Ateneo Launches LL.M. Partnership with Ateneo De Naga by RYAN JEREMIAH D

AMICUS, Latin for “friend” or “comrade”, is the faculty bulletin of the Ateneo School of Law. It seeks to build a community of law school faculty members who inspire each other and the studentry to be skilled in the science and art of the law, to be imbued with a burning passion for justice, and to lead in serving the nation for Vol. 6, Issue 2 • December 2018 the greater glory of God. Ateneo launches LL.M. partnership with Ateneo de Naga By RYAN JEREMIAH D. QUAN

Ateneo Law School (ALS) and Ateneo de Naga University College of Law (ADNU Law) launched the Naga offering of the ALS Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Human Rights Law on December 13, 2018. The launch coincided with the week-long celebration of the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Beginning January 2019, the LL.M. in International Human Rights Law will be offered at (L-R) Atty. Amparita Sta. Maria, ALS-GLSI Director; ALS Dean Jose Maria G. Hofileña; Fr. Robert Exeqiel Rivera, the Ateneo de Naga campus. Ateneo de Naga University President; Ateneo de Naga College of Law Dean Domnina T. Rances (ALS J.D. ’08); and With this pilot offsite offering, Atty. Ryan Jeremiah D. Quan, ALS-GLSI Coordinator, at the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on the LL.M. offering in Naga. ALS and ADNU Law envision to enhance legal education, develop The International Human on the application of laws and skills and substantive knowledge research and scholarship, and Rights Law Track is one of the four conventions to human rights needed to become professionals enhance human rights advocacy specialist tracks of the ALS LL.M. situations of marginalized and and scholars in the field of human by tackling contemporary issues Program. Apart from studying vulnerable sectors. Employing a rights. in the domestic and international human rights principles, norms, multidisciplinary approach and The LL.M. Program provides realms. The LL.M. Program may conventions, and mechanisms, dynamic teaching methods in an avenue for quality continuing be completed in three semesters the International Human Rights its various course offerings, the education in law following the spread over one year. Law Track also gives emphasis track seeks to develop practical continued on page 12

IAteneansnside top 2018 National Moot Court Competition on International Humanitarian Law 2 Dean’s Corner By JOSE MARIA G. HOFILEÑA ALS partners with Facebook to discuss the Future Value of Data 2 Bernas Center now officially an Institute 3 Teehankee Center launches Centenary Lecture Series 3 More Than Just a Law School SEAHRN holds human rights conference in Manila 4 Based on collected Decades upon decades, the Ateneo Law School AHRC Taps Children to Conduct statistics over the past has been deeply committed to this business and Training on Child Rights 4 few years, the Ateneo that it has sustained its publicly acknowledged AHRC, CHR, UNICEF launch toolkit on Law School annually admits over 300 first year preeminence through all that time speaks volumes monitoring children’s rights 5 students, each of whom are eager yet anxious to of how successful we have been in this important AHRC ED addresses the 17th Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute 5 commence and pursue what promises to be an endeavor. ALS and AHRC host the Carnegie Council’s arduous path in obtaining a top-notch education But the articulated vision of the Ateneo Law Asia Dialogue Program on Climate Change in law. School sets out our responsibilities as an institution and Related Issues 6 Throughout their next four years, it is and as individual participants in the realization of Conversations with an icon 7 our voluntarily assumed duty as faculty and this vision, as calling for more: Paying it forward through the Bar Operations 8 Breaking the mold: Alternative teaching administrators to teach them what the law is and “We envision graduates who are not only tools and techniques for law school 10 why it is so, and to enlighten each one of these our skilled in the science and art of the law but also Five things I learned from the students about the “science and art” of the law. leaders imbued with a burning passion for justice Asia Pro Bono Conference 12 continued on page 12 NEWS Volume 6, Issue 2 • December 2018 2 Ateneans top 2018 National Moot Court Competition on International Humanitarian Law On 26 October 2018, the The 2018 National Rounds Ateneo Law School (ALS) won was organized by the Philippine the championship in the 2018 Red Cross and the International National Moot Court Competition Committee of the Red Cross, in on International Humanitarian partnership with the Court of Law beating sixteen other Appeals. It was hosted by the competing universities from all University of Makati. The moot over the Philippines. problem touched on varying This year’s Ateneo Team was crimes, specifically the crime of composed of Ms. Regina Isabel extermination and the existence Ongsiako (3D), Ms. Tiffany So (3D), of armed conflict in relation to the Mr. Matthew Kelby Uy (3D) as the war crime of torture and attack registered research assistant, and (L-R) Matthew Kelby Uy (3D), Regina Isabel Ongsiako (3D), Tiffany So (3D), against religious. Mr. Alijah Pandapatan (2C), as the and Alija Pandapatan (2C) with the following awards: Best Memorial The National Moot Court unregistered research assistant. (Prosecution), 1st Place Trophy, 2nd Runner-Up Best Oralist in the Competition started in 2005. It is They were coached by Atty. Jose Qualifying Rounds, and Best Memorial (Defense). an international law moot court Herminio Taylo (ALS J.D. ’15) and 17th Red Cross International the Ateneo Team also won Best competition that provides law Atty. Jeunesse Dagdag (ALS J.D. Humanitarian Law Moot Court Memorial for both the Prosecution students a training ground where ’17). Competition, which will be held and Defense. Ms. Tiffany So was they can deepen their knowledge The Ateneo-Philippine Team in Hongkong in March 2019. Aside also awarded 3rd Best Oralist in of International Humanitarian will represent the country at the from winning the championship, the Preliminary Rounds. Law. ALS partners with Facebook to discuss the Future Value of Data By UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE Facebook, in collaboration with data, there is no doubt that data possibility of discovering that in change is occurring. With the use UK-based think tank, Future permeates (and will continue to the field of legal education and of data accelerating in and around Agenda, has been sponsoring do so) all aspects of our lives— practice, the community greatly many sectors, there will be an Future Value of Data workshops and that the interdisciplinary prefers, or will prefer, artificial exploration of emerging legal, globally—including in Singapore, character of the workshop’s over natural intelligence.” technological, social, business Bangkok, and Jakarta in Asia participants testifies to that.” Launched in Bangalore, model, and regulatory shifts and Pacific. In the Philippines, “Facing the future value this major new project on the how and where they may most Facebook partnered with the of data, while necessary,” he Future Value of Data engages impact over the next decade. Ateneo Law School (ALS)— added “might also potentially with experts in 30 other cities Moreover, there will also be an through the Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, be terrifying for us who teach around the world to build a rich, inquiry into the emerging role of S.J. Institute for Continuing Legal and practice law because of the informed view of how and why data in society. Education—for a workshop on the Future Value of Data in Manila last September 24, 2018. Building on insights from the global Future Agenda program and adding new research, this workshop brought together leaders and experts to explore and share views of the key regional and global changes on the horizon in the important and fast-evolving area of data. ALS Dean Jose Maria G. Hofileña emphasized the importance of this conversation, saying that it is “essential since, even as we might not even have fully grasped the present value of Dean Jose Maria G. Hofileña addresses the workshop attendees. (Photo courtesy of Atty. Brady de Castro) NEWS Volume 6, Issue 2 • December 2018 3 Bernas Center now officially an Institute By UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE

On 12 September 2018, the Fr. professional development for Bernas Center for Continuing lawyers.” Legal Education was formally The Bernas Institute, she said, launched into the restructured Fr. carries a heavy burden because it Bernas Institute. has great potential. Gracing the event was the “But I am confident that it Institute’s very namesake—Fr. will rise to the challenge,” she Joaquin G. Bernas SJ, whose remarked, “because we have a presence was acknowledged and dynamic team which will surely greeted by rapturous applause grow in strength, a supportive from lawyers, politicians, and law school community, and academics in the Justitia Hall of great partners like the Energy the Ateneo Professional Schools Regulatory Commission. The campus in Rockwell, Makati City. burden can be the start of the ALS Associate Dean for most exciting opportunities for Academic Affairs Ma. Ngina ALS and the Institute.” Teresa Chan-Gonzaga welcomed In between messages played the attendees of the landmark a tribute to Fr. Bernas, with his event. “The transformation and colleagues, friends, and former the reboot of the one-time center students talking about his legacy into an institute, is, I believe, a as well as the mark he made on commitment of the Law School The legendary professor, lawyer, and Jesuit received multiple standing their lives, Philippine law, and to its thrust towards legal and ovations, with the community showing him just how well-loved he really is. Philippine society as a whole. Teehankee Center launches Centenary Lecture Series By MYREEN C. RAGINIO To be critical is not equivalent Duterte’s Charter Change to automatically being in the Consultative Committee. opposition. To be critical requires a The guests were welcomed careful examination of the subject by Dean Jose Maria G. Hofileña of scrutiny and a determination who reminisced on his own of its good and bad points. As the thoughts and experience during great thinker Immanuel Kant once the consultations for the 1987 said, “Sapere aude!” Dare to know. Constitution. Justice Nachura then This is why the Teehankee Center gave an overview of the proposed for the Rule of Law launched its Federal Constitution. Centenary Lecture Series, the first The changes in the Legislative, being on the proposed Federal Executive, and Judicial branches Constitution. of the government, as well as In keeping with its role as a the nuances on the National Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Nachura discussing the forum for informative, credible, Territory, the Bill of Rights, and proposed Federal Constitution. and healthy discourses, the the Constitutional Commissions, floor was opened for questions Presidency, and Vice Presidency. Teehankee Center held the first were among those introduced and clarifications. Many curious Justice Nachura addressed these installment of the Centenary and discussed by Justice Nachura. students raised their own questions by sharing the “why” Lecture Series in the Ateneo One of the bolder proposals is the worries and doubts as to the of the provisions, and also the Law School on 28 August 2018. vesting of the power of revision changes being proposed, such “how” of the proposals. Through Gracing the event as the keynote – not just amendment – to the as the inclusion of the minimum these interactions, a more speaker was Retired Associate people when it comes to the requirement of being a college vivid picture of the birth of the Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura, fundamental law of the land. degree holder or its equivalent to proposed Federal Constitution member of President Rodrigo After the discussion, the those running for Congress, the was generated. NEWS Volume 6, Issue 2 • December 2018 4 SEAHRN holds human rights conference in Manila By CHRISTINE CLAIRE D. LAISON The Fifth International from Cambodia, Indonesia, Conference on Human Rights, academics, scholars, researchers, the conference were post truth as Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Peace, and Conflict in Southeast graduates and post-graduate a human rights challenge and the and Vietnam. Presently based in Asia was held on 15-17 October students, members of civil society role of media, authoritarianism Mahidol University in Thailand, 2018, in Marco Polo Ortigas, organizations, and governments in Southeast Asia, and conflict SEARHN provides a platform for Pasig City. It was co-organized for a discussion of various issues transformation. Several academic bringing together human rights by the Southeast Asian Human affecting the protection of papers on thematic human rights and peace scholars in Southeast Rights and Peace Studies Network human rights, building of peace, issues were also presented in the Asia to collaborate on research, (SEAHRN) with the Ateneo Human transformation of conflicts, and course of the 3-day conference. teaching, and training to enhance Rights Center, the University of the claiming the dignity of Southeast SEAHRN is a consortium of activism and human rights and Philippines Law Center’s Institute Asia. Among the topics tackled in 22 university-based institutions peace scholarship in the region. of Human Rights, Miriam College Department of International Studies, the Strengthening Human Rights and Peace Research / Education in ASEAN / Southeast Asia Programme (SHAPE-SEA), and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). With the theme “Making it Matter: Empowering Societies for Human Rights and Dignity in Southeast Asia,” the conference gathered more than 200 The Secretariat of the 5th International Conference on Human Rights, Peace, and Conflict in Southeast Asia. AHRC taps children to conduct training on child rights By MA. CECILLE LUMAGUE-LATUNO The Ateneo Human Rights Center the opportunity to exercise and communities of AHRC were Training, where the children (AHRC), with the support of Save their right to participation by invited to be trainers. The children facilitate the training of adults on the Children Philippines and SIDA teaching adults how to develop an formulated, developed, and child participation. Innovation Fund, implemented appreciation of child participation facilitated the program to achieve The ChildTAP Training was held the ChildTAP: Children Teaching and gain insights on approaches to the objectives of ChildTAP. on 10-11 November 2018, at the Adults About Participation integrating the same in programs ChildTAP has three Discovery Suites in Pasig City. It was project. The project is focused and activities involving children. components namely: 1) training of attended by 20 adult participants, on learning about children’s right As a child-led activity, eight child trainers and program design; including representatives ffrom to participation from children children, ages 11 to 17 years old, 2) dry run of the program with the government and business themselves. It provides children from three partner organizations child trainers; and 3) ChildTAP sectors, as well as from civil society. During the program, the child trainers raised and discussed issues that are important to them, such as positive discipline, teenage pregnancy, and mental health. This provided the adult participants insights on how children see and feel about these issues. At the end of the activity, the child trainers expressed how the experience increased their confidence and passion to do development work in the future. The resounding message of the children during the training was clear and simple - children are not just the future; “children matter now.” NEWS Volume 6, Issue 2 • December 2018 5

The launch was graced by CHR Chairperson Chito Gascon (6th from left). AHRC, CHR, UNICEF launch toolkit on monitoring children’s rights By CHRISTINE CLAIRE D. LAISON The Ateneo Human Rights Center, adults who participated. with the support of UNICEF, activities - including site visits, the International Human Rights After the launching of the CHR implemented the CHR Capacity focus group discussions, and key Week celebration, the CHR Toolkit, a validation activity with Building on Monitoring Child informant interviews – were also Toolkit was officially launched children for the draft CHR National Rights project. As part of this done over a 6-month period. on 8 December 2018, at the UP Child Rights Situation Report was project, the AHRC developed the The CHR Toolkit was subjected Microtel Technohub, Quezon City. conducted. It was participated in CHR Operational Guidelines and to a validation workshop before Commission on Human Rights by 14 children from seven regions Rules of Procedure for Monitoring it was finalized. The AHRC also Chair Jose Luis Martin “Chito” across the country. It tackled the Convention on the Rights of conducted an intensive children’s Gascon, in his keynote message, diverse issues concerning children, the Child (CHR Toolkit). It was pilot- rights training for the CHR to emphasized that children’s rights such as those relating to children tested by the CHR Child Rights further strengthen their capacity. are human rights. Atty. Anjanette in armed conflict situation, street Center and its regional child rights On 3 December 2018, the CHR Saguisag, Social Policy Chief children, child labor, children with focal persons through a series En Banc issued CHR Resolution of UNICEF, noted that the CHR disabilities, children deprived of of regional consultations with No. AM 2018-295, adopting Toolkit was developed through liberty, indigenous children, right children and adult participants. and institutionalizing the use an iterative process, expressing to health, and violence against Additionally, various monitoring of the CHR Toolkit. As part of appreciation for both children and children. AHRC ED addresses the 17th Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute By RAY PAOLO J. SANTIAGO On 6 December 2018, Ateneo advocates “are still prepared Human Rights Center Executive to dialogue and work with the Director Atty. Ray Paolo Santiago Philippine government in bringing addressed the 17th Assembly of perpetrators to justice.” He ended States Parties to the Rome Statute by saying that “[i]t is not yet late of the International Criminal for the Philippines to reverse its Court as part of the civil society withdrawal. But the withdrawal delegation. itself must be condemned, as it is In his statement, Atty. Santiago an act in support of impunity.” called on the States Parties “to The Assembly of States Parties reaffirm, in the strongest terms is the ICC’s management oversight possible, in words and action, and legislative body composed [their] commitment to the Rome of representatives of the States Statute and the International which have ratified or acceded to Criminal Court.” He “challenge[d] the Rome Statute. Atty. Santiago the States Parties to vocally is the Co-Chair of the Philippine speak for justice and condemn to the Rome Statute. He further of grave crimes and undermine Coalition for the ICC, a network governments that undermine emphasized that “[w]ithdrawal the effectivity and credibility of of individuals and organizations it,” alluding to the Philippine of States Parties from the Rome the ICC.” He, however, concluded working towards effective justice government’s decision in March Statute has no other intention but that despite the Philippines’ and accountability mechanisms to 2018 to withdraw its membership to interfere with the investigation withdrawal, civil society and justice benefit victims of grave crimes. NEWS Volume 6, Issue 2 • December 2018 6

ALS and AHRC host the Carnegie Council’s Asia Dialogue Program on Climate Change and Related Issues By FRANCIS TOM F. TEMPROSA The Carnegie Council for Ethics in The Asia Dialogue Program Affairs (Philippines), Atty. Maria Some government officials International Affairs, a New York- goes around Asia to discuss Paz G. Luna of the Department also met the delegates, based independent think tank themes related to concerns in of Environment and Natural including Assistant Secretary founded by Andrew Carnegie, the region. It previously went Resources, Ms. Jee Geronimo Romell Antonio Cuenca of the partnered with the Ateneo Law to Indonesia in 2017 to explore of Rappler, and Dr. Charlotte Climate Change Commission School (ALS) and the Ateneo religion, and to Japan in 2016 to Kendra Gotangco of Ateneo’s and Brigadier General Restituto Human Rights Center to host learn about gender and society. Department of Environmental Padilla, Jr. of the Armed Forces the site visit of the Council in On the first day, ALS Dean Science. of the Philippines. Attys. the Philippines on 21-27 October Jose Maria Hofileña opened Delegates travelled to a Trisha Isabelle Fernandez and 2018. The visit sought to examine the event and welcomed the community affected by climate- Martin Angelo Esguerra of the climate change in Philippine politics, delegates. Atty. Temprosa related disasters including Commission on Human Rights of society, and related issues. introduced the participants flooding, and rising sea levels in the Philippines discussed climate Devin Stewart and Amanda to the project’s goals. In the Malabon City. They spoke with justice with them. Ghanooni of the Carnegie afternoon, experts Dean leaders from the Manila Bay Mr. Carlos Conde of Human Council led a group of 10 Pacific Antonio La Viña and Dr. Coordinating Office, the city hall, Rights Watch discussed the delegates and two contributors Gemma Teresa Narisma of the and the barangay. human rights situation of from seven countries with Manila Observatory briefed Atty. Lesley Leanne Cordero environmental activitists, diverse professional backgrounds participants on the science and of the World Bank and former journalists, and other members of to participate in classroom policy issues of climate change undersecretary at the Office civil society in the Philippines, as discussions, expert lectures, in the Philippines and the world. of the President – Office of well as the connection between cultural activities, community In the following days, speakers the Presidential Assistant for climate change, displacement, dialogues, and site visits designed on the human and social costs of Rehabilitation and Recovery the war on drugs, poverty, and by Carnegie Council Fellow Atty. climate change and disasters, delivered an interactive talk on land rights. Francis Tom Temprosa of ALS as well as the humanitarian disaster response and climate Delegrates are supposed to and University of Michigan Law response and strategies for change insurance and financing. create articles, features, and School. Atty. Temprosa was adaptation, included Mark Dr. Francisco Magno of De La Salle other knowledge products on the appointed as Pacific Fellow of the Bidder, Head of the UN Office for University – Manila talked about trip. The Henry Luce Foundation Council. the Coordination of Humanitarian climate change and politics. supported the event. FEATURES Volume 6, Issue 2 • December 2018 7 Conversations with an icon I had just finished my class one afternoon, By NINA PATRICIA D. SISON-ARROYO Passion for Justice. After Justice Pompeyo Diaz thinking about finally facing the pile of blue spoke, the whole room fell silent, awestruck by books on my desk as I made my way to my his childhood dream. As a young boy he spent the grandeur of his message and stirred by the office, when I saw a colleague sitting byhis many hours reading Perry Mason novels. power of his words. lonesome in the law school conference room. It was 1968 when Jack graduated from I’m only on my 10th year of teaching. I I walked in to say hi, partly because I wanted law school. He started teaching right after he must admit that there are times when I don’t to keep him company, but also because I saw passed the bar the following year, with Torts feel up to it. How can one teach for nearly five a plate of pancit and turon on the table, which and Damages as his first assignment. He began decades and keep going? I surmised were remnants of a meeting that teaching Constitutional Law upon Fr. Bernas’ For Jack there is only one reason – “You had scarcely ended. The food was res nullius behest when Fr. Bernas was Dean in the 70s. must love it. If you love teaching, you will not as I supposed, and so I gladly sat down for a He has taught many other subjects in the stop.” free merienda and some catching up with my course of nearly 50 years of service. “But what is it about teaching that makes colleague. Having encountered generations of you love it?” I asked. I hardly warmed my seat when from the professors, surely he would have something “It’s the privilege of helping others realize corner of my eye I saw someone walk by and to say about what makes an excellent teacher. their full potential,” he said. He takes pride in stop in front of the conference room. He was He did not have a secret formula to tell. What the fact that a third of the incumbent justices looking in, but not saying a word. he had were stories of giants – Justice Venicio of the Supreme Court were his students. I acknowledged the presence “Which one do you love more, of our unannounced visitor, and teaching or going to court?” My said to him, “Hi, sir. Did you come question was met with more stories. from class? I would offer you some Jack did not talk about the merienda, but this is all I have.” landmark cases that he handled, With his clutch bag in hand, he which his firm proudly broadcasts on shuffled in. Before I knew it, it was its website: “Garcia v. J.G. Summit just the two of us sitting across Petrochemical Corporation, 516 SCRA each other. My colleague stealthily 493 (2007), in which the Supreme stepped out after our visitor Court held that Presidential Decree dropped his first line – Nos. 949 and 1803 do not require all “You know, when Justice petrochemical plants to be located Narvasa was Chief Justice…” in Bataan; British American Tobacco No one else makes such an entry v. Camacho, 562 SCRA 511 (2008), in but Jack Jimenez. which the Supreme Court held that I had always been intrigued by the enigma Escolin, Judge Jesus De Veyra, and Justice the imposition of excise tax on cigarettes does that is Jack. As a law student, I knew him as Pompeyo Diaz. not violate the constitutional requirement the walking SCRA, the beautiful mind, the Jack recounted that Justice Escolin was of uniformity in taxation; and Office of the nutty professor. I remember him sitting alone an expert in criminal procedure who brought Solicitor General v. Ayala Land, Inc., 600 SCRA at a table for ten in the cafeteria of Dela Costa, with him a wealth of experience as a public 617 (2009), in which the Supreme Court held pensive in his solitude and oblivious to the prosecutor, a trial judge, and a justice of the that requiring shopping centers to provide lunch hour bustle. I told my classmates that Supreme Court. He did not make his students free parking spaces constitutes expropriation we should keep him company. No one was up read a long list of cases. Instead, he carefully without payment of just compensation.” to the task, and so I sidled up to Jack and sat selected the decisions which best explained He told stories about handling a murder across him. the legal doctrines. case pro bono and having his client acquitted, “Do you mind if I join you, sir?” my Judge Jesus De Veyra grilled his students of helping an innocent policeman accused of presumptuous but well-meaning self asked. about the law and jurisprudence, and asked stealing chickens clear his record, and many He looked at me and grumbled something. them to demonstrate their understanding of more tales of rendering legal service not for Those were all the words exchanged between legal principles by giving their own examples. fame or fortune, but out of a sense of duty as us until we finished our lunch in awkward He lectured with clarity, and patiently taught a member of the bar. silence. the students until he was satisfied that he had “Why did you do it?” I asked. Many years after, 22 to be exact, there taught them well. It’s because his mother told him, “Hindi mo I was in the conference room sitting across Justice Pompeyo Diaz inspired his students madadala ang kayaman sa langit.” Jack once again, the awkwardness of years by his mere presence, his eloquence, and It was 6:00 p.m. Jack had to go to his class. past long gone. I asked him things I’ve always his brilliance. For Jack, of the numerous Our conversation had gone on for over two wanted to know about him. commencement exercises he had attended hours. It started out with a plate of pancit and Jack Jimenez is the third of four sons. His only one was remarkable, and that was the turon. It turned out to be a feast served by a father was an accountant, and his mother, a graduation of 1981. It was the year when man who walks the halls of our beloved law homemaker. He is the only lawyer in the family. Justice Pompeyo Diaz delivered his legendary school waiting to share a piece of his mind and His brothers are all engineers. Lawyering was speech now known in history by its title, soul to anyone willing to pause and listen. FEATURES Volume 6, Issue 2 • December 2018 8

Volunteers preparing the materials to be used for mock bar. (Photo credit: Aleli Bucu) Paying it forward through the Bar Operations or not. This had to be completed in time for prepared a second and more condensed pre- By SEVERINO MIGUEL B. SANCHEZ the start of the summer Bar Review. The week reviewer, which was released closer to following semester, the Academics Committee the exam dates. The Bar Examinations are no doubt the most important set of exams for every aspiring lawyer. Even if the exams are taken individually, our Bar examinees are never alone in preparing for it. The entire Ateneo Law School (ALS) community gives its full support to make sure the examinees can focus on Bar review. This was what the ALS community made sure of for our 2018 Bar examinees. The 2018 Bar Operations was a labor of love with so many people contributing in the spirit of oneness: the Central Bar Ops team, the Student Council, student organizations, volunteer faculty members, and even law school alumni. As in past years, the Bar Operations was most visible during the month of the exams. Nevertheless, making it successful required months of planning, numerous cups of coffee, a few all-nighters sprinkled in between, and a whole lot of heart from everyone involved. In the months leading up to November, the Central Bar Ops team, composed of the Academics, Administrative, and Hotel Committees, worked behind the scenes with the rest of the ALS community in full support. Work for the Academics Committee began towards the end of the 2nd semester of S.Y. 2017-2018. Volunteers, both student and faculty, took time to check the review materials to make sure that key concepts for each subject were covered. Nights were spent proofreading drafts and deciding on what topics to include All smiles while assembling the Bar Exam bags to be distributed to the Bar takers. (Photo credit: Aleli Bucu) FEATURES Volume 6, Issue 2 • December 2018 9

Meanwhile, the Administrative Committee was on top of a different set of tasks with equally tight deadlines. The Committee, together with the faculty, organized special lectures on certain topics for the Bar examinees during the summer. Once the 1st semester of A.Y. 2018-2019 was underway, the Administrative Committee took charge of the Mock Bar Examinations so that the Bar examinees could have a feel for the environment and pressure of an actual Bar Exam. Volunteers also assembled the clear bags mandated by the Supreme Court. Some students, faculty, friends, and alumni, even sent in good luck packages for the Bar examinees to be inserted in their bags. In the summer, the Hotel Committee booked the accommodations to ensure a comfortable weekend for the Bar examinees in Bar Ops volunteers on their toes just a few hours before the Bar Exams. (Photo credit: Asia Wy) a hotel close to the examination site. All hands were on deck come November. in full force. Alumni and faculty members end of each weekend, people would go home The student and faculty volunteers of dropped by the hotel to give moral support, tired, but with all smiles nonetheless. the Academics Committee continued to and even brought food to share. Volunteers What makes the Ateneo Bar Operations prepare review materials and answer who received last minute questions from the special is the foundation which the entire effort the Bar examinees’ last minute queries. examinees had the chance to consult with is built on. Its building blocks are the individual The Hotel Committee made sure that the more senior students or faculty at the hotel. efforts of each member of the community Bar examinees’ stay at the hotel was as To keep everyone’s spirit up and awake in the striving to pay it forward to take care of our comfortable as possible, and made wake-up early hours of the morning, some volunteers Bar examinees and future lawyers. The actions calls for the examinees to make it in time for jammed to music and others cheerfully joined of one inspire others to do the same, and that the examinations each Sunday morning. The in. generosity and selfless spirit accumulates and Administrative Committee was in charge of The Bar Exam weekends sparked a positive transforms into something really special. Thus, Sunday operations at the examination site, environment where everyone could interact through the efforts of those behind the scenes, including food runs and whatever needs the with each other irrespective of year level or the ALS community was again able to give its Bar takers had. differences — whether students, alumni, or all-out support to our Bar examinees, without The four gruesome Bar Exam weekends faculty. The atmosphere and interaction was counting the cost. To be part of something like clearly saw the spirit of paying it forward unlike what was normally had in school. At the that is something we can all be proud of.

Singing the Song for Mary – a fitting conclusion to the Bar Exams and the start of the Salubong festivities. (Photo credit: Asia Wy) FEATURES Volume 6, Issue 2 • December 2018 10 Breaking the mold: Alternative teaching tools and techniques for law school The predominant technique: By OSCAR CARLO F. CAJUCOM thing nowadays. We have the good old reliable whiteboard, as well as the relatively Socratic method The professor can also assign hypothetical recent monitors installed inside classrooms. In a typical law classroom, the teacher — problems in writing to the students, ideally in The whiteboard is effective (assuming your and only the teacher — asks the questions. He advance of the session where the concerned handwriting is not terrible), but it takes up or she rarely ever gives answers. The students, concept will be discussed. Hypotheticals can precious time to write. Also, a lot of concepts most times daunted, are expected to give the be helpful for applying the knowledge gained are best illustrated by charts, diagrams, tables, correct answers by drawing inferences from from the readings. This is especially true for or even photos which cannot be shown with the professor’s questions and the assigned subjects where a concept-level discussion is just the whiteboard. Hence, PowerPoint readings. Through this method the students not sufficient, e.g., legal ethics, legal research slides are the weapon of choice nowadays. are forced to learn through a process of and writing, practice court, etc. These subjects They are effective in controlling the flow of induction. The students have to connect the usually involve skills or decision making which the discussion, and put the needed image dots, prodded by the Socratic interrogator, can be learned better through scenarios that or illustration at the teacher’s fingertips. to get a firm grasp of the day’s lessons. A lot the students confront. Slides may also simply contain words. To be of times, the students have to rely on effective, however, PowerPoints should other reading materials to essentially contain only key words or clauses and teach themselves what they could not topic sentences, not entire definitions or learn solely by inference. lengthy enumerations. To a great extent, this teaching With a monitor ready for use and method has worked. In fact, the Internet connection, professors can Socratic way has received almost also click on websites with content that universal acceptance in teaching illustrates a concept or topic. The text law. Its impact on legal education is of laws and regulations can be flashed, undeniable. But is it always the most important documents (e.g., a certificate effective? of title or Articles of Incorporation) and The wide use of the Socratic instructive videos (e.g., samples of good method could be explained by the cross examinations or an educational perfectly understandable aversion to movie scene) can be shown. The “spoon-feed” the students. Sure, the possibilities are endless and professors Socratic method has been reliable should take advantage. for extracting doctrines and forcing students to think analytically on their Web pages and mailing or feet. But law professors will do well to social media groups recognize there are limits to learning by induction. Relying exclusively on Students today are incredibly well- versed with the Internet. With enough the Socratic method constrains the “Speak louder, Mr. Hart! Fill the room with your intelligence!” teacher in a pedagogical straitjacket The famous scene in the movie, The Paper Chase, where help and resources, creating a Web page and discourages direct communication Prof. Kingsfield questions the law student, Mr. Hart, using the for the class can be helpful. The page can and fruitful interaction with the Socratic method. contain not just the syllabus and course students. Expanding the arsenal of teaching materials, but also assignments and techniques in law school may be in order. Visual aid problems. Electronic files can also be uploaded to the Web page. The good news is that there are a lot of Many students learn faster and better teaching techniques and tools available to the For less techie professors, there is the old with visual aid. This is especially true for but dependable mailing group or the slightly law professor. We discuss below some of these the younger generations, who are used to useful techniques and tools. more familiar Facebook group. These media absorbing visual information through the can be useful for additional interaction out Using hypotheticals Internet and social media. It does not help that of class, as well as for sharing and accessing legal education relies heavily on words, such materials at any time. Relying on the assigned cases and readings that class sessions become a verbal ping-pong may not be enough to drive a point home. match between the student and the teacher. Allowing questions Some slight variation in the facts of the Those not sufficiently engaged could find the assigned case can contribute greatly to the entire exercise boring, and will lose track of from the class students’ grasp of the concept. Hypotheticals what is important enough to remember. Very rarely are students given a free pass also allow the students to comprehend the Fortunately, inserting some visuals in to ask questions. A handful of professors might limits of a particular element or legal principle. your teaching regimen can be the easiest consider this “spoon feeding.” Some might FEATURES Volume 6, Issue 2 • December 2018 11 avoid it for fear of being suspected of not Meet the New Faculty knowing the subject inside and out. Answering questions from the class is helpful, however, Atty. Leo Miguel R. Anonuevo especially in cases when Socratic questioning comes to an end without covering all the Atty. Leo Miguel R. Anonuevo is a Resident Supervising Attorney points intended to be conveyed. of the Ateneo Legal Services Center. A true blue Atenean, he studied Allowing the class to ask questions can at the Ateneo de Manila University from grade school to law school. be tricky, however. With professors’ struggles He obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 2010 and was admitted to the to prepare for class and attend to their other Philippine Bar the following year. He is a founding partner of Legaspi, distractions, it is simply impossible to always Furigay & Añonuevo Law Offices and a Director/Incorporator/Vice be ready to answer all questions. There will President/Corporate Secretary of Zynergy Resource Solutions, Inc. be times when the professor will simply have Atty. Añonuevo teaches Clinical Legal Education 101. no ready answer. Instead of answering from the top of his or her head and risk making a Atty. Patricia P. Geraldez mistake, the professor can buy time to put Atty. Patricia P. Geraldez is a Junior Associate at Poblador Bautista together a better one. The answer to the & Reyes. She obtained her Juris Doctor degree in 2016 from the difficult question can be a point for discussion Ateneo de Manila University, graduated as class valedictorian with on the next session. second honors and was bestowed with the Third Best Thesis award. Another problem is that entertaining She was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2017. She holds a degree questions could open the floodgates without of Bachelor of Science in Business Economics from the University limit (of course students have been known of the Philippines, Diliman, where she graduated in 2010 as Magna to use this opportunity to put off recitation). Cum Laude and was bestowed a SICAT Award for Best Thesis. Thus, it is important that the professor Atty. Geraldez teaches Legal Research and Writing I. maintains control of both the time and the topics for questioning. Questions that will be covered later in the syllabus can be politely Justice Ronaldo B. Martin dismissed. Obscure or trivial questions can Justice Ronaldo B. Martin is an incumbent Associate Justice of likewise be waived off, but if it is instructive the Court of Appeals. Prior to his appointment to the appellate court and the student genuinely wants to know, the in 2015, Justice Martin was the Presiding Judge (2005-2015) and professor can make himself or herself available subsequently the Executive Judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 73, for a short discussion after class. Antipolo City (2007-2015). He is a lecturer at the Philippine Judicial Academy. Also a true blue Atenean, he earned his AB Economics Participatory learning degree in 1986 and his Juris Doctor degree in 1992. He was admitted Students have been known to absorb to the Philippine Bar in 1993. knowledge better through interactive modules Justice Martin teaches Practice Court 1. that require their participation. Participatory learning can range from the traditional group Atty. Vigor De Dios Mendoza reporting to the use of interactive activities Atty. Vigor De Dios Mendoza is the Managing Partner ofthe requiring the application of concepts. A Malcolm Law Office since 2002. He is a Board Member of the Central common method of participatory learning Azucarera De Tarlac and Chairman of the Board of 1-Transportation is the use of popular education techniques Equipment Aggregators and Management Inc. (1-TEAM). Atty. like games instead of the usual quizzes or Mendoza was a Congressman representing 1-UTAK Party List at recitation. Students can also be asked to visit the House of Representatives. Another true blue Atenean, Atty. places where the law is alive and in action — Mendoza earned his AB Economics degree in 1983 and his Bachelor courts, legislative hearings, jails. of Laws Degree (LL.B.) in 1988. He was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 1989. In the end, no matter what teaching Atty. Mendoza teaches Transportation Law. technique or tool is used by the professor, it should be chosen deliberately with the course objectives in mind. Instead of assuming that Atty. Maria Cecilia Natividad the Socratic method will be best, the professor Atty. Maria Cecilia Natividad is a Consultant of the Asian should sit down, think hard of what the Development Bank since 2016 with the Office of the General Counsel, students should get out of the class, and break and currently with the Private Sector Operations Department the mold of the usual teaching techniques if (PSOD). Prior to this, Atty. Natividad was in private practice in 2009- need be. 2010 and government service in 2011-2015. She earned her double (Source: Howard E Katz & Kevin Francis O’Neill, degrees in Bachelor of Arts Major in Organizational Communication Strategies and Techniques of Law School and Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Legal Management Teaching, available at https://www.wklegaledu. in 2002 from the De La Salle University – Manila. She obtained her Juris Doctor degree in com/File%20Library/Resources/Faculty/ 2008 from the Ateneo de Manila University. She was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2009. Strategies-Techniques-Teaching/KatzandONeill_ Atty. Natividad teaches Legal Research and Writing I. LawSchoolTeaching.pdf ) Volume 6, Issue 2 • December 2018 12 Five things I learned from the Asia Pro Bono Conference By AXEL RUPERT M. CRUZ drug, rape, and child abuse cases, law students 3. The term used in other countries to in Singapore, as one speaker discussed, are describe the legal service that ALSC has been On 25-27 October 2018, I attended the concerned about how to assist clients in filling providing to moderate income clients who do 7th Asia Pro Bono Conference held in Hong out bankruptcy forms. not qualify for pro bono assistance is “Low Kong, as a representative of the Ateneo Legal 2. Our law students are luckier (well, in my Bono.” This practice increases access to Services Center (ALSC). Here are the five things eyes) as they have the opportunity to practice justice for people of moderate means, who do that I learned from the conference: their trial skills in an actual court. While 4th not qualify for free legal services, but cannot 1. The types of cases handled by ALSC, year law students under CLED are allowed to afford the fees of private lawyers who charge through the Clinical Legal Education (CLED) appear in all Philippine trial courts, many Asian under traditional law firm models. Program, are different (dare I say, more countries still limit law student practice to legal 4. Foreign law firms appear more pressing?) from those handled by legal aid research and drafting of pleadings. The closest supportive of pro bono activities. The major clinics in first world Asian countries. For thing to trial practice that they experience is sponsors of the conference were international instance, while our CLED students handle mooting. law firms. In addition to financial support, the partners and associates of these law firms By JOSE MARIA G. HOFILEÑA shared their time and knowledge at the event. Dean’s Corner Foreign law firms also generously fund their in-house pro bono departments and reward partners and associates for their pro bono (i.e., More Than Just a Law School non-billable) work. from page 1 the Rule of Law—that reach out to serve its 5. And finally, based on the content of the and the desire to serve the nation for the community in ways other than providing a talks, we are ahead in terms of experience greater glory of God.” basic law degree. It is for this reason that the in actual case handling and in running a To be true to our mission, we must realize Ateneo Law School chooses to offer itself to school-based legal aid office. It was apparent that we are summoned not just to instruct those who most need legal representation. that many participants in the conference them on the law, but to teach them—by our By itself taking a direct part in service to were still in the (preliminary) stage of asking own words and actions—to understand that the nation and the promotion of justice, the themselves: “What types of cases and clients to practice law is to protect justice. That to Ateneo Law School hopes that in addition to should I accept?” practice law is to serve the nation and its the creditable examples that its own faculty In the end, although we still have much legal and judicial system. Without a sense stands as, its students can look at the Ateneo to learn, I believe we have much more to of justice and service, the practice of law Law School as providing a testament to contribute to the international pro bono would be hollow; it would not be Atenean. the values of service and justice—one that community. To be sure, in order to better enable the they can carry with them as they eventually Ateneo Law School to keep faithful to its practice law in the real world. vision, it must not be myopically confined This issue of Amicus is replete with to providing legal education of the highest articles that demonstrate the Ateneo Law standards, but must itself, as an institution, School’s involvement in activities that matter be an active participant in opportunities in addition to, and without sacrificing, Head, Editorial Board Jose Maria G. Hofileña where it can demonstrate that it too, as its commitment to the legal education a School of Law worth its preeminence, of its students. There is important and Editor-in-Chief Nina Patricia D. Sison-Arroyo champions justice and serves the larger interesting information in this issue about community. what preoccupies the Ateneo Human Rights Associate Editors Oscar Carlo F. Cajucom It is for this reason that the Ateneo Center, the Ateneo Legal Services Center, Ryan Jeremiah D. Quan Law School is structured so as to have, and the Graduate Legal Studies Institute, the Editorial Assistant have arrangements with, various centers Joaquin Bernas Institute for Continuing Legal Blythe M. Lumague and institutes—the Ateneo Human Rights Education, and the Teehankee Center for the Center, the Ateneo Legal Services Center, Rule of Law. Contributors the Graduate Legal Studies Institute, the Truly, consistent with its vision, the ARTICLES Joaquin Bernas Institute for Continuing Ateneo Law School is more than just a law Axel Rupert M. Cruz Legal Education, the Teehankee Center for school. Christine Claire D. Laison Ma. Cecille Lumague-Latuno Myreen C. Raginio Severino Miguel B. Sanchez Ateneo launches LL.M. partnership with Ateneo de Naga Ray Paolo J. Santiago from page 1 contribute to national and international legal Francis Tom F. Temprosa Ateneo’s intellectual rigor in the tradition University Communications and development. Public Relations Office of Jesuit education and imbued with a deep The ALS LL.M. Program is the only LL.M. PHOTOS sense of Ignatian spirituality that considers and Program in the Philippines which offers embraces the world as the field of service. It specializations and has strong focus on Aleli Bucu Brady C. De Castro also aims to broaden legal knowledge through international law. It is being administered by Asia Wy functional and ethical research work that will the Graduate Legal Studies Institute.