THE MAN WITH THE LAW AND LEDGER: Atty. Roy Castro Jr.’s commitment to accountability

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At a time when many 30-somethings are still finding their footing, Atty. Roy Castro Jr. has stepped into a crucial public service role—keeping a state university financially and ethically upright. Just weeks into his post as supervising administrative officer for finance at the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), the 32-year-old CPA-lawyer from Central Philippine University is already showing how competence, when matched with conviction, can drive real change—even within bureaucracy.

Roy didn’t stumble into his profession. It began with numbers. “I was told I had a natural talent for working with numbers,” he shares. But it wasn’t just aptitude—it was passion. Problem-solving with precision thrilled him. His accountancy degree was only the beginning. While navigating government finance, he encountered gray areas—legal questions tucked between lines of ledgers. That curiosity pulled him toward law. “The study of law drew me closer to the values of integrity, accountability, and order,” he says.

That dual mastery—numbers and norms—has since become his signature. “Being both a CPA and a lawyer has given me a deeper understanding of the broader framework of governance,” Roy explains. He is one of only three CPA-lawyers at ISUFST—a rare feat in academia—making his role vital in financial governance. Looking ahead, he’s eager to work closely with the ISUFST community and fellow CPA-lawyers, Atty. Joey Mondero and Atty. Chito Colonia, in advancing ethical leadership, fiscal responsibility, and sound legal oversight across the university.

His current role may be new, but Roy isn’t easing into it. “I’m assisting the chief administrative officer for finance in reviewing existing systems in accounting, budgeting, and cash operations,” he says. In doing so, he supports ISUFST President Nordy Siason Jr.’s call for good governance and transparency. Roy’s mission is clear: to help ISUFST become a leading institution for sustainable education—one peso, one policy, and one principle at a time.

Though he hasn’t had time for dramatic reforms just yet, Roy’s vision is clear. “We aim to conduct regular system reviews and enhance internal communication,” he says. This isn’t just about fixing forms. Roy believes honest conversations build trust—and that trust builds a better workplace. When people feel heard, accountability naturally follows.

He learned that from years in government, where he saw how small decisions shape big outcomes. That experience now guides how he helps ISUFST grow—quietly, steadily. There, he often caught financial inconsistencies, flagged legal risks, and ensured efficient use of public funds. “It’s not about catching people—it’s about preventing systemic failure,” Roy explains. And at ISUFST, he brings the same lens, now sharpened by fresh context and bigger dreams.

At the heart of his strategy is data. “Data is the basis for all informed decision-making,” Roy emphasizes. From audits to budgets to policy interpretation, data drives his recommendations. It’s not about intuition or influence—it’s about evidence. “Accuracy isn’t just a requirement—it’s a reflection of ethics,” he says, with clarity that feels almost contagious.

But knowing what’s right and doing it are two different battles. Roy admits there are moments when institutional pressure pulls in the opposite direction of legal clarity. His response? “I weigh legal risks, ethical obligations, and the long-term interest of ISUFST,” he explains. “It’s not always easy, but prudence and transparency help us make the right call.”

Navigating internal relationships is another tightrope. “I stick to policies and professional standards across the board,” Roy says. It’s not about being rigid—it’s about being fair. Whether dealing with faculty, students, or senior officials, he leans on consistency. “Objectivity builds trust,” he says. “And trust, once broken, is hard to rebuild.”

And that, ultimately, is what he sees as his biggest task—rebuilding public trust in institutions like ISUFST. “Most people don’t notice the quiet work that happens behind closed doors,” Roy reflects. “But once they realize there’s structure and honesty guiding every decision, that’s when trust starts to rebuild.” It may not make headlines, but for a university like ISUFST aiming to lead Southeast Asia, that kind of trust is everything.

This is also why Roy places high value on mentorship. “We must model ethical leadership every day,” he says. His advice to younger finance staff isn’t complicated: Be competent. Be honest. Be proud to serve. “Integrity is a daily habit, not a speech,” he adds.

Looking ahead, Roy wants to institutionalize reforms that outlast titles. “Strengthened internal controls, updated financial policies, and upskilled personnel—that’s how we leave something enduring,” he says. It’s not about recognition; it’s about responsibility. “If we want transparency and accountability to thrive, we have to build them into the system.”

What keeps him going? Gratitude and purpose. “I believe in what ISUFST stands for. This university shapes future leaders. I’m here to ensure we do that without compromising our values,” Roy shares. And in a time when shortcuts and compromises are common, that sense of mission is both rare and powerful.

If given a chance to leave a single principle behind, Roy is quick to respond: “Accountability. It’s the cornerstone of everything we do. When we’re accountable, we earn trust, improve decisions, and create systems that serve—not just function.”

In a world brimming with talk and thin on follow-through, Atty. Roy Castro Jr. is choosing the long game: one where ethics aren’t just preached but practiced. And at ISUFST, he’s proving that the newest voice in the room can also be the one that rings with the most promise. (Herman Lagon / PAMMCO)