Married to a lawyer? Don’t argue – Marcos Jr.

MANILA, Philippines — He may have delivered strong statements on various issues and debated with fellow politicians, but there is one person President Marcos won’t dare have a verbal tussle with.

“I also learned a valuable lesson very early on – one that I carry with me to this day: never argue with your wife, especially if she is a lawyer. It is not a debate you will ever win,” Marcos said, referring to First Lady Liza Marcos, during a gathering of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in Cebu yesterday.

“Because for a layman, we sit there and you begin to feel the application of trial technique, something which we are not too accustomed with. So, what starts as a simple yes-or-no question eventually transforms into ‘it depends.’ And before you know it, you are knee-deep in case law, precedent, and a cross-examination that you did not sign up for,” he added.

Despite his wife’s conversation style, Marcos said Liza has shown him the “incredible depth and nuance of the law – and the minds that practice it.”

The Chief Executive said he has always held deep respect for the law profession, not only because of its role in society but also the example set by lawyers that have surrounded him all his life.

“To begin with my father, all his assistants – all of those who assisted him as (president) – during his time in government. And to the point that I married a lawyer, my wife, Liza,” Marcos said.

“I have seen through her how lawyers devote yourselves to mentoring aspiring lawyers. Also championing free legal clinics, providing assistance to the underserved. These actions remind us that beyond the intellect and skill required by law, it is compassion and service that truly defines the essence of this noble profession.”

Marcos said law schools must continually adapt to the demands of the times by refining their curricula, integrating emerging fields, and ensuring a seamless blend of legal theory and real-world application.

He also reminded lawyers that they are in the most fitting position to safeguard the Constitution.

“Being a vanguard of the Constitution transcends political affiliation, family legacy, profession. At its core, it is about ensuring that justice is more than just an ideal written on paper, it is about ensuring that it exists in the real world, in the lives of every ordinary citizen,” the President said.

“Justice must find its way to the margins, where it is most needed – reaching the underserved, the unseen (and) the unheard.  After all, the Constitution is meant to be wielded with purpose and compassion, especially for those who need it the most,” he added.