life-long student of law, I can tell you about your rights as citizens of our country. But this morning, I will tell you about your civic duties.