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 VolumeVolume 4, No. 5, No. 2 • 1December • August 20162015 the greater glory of God. Cura Personalis, Ignatius’ standard of caring for others By DR. ANGELA C. YLAGAN and MARIA PATRICIA CERVANTES-POCO It was a bright and sunny Saturday To help us find the answers morning on August 6, 2016, when to our questions, Dr. Roberto we, twenty-one Ateneo Law Guevara, Associate Dean for School (ALS) professors, began Student Formation of the Loyola our trip to Prado Farms in Lubao, Schools, gave an enlightening Pampanga for the second ALS talk on “The Characteristics of Class Advisers’ Workshop. Jesuit Education and the Ateneo After a hearty, organic Teacher”. He highlighted a few of breakfast, the workshop was the points discussed in “Our Way officially opened by Associate of Proceeding,” a 1986 document Dean Giovanni F. Vallente. To get on the characteristics that animate to know each other a little bit Jesuit education, including: more, participants were made to • Jesuit education is world- introduce themselves and their Class advisers gather for a light moment at Prado Farms affirming, helping the students “fictional character alter ego,” the Photo Credit: PATRICIA CERVANTES-POCO discover the radical goodness latter drawing laughs from the exactly are our roles as an adviser? violence? How do we handle of the world by encouraging a crowd. (At least three participants What do we do as advisers on the students dealing with abuse, self- sense of wonder and mystery in identified with DC Comics hero academic aspect? How can we be harm, etc.? How can we make them. “The Flash”.) more than just academic advisers advisers more useful and more • Jesuit education assists in the At the beginning of the or technical advisers? What is known to the students? How do total formation and fullest workshop, we sought answers our responsibility when it comes we deal with the generation of development of all talents of to the following questions: What to students who are victims of our students? each individual. continued on page 2 Inside

Supreme Court Justice tells Ateneo’s new By SEDFREY M. CANDELARIA lawyers that integrity matters 3 Dean’s Corner Convergence of Culture, History, and Law: ALS hosts ‘International Scientific Congress on Private Law of the and Spain’ 4 ALSC strengthens mandate thru partnerships 5 Reunited on all fronts How the West (Philippine Sea) was won 6 ALS faculty join Ignatian Spirituality in Education Workshop for Administrators 6 As we flew into Oslo on the ALS revamps Introduction to Law 7 21st of August 2016, I could not Ateneo community calls for respect for life, help but trace the number of due process 7 times I have flown to Europe to Ateneo reminds alums in government: participate as a young lawyer in go to peripheries, find friends 8 the formal peace negotiations ALS units convene to respond to pressing since it opened in Brussels, human rights and rule of law issues 9 Belgium in 1995 during the #HustisyaNatin: Round Table Discussion on Judicial Monitoring held at APS 9 Ramos Administration – that’s AHRC Summer Internship 2016 – 21 years ago! Reaching out to the peripheries 10 In 2001, upon succeeding Proud of our own: Getting to know to the Presidency, Gloria our 2015 topnotchers 11 Macapagal-Arroyo resumed Leadership by Example: A look at the formal talks with the Ateneans cross paths to peace (from left: Atty. Marie Yuvienco, the awardees of ALS Class 2016 12 National Democratic Front of Dean Candelaria, Prof. Jose Ma. Sison, Mr. Allan Jasmines, and Dreams of Harbour City: ALS faculty and continued on page 14 Atty. Edre U. Olalia) staff visit Sydney 13 Meet the New Faculty 15 Volume 5, No. 1 • August 2016 2

ALS advisers with the workshop facilitators Cura Personalis, Ignatius’ standard of caring for others from page 1 In the following session, Atty. Dean Vannie Vallente’s dorm-life students will know that they • Jesuit education insists on Patty Sison-Arroyo asked the antics. can approach their class adviser individual care and concern for group to reflect and thresh out in The following day, a special for both academic and non- each person, or cura personalis. concrete terms and indicators the session on students at risk (those academic concerns, especially • Jesuit education encourages four values that the ideal Ateneo experiencing extreme anxiety, when the latter affects their a realistic knowledge, love, Law School graduate is expected depression, and other emotional well-being. and acceptance of self, where to espouse: spiritually developed; and mental health issues) was • The class advisers will undergo students are challenged in order academically competent and facilitated by Mr. San Andres. special training on psychological for them to realize their value. excellent; socially involved and He shared factors that may help first aid in order to be more • Jesuit education is centered culturally rooted; and a global identify potential self-harm effective in advising students on faith that does justice, citizen. cases, and how to administer regarding their non-academic manifested by particular love The full day of events psychological first aid. The concerns. for the poor. was capped by a community workshop ended with a planning • A draft referral protocol for Fr. Ismael Jose Chan-Gonzaga, celebration of the Eucharist and session on setting up a referral cases involving students at risk S.J., APS Chaplain and recent an Italian-themed dinner. Those system for these types of cases in (“StARs”) will be prepared and ALS graduate, then shared his who were not quite ready to the law school. circulated among the group for thoughts about cura personalis retire for the night enjoyed cold The following resolutions were review and comments. from the perspective of a student. beer as they were regaled with made at the end of the workshop: • The suggestion to involve He suggested three values for law tales of Atty. Snoops Montero’s • The term “class advisers” will the advisers in processing professors to consider in relating Blue Babble glory days (and one be used instead of the term milestones and critical events with their students: consistency, lifeless beloved pet eagle) and “academic advisers,” so that and in implementing activities acceptance, and openness. for social involvement and Mr. Rene San Andres, Associate cultural rootedness will be Dean for Student Affairs of the revisited. After Atty. Lat designs Loyola Schools, talked about “Cura the program, the appropriate personalis: The whole school persons to implement the approach.” He discussed long- program will be determined. term or transformational change It was a fruitful two-day in the context of the Law School, workshop. What follows is the and identified the following as key challenge to live out and share areas of consideration: mission with other ALS professors the and strategy; leadership; culture characteristics of Jesuit education within the organization; structure that “pursues excellence, seeks to and functions; systems, policies form men and women for others, and mechanisms; climate; and and insists on individual care and individual needs and values. All smiles after a hearty organic farewell lunch. concern for each person.” NEWS Volume 5, No. 1 • August 2016 3

ALS faculty members at the 70th Ateneo Law School Commencement Exercises Photo credit: PATRICK S. PERILLO Supreme Court Justice tells Ateneo’s new lawyers that integrity matters By UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe called on the heart that the legal profession will not only be Ateneo Law School’s (ALS) Class of 2016 to your means of livelihood; it will be a vocation keep their integrity intact even when the title whose honor you will swear to uphold. You will of Attorney has been affixed to their names. be identified with truth and justice. And so do “I therefore hope that while all of you try not betray this image,” Bernabe said. to make your way through the crossroads of Bernabe, an Associate Justice of the Supreme change and seek the pathway of success, you Court, earned her law degree from ALS in will nonetheless keep intact the Atenean virtue 1976, graduating as salutatorian. After passing of being a ‘man for others;’ that you realize the the bar, she immediately joined the judiciary. greater meaning in a life of self- devotion; and “Because my father wanted me to be a that you find happiness in changing things for judge, he exerted his influence that led me the better.” to work in the Supreme Court under then Bernabe delivered the commencement court administrator Justice Lorenzo Relova. address at ALS’ 70th graduation exercises on Aside from the low pay and meager working July 17, 2016 at the Meralco Theatre, Pasig conditions, I wasn’t really enthusiastic about City. working for the government,” she said. “As lawyers, you will be, first and foremost, Disheartened with her experience, Bernabe protectors of the law. And so, of all people, transferred to a prominent bank and worked Justice Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe you should be faithful to the law. Keep to her way up. Photo Credit: SUPREME COURT PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE “I was stable and secure with my life. Until, one day I felt that I was not,” she said. It turned Bernabe also advised the future lawyers to out that her father was right: she wanted to honor the law. be a judge. In 1996, Bernabe was appointed “When you make the decision to become Metropolitan Trial Court Judge of . She guardians of justice and the rule of the law, admitted that taking on the job was a huge make it final and irrevocable. Make it your gamble. signature in every case you will ever work on, in “I took this risk because I believed that the every task that you will ever accomplish. I things needed to change first, for myself and can tell you from experience, and I have gained later on, for the institution,” Bernabe said. enough to say confidently, that this decision She recalled how, at the start of her will guard your mind and heart, keep you on appointment, she had a case load of 2,400. the straight path, and even provide a way of The heavy workload may be overwhelming to escape for you when you face temptation, a fledgling judge but Bernabe did not waver. because you will, inevitably,” she said. She persevered until she was able to reduce ALS conferred Juris Doctor degrees on her case list. 181 graduates and Master of Law degrees “I was able to develop an expeditious work on four graduates. The batch was led by ethic not because of my supernatural skill or Patricia P. Geraldez and Angelmhina D. ability but because I fell in love with what I was Lencio, who graduated as batch valedictorian doing. And when you love what you do, then and salutatorian, respectively. Professor Prof. Jack Jimenez is awarded the Hall of Fame everything does not only become easier on Jacinto “Jack” D. Jimenez was honoured with for ALS Professors yourself; but also for the people around you,” the Dean’s Council Award Hall of Fame for Photo credit: RYAN JEREMIAH D. QUAN she said. Professors. NEWS Volume 5, No. 1 • August 2016 4

Delegates from the University of Malaga pose for a picture with participants from the Philippine Association of Law Schools, the Legal Education Board, the Philippine Judicial Academy, and the Supreme Court. Convergence of Culture, History, and Law: ALS hosts ‘International Scientific Congress on Private Law of the Philippines and Spain’ By OSCAR CARLO F. CAJUCOM On June 13-15, 2016, the Ateneo Law School (ALS) hosted Filipino and Spanish delegates at the International Scientific Congress on Private Law of the Philippines and Spain. The Congress was organized by the ALS and Universidad de Malaga Facultad de Derecho (UM), the Legal Education Board, and the Philippine Association of Law Schools, with the cooperation of the Embassy of Spain in Manila. Distinguished professors from UM, headed by Dean Juan Jose Hinojosa Torralvo and Prof. Jose Manuel de Torres Perea, arrived in Manila to participate in the Congress and were welcomed on the first day by participants from Presentation of a token of appreciation to Chief Justice Sereno, with Fr. Villarin, S.J., H.E.Amb. Manila, headed by Ateneo President Fr. Jose Castaño, UM Dean Torralvo, and ALS Dean Candelaria Photo Credit: UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE Ramon T. Villarin, S.J. No less than Supreme Court Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes P.A. Sereno Constitution on Spanish Private Law while Civil Law Perspective. In all, participants and gave the keynote address. To lighten the Prof. Gonzalo Martinez Etxeberria introduced presenters alike learned a lot from each other mood, Court of Appeals Justice Magdangal M. the participants to interesting concepts by about Spanish and Philippine law, culture, De Leon rendered a charming performance lecturing on the Constitutional Integration history, and even literature. with guitarist Rafael Ronquillo, followed by a of Forality in Spain. Prof. Perea gave a keen Among the presenters and participants passionate number from the ALS Choir. The presentation on Discrimination in the Private were respected Supreme Court and Court of Framework Agreement for the Development of Sphere, taking it from a comparative approach. Appeals justices, law school deans, professors, Doctoral Theses in Joint Supervision Between He was followed by Prof. Yolanda de Lucchi and highly regarded experts and practitioners the ALS and UM was signed the same day. In Lopez-Tapia, who passionately discussed the from both the Philippines and Spain. The the evening, participants at the Congress were Right to Effective Judicial Protection of Persons exercise at times became an enlightening hosted by H.E. Luis Antonio Calvo Castaño at with Disabilities. Dr. Eugenio Olmedo Peralta comparative discussion of the two countries’ the Spanish Ambassador’s Residence. then presented his paper on the Regulation of private laws, which was quite enriching The Congress saw leading experts Competition and Innovation in the European considering the close legal and historical present papers on a wide variety of private Union and Spain, with particular focus on association between the Philippines and Spain. law topics, from civil law, property law, and opportunities for the Philippines and Asean. To end the Congress, LEB Chairperson discrimination in the private sphere and in Meanwhile, Prof. Leticia Fontestad Portales Emerson B. Aquende gave the closing remarks, family laws, to money laundering, competition discussed the Procedural Aspects of Spanish thanking all the participants especially the law and policy, and maritime law. In between Maritime Law. For her part, Prof. Teresa visitors from Spain. The night was capped the presentations, the floor was opened to Rodriguez de las Herras Ballell focused on with a hearty dinner and an excellent cultural questions from the participants, resulting in an Concepts, Conflicts and Rules in the Right of performance from the University of Manila’s informative and lively, sometimes entertaining, Accession, Ownership of Property and Security Sinaglahi Dance Troupe. discussion. Interests, with some discussion on and The papers presented at the Congress and The delegates from the UM gave comparison with Philippine law. In the session, the entire proceedings will be published in a authoritative and instructive discussions on Prof. Antonio Quesada Sanchez ended the special issue of the Philippine Journal of Legal Spanish law. Prof. Angel Rodriguez Vergara sessions on a lighter note with a Legal Analysis Education, the law journal of the Philippine succinctly discussed the Effect of the Spanish of the Literary Work of Vargas Llosa from a Association of Law Schools. NEWS Volume 5, No. 1 • August 2016 5

ALSC meets with its volunteer supervisors, most of whom are alumni of Ateneo Law ALSC strengthens mandate through partnerships By MARIA PATRICIA R. CERVANTES-POCO True to its constant effort to On July 19, 2016, ALS alumnus deliver quality legal assistance and HKIAC counsel Jay Patrick and other relevant services to as Santiago delivered copies of the many indigent clients, the Ateneo MOA signed by HKIAC Secretary- Legal Services Center (ALSC) has General Ms. Chiann Bao. The recently entered into partnerships agreement covers coordination of with the Philippine Overseas conferences; exchange of expertise, Employment Administration publications and standard (POEA), Hong Kong International information; and cooperation Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), and in research and development Icomteq Solutions, Inc. programs and training. On May 24, 2016, a simple ALSC Director Axel Cruz (4th from left) and POEA Administrator Hans Cacdac The ALSC also entered into Memorandum of Agreement (3rd from right) exchange copies of the MOA, flanked by (L-R) ALSC’s Kenjie an agreement with Icomteq (MOA) signing ceremony was Aman, Patricia Cervantes, ALS Dean , POEA’s Deputy Solutions, Inc., for the free use by held between ALSC and POEA at Administrator Jesus Gabriel Domingo, and Director Celso Hernandez ALSC of JurisLib, a comprehensive the Ateneo Law School Faculty online library of court decisions Conference Room. The POEA was and other legal references. represented by its Administrator, Discussions between Icomteq’s Hans Leo J. Cacdac, distinguished Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Jose alumnus of the Ateneo Law M. Enriquez and ALSC Director School (ALS), while the ALSC was Atty. Cruz included the possibility represented by its Director, Axel of jointly developing an online Rupert M. Cruz. ALS Dean Sedfrey case management system for M. Candelaria, POEA’s Deputy ALSC. The MOA signing was held Administrator Jesus Gabriel C. on August 3, 2016 at the ALSC Domingo, Atty. Celso J. Hernandez, office. Jr., Ms. Moira Lintongan Idiesca, ALSC is joined by (L-R) Mariebelle L. Alagbate, Jose M. Enriquez (Chief Of all the partnerships and ALSC Resident Attorneys Operating Officer), and Manuel R. Galgana of Icomteq Solutions ALSC has entered into, what Takahiro Kenjie Aman and Maria remains to be most valuable are Patricia Cervantes-Poco witnessed those with lawyers, mostly ALS the event. alumni, who have volunteered The agreement covers a case to supervise, train, and mentor referral process between the ALSC student associates. On POEA and the ALSC; capacity August 2, 2016, ALSC gathered enhancement seminars on illegal its volunteer supervising lawyers recruitment and trafficking; and for a general assembly to level potential internship opportunities off on expectations and evaluate with the POEA for ALS students. the current ALSC operating The first joint activity under this procedures. At the end of the agreement will be a capability meeting, the group agreed that enhancement training on the supervising lawyers should play Anti-Illegal Recruitment Campaign a more active role in forming and for ALSC lawyers, students, and mentoring the students to best volunteers on September 3 and prepare them for the rigors of the 10, 2016. legal profession. NEWS Volume 5, No. 1 • August 2016 6

Law students were given a Prof. Hilbay explained how great treat on August 25, 2016, How the West (Philippine Sea) was won he first got involved in the case as Supreme Court Associate By IGNATIUS MICHAEL D. INGLES — he was initially apprehensive Justice Francis H. Jardeleza and because of his workload — former Solicitor General Florin and how he waited in Justice T. Hilbay braved the rain and Jardeleza’s chambers on the day the traffic to speak during the the decision was to be handed Forum on West Philippine Sea down. He also shared how Dispute. “civil” it was to argue before the Law students came in PCA, as compared to doing oral droves, and were even joined arguments before the Supreme by representatives from the Court, where justices seem to Taipei Economic and Cultural make it a point to go for lawyers’ Office in the Philippines. All heads. This elicited much came to hear war stories from laughter from the students. Justice Jardeleza and Professor Professor Florin Hilbay (third from the left) and Associate Justice Francis The open forum that Hilbay, both having served as Jardeleza (second from right) pose with some ALS faculty members after followed was lively and the forum lead counsel of the Philippine engaging. Students focused legal team that argued as lead counsel, while Justice on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), mostly on the enforceability before the Permanent Court Jardeleza was requested to stay such as maritime features and of the award and what the of Arbitration (PCA) in The on as adviser to the legal team. how these concepts were used Philippines can and should Hague. The Solicitor General is In his lecture entitled “How during the case. He also shared do moving forward. The two mandated by law to represent The Sea Was Won: The West a plethora of maps, which were lecturers agreed that the game the Republic of the Philippines Philippine Sea Arbitration,” warmly received by the students. was now in the hands of the in international litigation. When Justice Jardeleza gave the Sighs of — first, astonishment; diplomats. At the end of the then Solicitor General Jardeleza students a thorough background then, understanding — filled forum, students lined up for was appointed as Associate of the case. He began by the auditorium as the map with the inevitable selfies with Justice of the Supreme Court, explaining basic concepts under China’s notorious Nine-Dash Line the lecturers, who were kind Professor Hilbay took over the United Nations Convention was presented. enough to indulge. ALS faculty join Ignatian Spirituality in Education Workshop for Administrators On July 28-30, 2016, professors After two nights of reflection By TAKAHIRO KENJIE C. AMAN Nina Patricia Sison-Arroyo and fellowship, the workshop (Assistant to the Dean for in Education Workshop (ISEW), the Ignatian Way of Proceeding, culminated with the participants’ Administration), Maita Chan- held at the Sacred Heart Novitiate, a prerequisite step for the creative presentation of their Gonzaga and Jose Maria G. Novaliches, . Fourteen participants to reflect on how they answer to Ateneo’s call to be Hofileña (full-time ALS faculty), participants from other units of could be of better service to their more, for the students, for the Ray Paolo J. Santiago (Director of the Ateneo de Manila University respective units and to society, institution, and for the country. the Ateneo Human Rights Center), joined them. in true magis fashion. In order to Ateneo has been offering the Ryan Jeremiah D. Quan (Program On the first day of the concretize the session, Fr. Jose ISEW to its teaching and non- Coordinator of the Graduate Legal workshop, Fr. Ismael Chan- Ramon T. Villarin, S.J., President of teaching employees for years Studies Institute), and Axel Rupert Gonzaga, S.J. and Fr. Eric Anthony the Ateneo de Manila University, now. This year, for the first time, M. Cruz, Maria Patricia Cervantes- Escandor, S.J. introduced the and Fr. Antonio F. Moreno, S.J., a special workshop was designed Poco and Takahiro Kenjie C. Aman participants to the life and Provincial Superior, elaborated on and facilitated solely for school (Director and Resident Supervising spirituality of the founder of the the mission, vision, and identity administrators and faculty with Attorneys of the Ateneo Legal , Ignatius of Loyola. of Ateneo de Manila University administrative responsibilities, Services Center) participated in The following day, Fr. Ramon and the Society of Jesus in their recognizing the unique role that the three-day Ignatian Spirituality Ma. L. Bautista, S.J. presented respective sessions. they play.

Participants of the ISEW for Administrators with Fr. Jett Villarin, S.J. Photo credit: ATENEO OFFICE OF MISSION AND IDENTITY NEWS Volume 5, No. 1 • August 2016 7

Ateneo community calls for respect for life, due process By VERONICA MAE C. YAN In light of the rapidly increasing number of summary killings since the beginning of the Duterte Administration’s war against crime and drugs, the Ateneo community Justice Singh lecturing to the law school hopefuls calls for the respect and reverence for life, due process and human rights in the ALS revamps Introduction to Law efforts toward real and sustainable social change. By MA. LUISA ISABEL L. ROSALES On July 29, 2016, Fr. Jose Ramon Every year, a new batch of students prepare for the first year students and prime them to Villarin, S.J. issued a statement expressing for their first brush with the law. In Ateneo, this hit the ground running once regular classes his objection to arbitrary killings in means starting a week before anyone else to commenced. the aftermath of the sudden death of participate in what can only be characterized as When Monday rolled around, the students Emmanuel Jose Pavia, an alumnus and a trial by fire, but is fondly known as Introduction were expected to tackle the cases and laws faculty member of the Ateneo de Manila to Law (ITL). Over the past decades, ITL has assigned to give them a broad understanding University. Fr. Villarin acknowledged the gone through various forms from an elaborate of the sources of Philippine law and the overall frustrations of the people on the effects discussion of Roman Law to glimpses of structure of the Philippine legal system. Justice of drug-related violence on the lives of the advances in various legal fields. ITL has employed Maria Filomena D. Singh, Dean Candelaria, users, their families, and communities. both scare and care tactics, depending on the and the author employed the Socratic Method Despite these frustrations, Fr. Villarin professor, to “weed out the weak.” to assess the students’ understanding of the urges the Ateneo community to “promote hierarchy of courts, powers of the branches of reverence for life, respect for human government, and certain essential legal concepts. rights, and restorative justice; espouse Before the week ended, the students were best practices in crime prevention and given the opportunity to weigh what they control; enforcement of equality before had learned about the law and themselves the law, due process and mandated judicial to determine if the rigor of law school was a processes in instances of criminal arrests; reasonable choice for them. Atty. Tanya Lat, lobby against the potential reinstatement Program Officer for Formation, and the Campus of capital punishment and the lowering Ministry Office, through Fr. IJ Chan-Gonzaga and of the age of criminal liability; develop Michelle Marquez, conducted a recollection, and protect transparent modes of truth guiding the students through their decision to go telling in mass and social media as well as down an undeniably difficult path. in pronouncements of government and Ateneo Law first year students, color-coded by The students who emerged on the other side civil society; and, address the root causes block, line up to receive their case packets energized to see it through took an exam the of violence, including all form of addiction This year, however, ITL was enhanced to equip following day. Their exam score, evaluation of and bigotry, and help develop effective the students with basic skills of case analysis and the mentors, and recitation throughout the week campaigns and programs.” to expose them to basic legal concepts. determined whether they could go through the The Ateneo Human Rights Center On July 30, 2016, the students underwent a rest of law school without looking back, or if (AHRC) echoes this sentiment with a Legal Research, Writing, and Analysis Workshop they’d have to go through it all again next year. statement against summary killings. In its focusing on case analysis and case briefing. Dean The students who receive news that they statement, AHRC recognizes the value of Sedfrey M. Candelaria put together a corps of didn’t make the cut should look at the silver fighting crime and drug addiction and its lawyers consisting of Ateneo Law’s alumni and lining – next year they get an opportunity to effects on the community. Recent events faculty from various batches to mentor the first show off to a new batch the skills rigor brings. have shown that the administration’s year students. war against drugs disregards a person’s The students were assigned various cases inherent right to life and right to security. and wrote briefs in the morning. Thirty-nine The AHRC statement calls for the mentors reviewed these briefs and provided observance of due process in all cases. specific feedback in the afternoon. Prominent While the government has the duty to government officials, partners and associates of protect and serve the people, the manner law firms, and in-house counsel devoted half their by which the government is currently day to speak to their small groups about their fighting its war has cultivated fear among briefs, but also went so far as to provide advice the very people it seeks to protect, as the about law school and legal practice in general. Ateneo Law alumni mentors review briefs prepared right to due process is disregarded under It was an opportunity to set the bar high by the first year students the guise of promoting public safety. NEWS Volume 5, No. 1 • August 2016 8

The honorees pose with members of the ALAAI Board and ALS Dean Emeritus Fr. Joaquin Bernas, S.J. (seated second from right) Photo credit: ATENEO LAW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Ateneo reminds alums in government: go to peripheries, find friends By MARIA PATRICIA R. CERVANTES-POCO Despite the heavy rains on August 12, 2016, vestments worn by its celebrants to symbolize In his homily, Fr. Nebres offered the theme of Ateneo Law School alumni in government the Holy Spirit that descended upon the “Going to the Peripheries and Finding Friends,” service trooped to the St. Thomas More Chapel apostles at Pentecost. inspired by the key message of Pope Francis for the annual celebration of the Red Mass. This year’s mass was concelebrated by to members of the Society of Jesus when he The Red Mass is traditionally celebrated former University President, Fr. Bienvenido F. visited Manila in January 2015. Fr. Nebres by the for those in the legal Nebres, S.J. and Ateneo Professional Schools reminded the faithful that even Ignatius of profession. It is thus called, owing to the red Chaplain Fr. Ismael Jose V. Chan-Gonzaga, S.J. Loyola found companions in his spiritual journey. “In the legal profession, you have this saying that ‘those who have less in life should have more in law,’ but before we can help the poor, we have to know them first,” Fr. Nebres explained in his homily. “What can we do so that the poor are actually our friends?” He then used the example of Pope Francis, who as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, used to ride out to the slums, greeting and getting to know the people living there, and eventually maintaining those friendships even as he became pope. Fr. Nebres then shared his own “going to the peripheries, making and finding friends” story, when in April 2016, the Ateneo community The Mass of the Holy Spirit was concelebrated by former AdMU President Fr. , S.J. was moved to help civilians living in evacuation and newly-appointed APS chaplain Fr. Ismael Jose Chan-Gonzaga, S.J. Photo credit: ATENEO LAW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION centers following the Mamasapano clash between members of the Special Action Force and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Moro Islamic Liberation Front. He showed through pictures how he and other faculty members of the Loyola Schools spent time in the evacuation centers, running the feeding and football outreach programs organized by Ateneo. Fr. Nebres ended his homily with a blessing and an exhortation for all ALS alumni serving in the three branches of government to “respond to the call of Jesus, where he has anointed us to be in good tidings with the poor.” A simple dinner and recognition ceremony Fr. Ben Nebres, S.J. reminds the faithful of the value of journeying with companions to serve those in organized by the Ateneo Law Alumni the peripheries Photo credit: ATENEO LAW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Association followed at the fourth floor lobby. NEWS Volume 5, No. 1 • August 2016 9 ALS units convene to respond to pressing human rights and rule of law issues By GILBERT V. SEMBRANO On July 26, 2016, the Ateneo Law School (ALS) legal framework of EJK and vigilante killings. Ateneo de Manila community. convened its units and student organizations Atty. Jaymie Reyes of the Ateneo Human In the end, the participants agreed to to develop a concerted and strategic response Rights Center (AHRC) presented the history pursue the following activities: to the pressing rule of law and human rights of the abolition of the death penalty in the 1. Awareness raising forum, to be issues plaguing our country today. The Philippines, including the country’s obligations coordinated by the Law Student Council strategic planning workshop provided an under Optional Protocol II of the International and the AHRC; opportunity to level-off on the different units’ Covenant on Civil and Political. She also understanding and assessment of the issues, provided an overview of House Bill No. 1 that 2. Activation of quick response or reaction conduct a stocktaking of current initiatives seeks to restore the death penalty. teams, to be facilitated by the ALSC; within the ALS, and collaborate on concrete Atty. Patty Sison-Arroyo gave an overview 3. Issuance of statements and infographics, responses to the issues. of House Bill No. 2, which seeks to lower the to be coordinated by the Palladium; In his opening remarks, Dean Sedfrey minimum age of criminal responsibility from 4. Reaching out to the alumni, to be initiated M. Candelaria reminded the participants to 15 to 9 years old. She then discussed how by the Bernas Center Volunteers, in consider in the planning workshop the issue of the proposal is violative of substantive due cooperation with the Ateneo Law Alumni creative engagement and critical collaboration process, and how in the end, it will not reduce Association; with the present national administration. criminality. 5. Engagement with Loyola Schools, to be led The formal program began with a briefing In addition, the burial of former President by Atty. Patty Sison-Arroyo; and, on three pressing issues, namely, extrajudicial Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga killings (EJK) and the war on drugs; the re- Bayani and the State of the Nation Address of 6. Engagement with law makers and security imposition of the death penalty; and the President Rodrigo Duterte and its implications sector, to be facilitated by the AHRC. lowering of the minimum age of criminal on human rights were two other issues The protocols on how to proceed with responsibility (MACR). identified during the open discussions that some of these activities were also threshed Atty. Axel Cruz of the Ateneo Legal Services followed the presentations. out at the end of the workshop. It is hoped Center (ALSC) provided the context of the During the strategic planning proper, the that the foregoing plans will provide the ALS war against drugs and the implications of overwhelming and immediate need identified with a concerted, strategic, and swift response characterizing it as a national security issue. He were raising awareness in the law school to the pressing issues affecting the rule of law also presented the international and domestic community, and engaging with the bigger and human rights. #HustisyaNatin: Round Table Discussion on Judicial Monitoring held at APS On June 13, 2016, the Ateneo Human Rights By CORNELIO ALFONSO III Center (AHRC) facilitated a roundtable discussion for the project, “Hustisya Natin: Empowered Civil Society Participation in Monitoring Judicial and Quasi-Judicial Bodies Towards Enhanced Integrity of the Justice System” at the Blue Room, Ateneo Professional Schools Building. The Hustisya Natinproject aims to enhance the integrity of the Philippine justice system by creating a monitoring system that would allow stakeholders to check accountability, transparency, and performance of the courts and quasi-judicial bodies. The integrated system will involve the participation of the citizens through civil society organizations (CSOs) to ensure the proper conduct of justice Attys. Arpee Santiago and Marlon Manuel of the ALS faculty leading discussions on enhancing court performance, accountability, and transparency administrators, observance of legal and ethical rules, and appropriate management and use Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Supreme formation areas and consult communities to of funds. Court, The Asia Foundation, ABA Rule of Law further develop it. The monitoring of courts is As an initial step in developing the Initiative, Governance and Justice (GOJUST), slated to begin in 2017. monitoring mechanism, the roundtable Philippine Alliance of Human Rights (PAHRA), The project is supported by the European discussion was organized with key justice and Alternative Law Groups (ALG) shared best Union and implemented in partnership with institutions and other stakeholders involved in practices and challenges from previous and ALG, PAHRA, Journalism for Nation Building monitoring the justice system. Representatives existing monitoring efforts. From the data Foundation (JNBF), Lawyers’ League for from the Public Attorney’s Office, Philippine gathered from this activity, AHRC will draft Liberty (LIBERTAS), and Transparency and Judicial Academy, Regional Trial Court, a monitoring toolkit and present it to local Accountability Network (TAN). NEWS Volume 5, No. 1 • August 2016 10

AHRC interns are all smiles as they return from their immersion experience Photo credit: REYNALDO BADULIS, JR. AHRC Summer Internship 2016 – Reaching out to the peripheries By ANNE MAUREEN B. MANIGBAS The Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC) for their five-week internship. Interns were overseas Filipino workers at the NLRC, visiting welcomed 15 new student interns to its annual assigned to Manila-based NGOs, including e-courts in Angeles, assisting in drafting local Summer Internship Program (SIP), which ran Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation, ordinances, and conducting paralegal trainings from June 14 to August 4, 2016. As AHRC’s Kaisahan, Tanggol Kalikasan, Legal Rights for communities. flagship program, the internship program and Natural Resources Center, Kanlungan To culminate the program, the students seeks to form the law students by instilling Foundation, International Justice Mission, underwent a processing and evaluation in tenets of Jesuit education and acquainting Alternative Law Groups, and AHRC. Other Batangas. The internship program enabled the them with alternative law practice. It aims students were sent to Environmental Legal students to see and feel how the law affects to develop human rights advocates who can Assistance Center in Palawan and Balaod the lives of vulnerable sectors through an facilitate the marginalized and vulnerable Mindanaw in Cagayan de Oro. advocate’s lens. One of the interns reflected groups’ access to justice. Some of the students’ notable internship that the program helped him understand The SIP 2016 kicked off with a four-day experiences were attending hearings himself better and know what kind of lawyer Basic Orientation Seminar in Tagaytay City, on the Marcopper Mining Disaster case he wants to be in the future – a lawyer with where the interns were given a crash course on in Marinduque, handling labor cases of passion for justice for all. human rights laws and issues. Speakers from various legal non-government organizations discussed issues concerning women, children, refugees, environment, peasant farmers, detention prisoners, victims of human trafficking, migrant workers, and indigenous peoples. The interns and facilitators then took a ferry and travelled to San Mariano, Oriental Mindoro to live among the different Mangyan communities. This week-long immersion exposed the students to living in poverty, giving them an opportunity to reflect on the unique issues that affect indigenous peoples. After their immersion, the students were assigned to different alternative law groups Atty. Genee Mislang of Tanggol Kalikasan gives an overview of Philippine environmental laws and issues during the orientation seminar FEATURES Volume 5, No. 1 • August 2016 11

Proud of our own: Getting to know our 2015 topnotchers By OSCAR CARLO F. CAJUCOM

The release of the 2015 Bar examination results saw not only a big improvement in the Ateneo Law School’s (ALS) performance but also three topnotchers from the law school: Reginald M. Arceo, Mandy Therese M. Anderson, and Jericho R. Tiu, who respectively placed 4th, 5th, and 8th. Here we get to know these three promising new lawyers more closely and find out how their law school education helped them come out on top.

Atty. Reginald M. Arceo 4th Place In law school, Atty. Arceo was a scholar of the Bobby Gana Scholarship Foundation from 2013-2015 and the ALS Scholarship Atty. Mandy Therese M. Anderson Foundation in 2012-2013. He ranked 6th in the ALS Class of 2015. It was his dream to top the 5th Place Bar exams since he was in his first year in law Atty. Anderson graduated 5th in the ALS Atty. Jericho R. Tiu school. He said that with prayers, hard work, Class of 2015. She was watching the television and the help of many good people along the series Game of Thrones when she found out 8th Place way, he realized that achieving a dream of such that she placed in the Bar exams. Feeling Atty. Tiu graduated with Second Honors magnitude was possible. surreal, her initial reaction was to stare at the in 2015. When he learned the news that he Atty. Arceo said that the ALS taught him list while sitting down and taking deep breaths. placed in the Bar exams, he was trying to the habit of striving for the best in all his She said her stay in the law school sleep nursing a nasty hangover from the night endeavors. He counted on the discipline and immensely helped her prepare for the before. self-control that he honed when he was in law exams. She learned time management and He said the daily grind in law school school. He believes that preparation for the organization skills in law school and felt she undoubtedly helped him prepare for the Bar Bar exams starts on the first day of law school, was able to build a strong foundation on the exams. He added that during the review, he so he read assigned cases in the original and basics. When asked how she prepared for the reviewed concepts and doctrines he was made personal outlines of some laws. He also exams, she gave two words: consistency and already familiar with, save for recent cases and said that the law school instilled in him values endurance. certain subjects he did not devote as much beyond the mastery of law. Atty. Anderson is now professor of Legal time to in law school. His advice to those taking this year’s Accounting in ALS and serves as Chief of Staff He tried as much as possible to give effort exams: relax, enjoy the process, and trust of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs, each time he reviewed, which took eight to ten in your Ateneo law education. He added where she gives legal advice on a wide array hours of his day. He ran every morning before that examinees should not forget to prepare of matters touching on constitutional law, starting review and always took weekend physically, emotionally, and spiritually. administrative law, taxation, and criminal law, breaks. His simple piece of advice to those Atty. Arceo is presently in the process of among others. In terms of career, she said she taking this year’s exams: “Don’t let fear or establishing a law firm with his partners, some is just trying to learn as much as she can but panic get ahead of you.” of whom were his law school blockmates. He has not really thought of where she would Atty. Tiu is an associate at SyCip Salazar also looks forward to handling pro bono cases be working in the future. When she was a Hernandez & Gatmaitan, where he is currently aligned with his personal advocacies, which he student, however, her options were to engage on rotation in the firm’s practice areas. He sees said is one of the reasons why he chose to put in private practice and start her own business, himself as a litigator in the near future who up his own law office this early in his career. or be a justice of the Court of Tax Appeals. will eventually go into corporate practice. FEATURES Volume 5, No. 1 • August 2016 12 Leadership by Example: A look at the awardees of ALS Class 2016 Down from the hill and to the By MA. JILLIAN C. GANDINGCO the Ateneo Law Batch Charity world, Ateneo students’ holistic Programs. Aside from her work formation molds them to become with the Student Council, she was men and women for and with an active member of the Ateneo others. On July 17, 2016, we Central Bar Operations Hotel witnessed more of them soar high Committee and a delegate for a as they gained recognition for short-term exchange program in their academic achievements and Japan. stellar performances as student- Finally, the Bobby Gana Service leaders. Award is bestowed on the student On graduation day, the whose devotion to service, as following awards are given to counselor and friend, and to members of the graduating batch the underprivileged members who emulate the quintessential of society, is unparalleled. This Atenean lawyer: the St. Tomas Harvey poses with his proud parents. year’s recipient was Pau Vasquez, More Award, the Evelio Javier whose commitment to service is Leadership Award, and the Bobby The Evelio Javier Leadership exceptional, with human rights at Gana Service Award. Let us get to Award is given to the student the helm of her advocacy. Pau is a know this year’s exemplars. who has consistently pursued, consistent member of the AHRC’s The St. Thomas More Award is in an exemplary way, the ideals Council of Interns, serving as the presented to the student who best of genuine leadership, concern President in her final year. She exemplifies the Ateneo lawyer. He for fellow students, and selfless was also Desk Head for the United or she is not only skilled and well- service to the law school and Nations High Commissioner on versed in the law but can also take the community. Two students Refugees. Her firm commitment a lead role in the administration received the honor this year: Phil to justice and the upliftment of of justice and promotion of Recentes and Cyndy Dela Cruz. the underprivileged members of good order in society. This year’s society were also manifested in awardee was none other than Cyndy served as an emphatic her work for the LENTE as well as Harvey Bilang. Consistently student leader as President of the the Elections Task Force. She was balancing his academic life with ALS Student Council. also a very active member of the extra-curricular activities, Harvey Cyndy complements Phil Ateneo Central Bar Operations is definitely a well-rounded law perfectly as co-awardee. She led Logistics Committee. During student. His love for God and the student body as President, her stay in the law school, Pau passion for law ignited in him a Internals Vice President, and definitely put the “passion” in spirit of volunteerism. This spirit 2nd Year Batch Representative “compassion.” flourished during his time as during her stint with the Student Law school is challenging an intern at the Ateneo Human Council. Under her leadership, the enough, but these four awardees Rights Center (AHRC), where he Ateneo National Elections Task made it seem effortless. They are engaged and assisted members Phil is a natural leader with various Force (2015-2016) became the a true testament to leadership of poor communities. He joined advocacies he spearheaded in law law school’s first election-related by example, which is everything other organizations such as school. endeavor. This project exposed an Atenean should aspire to be the Ateneo Law School Choir, Phil has been notching the law students to the grassroots and more. We wish them more the St. Thomas More Debate leadership awards since his high in preparation for the 2016 success in the future and thank and Advocacy Society, and the school days and has not stopped National Elections. An emphatic them for serving the law school KAPWA Charity Organization. He since. With key leadership leader, she also implemented community and beyond very well. represented the law school in two positions in the AHRC, the Legal short-term exchange programs in Network for Truthful Elections Malaysia and Japan, respectively. (LENTE), and the Ateneo National He was also the founding member Elections Task Force, his leadership of the Philippine Medical and brought many projects, exhibits, Law Students Association aside and legal forums to life. These from being a proud member of engagements put the spotlight the Association of Law Students on many pressing issues such as of the Philippines. Undoubtedly, climate justice, democracy and Harvey’s leadership inspires a human rights, and clean and new generation of law students to honest elections, and allowed the proceed with passion and blaze a whole law school community to trail. gain valuable insight. Pau conducts a paralegal training on the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act. FEATURES Volume 5, No. 1 • August 2016 13 Dreams of Harbour City: ALS faculty and staff visit Sydney By DAN KEVIN C. MANDOCDOC A chilly early Thursday morning castle grounds of Hogwarts. The greeted members of the Ateneo Main Quadrangle’s well-kept grass Law School (ALS) faculty and and the 89-year old jacaranda staff as we started our four-day tree were interesting sights. journey in Australia’s Harbour To our pleasant surprise, two City. Though forewarned that faculty members of Australia’s this year’s Faculty Development first university gave us a tour of Seminar will fall on Sydney’s the campus grounds, giving us winter season, some of us still access to the majestic Great Hall shivered as we exited Kingsford and leading us to the interesting Smith Airport. But the cold Macleay Museum where we took whether did not stop us from a good look at different insect enjoying Ateneo Law School’s first specimens. After the university ALS faculty and staff with two of the most iconic landmarks of Sydney in Faculty Development Seminar in tour, several faculty members the background — Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House the Land Down Under. and school administrators of the (Photo credit: ROMMEL ABITRIA) down a 52-degree incline onboard While Scenic Cableway was a Scenic Railway, a red tram on soothing ascend onboard a glass- rail tracks previously used to enclosed cable car, Scenic Skyway transport miners. Upon alighting danced with the mountain breeze the steepest passenger railway playfully blowing on an open-air in the world, we were greeted by gondola. That said, Scenic Skyway the luscious rainforest. The shade has a portion of the gondola made under enormous trees and the of glass — the center floor! As the delightful bird chirps made the acrophobic panicked, some took twenty-minute walk conducive advantage of the unique bird’s for sharing of light stories and eye view of the waterfalls, the A pleasant walk along Bondi Beach. (Photo credit: PATRICIA CERVANTES-POCO) anecdotes. ravines, and the rock formations Bonding at Bondi Beach University of Sydney joined our At the end of the canopy walk, through the glass floor. Everyone As if our tropical skins did group for afternoon tea. the group came upon the majestic agreed, however, that Scenic not feel the sudden drop in Not so Blue at the Blue Scenic Cableway gliding down Skyway, together with Scenic temperature, everyone excitedly Mountains from the mountaintop. This was Railway and Scenic Cableway, anticipated our visit to Bondi The following day, our group our ride back. As the cable car gave us a memorable fun-filled Beach. And it did not disappoint. went up to Katoomba to explore regally ascended to the mountains, group experience. A well-maintained beach, around the Blue Mountains. According everyone was mesmerized by the Exploring an Australian a kilometer in length, with the vastness of the rainforest in front to our tourist bus drivers, the Animal Park cool Pacific Ocean breeze and fine Blue Mountains were so named of us. We continued enjoying this creamy sand, Bondi Beach was view on board Scenic Skyway, The following morning, we went because of the seemingly blue to Koala Park Sanctuary, an 89-year the perfect welcome to anyone color that its Eucalyptus trees another cable car that crosses coming from an eight-hour two cliff tops. The two cable cars old animal park in the suburbs of collectively make when viewed Pennant Hills. All of us had fun overnight flight. from a distance. We immediately were distinct from each other With a name that is the noticed this upon arrival at Echo in the experience they offered. continued on page 16 Aboriginal word for the sound Point, a lookout on the edge of of water breaking over rocks, a plateau with a clear view of Bondi Beach is regarded as one of Katoomba’s iconic rock formation, Australia’s most popular beaches. the Three Sisters. True to national But after enjoying Dean Lily K. identity, our group enjoyed the Gruba’s hearty breakfast treat, panoramic vista by doing one the group became so energetic thing that Filipinos are known that the noise of the crashing for — taking selfies and group Australian seawater was muffled pictures! by Pinoy laughter and giggles. Our Blue Mountains adventure Exploring the University of did not end there. Immediately Sydney after lunch, our group went to Upon entering the University Katoomba Scenic World. Shrieks and laughter filled the air as the of Sydney’s Main Quadrangle, At the Main Quadrangle of the University of Sydney some of us were reminded of the group, in rows of four, plummeted (Photo credit: PATRICIA CERVANTES-POCO) FEATURES Volume 5, No. 1 • August 2016 14

Dean’s Corner Reunited on all fronts By SEDFREY M. CANDELARIA

from page 1 the Philippines (NDFP) under facilitation of the Royal Norwegian Government. The talks had continued under the patient watch of the Third Party Facilitator. The resumption of formal talks this time under the Duterte administration is distinctly remarkable on account of the unprecedented number of releases on bail of detained NDFP consultants in the peace negotiations and the respective indefinite unilateral ceasefire orders of both parties with the aim of agreeing to a single unified bilateral document within 60 days from 25 August 2016. To my recollection, both have been sticking issues in the peace process. Having been marginally involved in Let us get down to work. http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/photo/192169/news/grp-ndfp-signs-5-point-agreement-in-oslo the Government of the Republic of the Law School. Joma casually Martial Law years. We had time and Philippines and National Democratic Front of commented, “O, kayo nang again recalled common friends in the Philippines (GRP-NDFP) talks for the last mga Atenista ang mag usap- the Society, like former APS Chaplain six years, it took a little while for me to get usap,” (referring to the peace Fr. Lito Mangulabnan, S.J. back into the rhythm of the process. But as talks). As early as the negotiations soon as I began to shake hands and exchange Two other young Ateneo in Brussels, Ateneans, namely, pleasantries with friends from the NDFP and law graduates came on board Secretary Silvestre H. Bello, III, and after being introduced to some of the released the peace negotiations early Office of the Presidential Adviser consultants who flew with us from Manila, on in their career. Attys. on the Peace Process (OPAPP) a sigh of renewed energy began to creep Edre U. Olalia and Marie Secretary Jesus G. Dureza, had been into my system. When we met the Utrecht- Yuvienco were ably mentored engaged by Amb. Howard Q. Dee based group of Prof. Jose Ma. Sison (Joma) at by human rights lawyer as Government panel member and Schiphol Airport, the cordiality became more Atty. Romeo Capulong, who panel spokesperson, respectively. pronounced. I remember having sat beside served as NDFP Chief Legal Both have consistently played major him during lunchtime in Brussels together with Consultant. Later on I met roles in the peace process to this Fr. Joaquin Bernas, S.J. and one of NDFP’s legal Mr. Danilo Borjal, who was a At the Nobel room of the date. consultants, Atty. Arnedo Valera, who was my former Jesuit scholastic but Holmenkollen Park Hotel More recently, one of the childhood neighbor and classmate at Ateneo went underground during released NDFP consultants, Allan Jasmines, happened to share with me that he belonged to the batch of former Ateneo Alumni Relations Director Junjun Capistrano. We gladly stayed together during the city tour of Oslo and exchanged stories about the history of Ateneo. I was deeply touched by the support given him by his Ateneo batchmates. Upon learning that he was going to be released and participate in the resumption of the formal talks in Oslo last August, his batchmates began to send him some warm clothes, rubber shoes, and an Ateneo jacket. Recently, they had a reunion in his honor. GRP and NDFP Negotiating Panels with Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende and Third Party Aside from Sec. Dureza, Ateneo de Davao Facilitator Elisabeth Slattum From( left to right:) Atty. Antonio B. Arellano, Atty. Angela L. Trinidad, lawyers are part of the existing Government Atty Rene V. Sarmiento, Mr. Hernani A. Braganza, Labor Sec. Silvestre H. Bello III, OPAPP Sec. Jesus G. panel, namely, Attys. Angela L. Trinidad and Dureza, Ms. Bisabeth Slattum (Third Party Facilitator), Foreign Minister Borge Brende, Prof. Jose Ma. Antonio B. Arellano. Atty. Vincent Paul L. Sison, Mr. Luis G. Jalandoni, Mr. Fidel V. Agcaoili, Ms. Coni K. Ledesma, Ms. Julieta S. de Lima-Sison, Montejo, on the other hand, handles matters and Mr. Asterio B. Palima Source: http://www.ndfp.org/peace-talks-resume-oslo/ FEATURES Volume 5, No. 1 • August 2016 15

on safety and immunity guarantees and Meet the New Faculty releases. By BLYTHE M. LUMAGUE Another Atenean, Atty. Efren C. Moncupa, Atty. Felicisimo F. Agas III Management (Honorable Mention), from is a key person for the discussion on social and the Ateneo de Manila University in 2011. In economic reform. He concurrently chairs the Atty. Junsi Agas is 2015, she graduated with Second Honors with Government Monitoring Committee. a Junior Associate a Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo Law The layers of reunion were most defined at Quisumbing School, where she also served as Member of and moving in what I saw when the delegation Torres, with practice the Executive Committee of the Ateneo Law of released consultants came in batches from focusing on banking Journal. different flights from Manila to join their NDFP and finance, She was admitted to the Philippine Bar brothers and sisters in Oslo. Each embraced commercial law, in 2016. She joined the faculty in the first the other tightly, the message of which only dispute resolution, semester of S.Y. 2016-17, assisting Dean those in the “movement” could sensitively employment, Sedfrey M. Candelaria in conducting the feel. I could only empathize from where I stood intellectual property, elective course on Peace Processes. at that moment. and taxation. ******************************** He graduated from the Ateneo de Manila Judge John Boomsri Sy Rodolfo I wish to thank the Amicus team again for University in 2010 with a degree in B.S. Judge Boom Rodolfo coming out with another issue filled with Management Engineering, with Honors. In is an incumbent milestone events depicting the dynamism 2015, he graduated Salutatorian from the Metropolitan Trial of our faculty and students, beginning with Ateneo Law School with a Juris Doctor degree. Court (MeTC) Judge, the International Scientific Congress on Atty. Agas was admitted to the Philippine appointed to the Private Law of the Philippines and Spain Bar in 2016. He currently teaches Legal sala of Branch 38, (Philippine-Spanish Civil Law Congress) jointly Research, joining the faculty in the first Quezon City on May administered by Malaga University and Ateneo semester of S.Y. 2016-17. 21, 2015. Prior to Law School in coordination with the Philippine his appointment to Association of Law Schools and the Legal Atty. Mandy Therese M. Anderson the bench, he was Education Board. Atty. Mandy an associate and senior associate at the Sycip The Commencement Exercises this year Anderson is Chief Salazar Hernandez Gatmaitan Law Office and had been graced by the empowering messages of Staff of the Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los of Associate Justice Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe Commissioner Angeles Law Office, respectively. and class valedictorian Patricia P. Geraldez. A of the Bureau of Judge Rodolfo graduated with honors nostalgic touch was added to the graduation Customs. She earned from the Ateneo de Manila University in 2005 event with the conferment of the Hall of Fame her Bachelor of and was admitted to the Philippine Bar in for Ateneo Law Professors Award to Prof. Science Degree in 2006. He joined the ALS Faculty in the first Jacinto D. Jimenez. Accountancy in 2009 semester of SY 2016-17, teaching Criminal My deepest appreciation extends to the from the University Law 1. faculty members who are serving this year of San Carlos, graduating magna cum laude. as advisers to the different classes. Their She graduated with Second Honors from the Atty. Patricia Anne D. Sta. Maria supervision of the respective classes will Ateneo Law School in 2015 with a Juris Doctor be a valuable contribution to our vision of degree. Atty. Patty Sta. mentoring our students throughout their stay She was admitted to the Philippine Bar in Maria is an in Law School. 2016, placing 5th in the Bar examinations the Associate Solicitor The Law School is pleased to announce previous year. She joined the faculty in the at the Office of the the return of some faculty members who have first semester of S.Y. 2016-17, teaching Legal Solicitor General. finished graduate studies, namely: Mickey Accounting. She obtained Ingles, Lala Rosales, Brady De Castro, and her Bachelor of Weng Soriano. Atty. Noelle Jenina Francesca E. Buan Arts Degree in The following are outbound faculty Political Science in attending graduate studies this year: Klarise Atty. Noelle Buan 2011, graduating Estorninos (Leiden), Gonzalo Go and Miko is an Associate at cum laude. In 2015, she graduated Class Samson (Columbia), Marvyn Llamas (Emory), the Angara Abello Valedictorian with a Juris Doctor degree from Jaymie Reyes (Kyushu), and Tom Temprosa Concepcion Regala the Ateneo Law School, where she also served (Michigan). & Cruz Law Offices. as a Member of the Executive Committee of Finally, I wish to welcome our new faculty She obtained the Ateneo Law Journal. members: Noelle Buan, Patricia Sta. Maria, her Bachelor of She was admitted to the Philippine Bar Felicisimo Agas III, Mandy Anderson, and Science Degree in 2016. She joined the faculty in the first Judge John Boomsri Rodolfo. in Management, semester of S.Y. 2016-17, handling Legal Major in Legal Research. ANNOUNCEMENTS Volume 5, No. 1 • August 2016 16 ALS faculty and staff visit Sydney Visiting Sydney’s Landmarks from page 13 Our visit to the Harbour City aptly ended feeding the kangaroos, having our pictures with our visit to its famous landmarks. The taken with the koalas, and watching a sheep afternoon sun, the croon of sea gulls, the shearing show. Our animal park visit ended smell of seawater, and the cool winter breeze with a barbeque lunch in Koala Park Sanctuary’s all made our visit to the Sydney Opera House cafeteria. Meats served were of course limited a memory too vivid not to be remembered. to beef, pork, chicken, and fish. The filling This location also allowed us to view Harbour lunch was complemented by the white and Bridge in its grandeur. Seeing how massive red wine given by our bus drivers as tokens of Harbour Bridge is, we realized why it took a appreciation and the homemade vanilla ice thousand and four hundred men eight years The Three Sisters — Katoomba’s iconic rock formation (Photo credit: PATRICIA CERVANTES-POCO) cream from the owner of Koala Park Sanctuary. to finish its construction. We were told that Harbour Bridge, for a fee, can be climbed up to its pinnacle. None of us had enough courage (and knee strength) to rise to the challenge. While not one of us was able to climb the bridge at its 134-meter above sea-level height, every single one of us enjoyed the aerial view of the Harbour City from the Sydney Tower. Standing at 308 meters above the ground level, the Sydney Tower allowed us to take a good 360-degree look of Sydney while enjoying the sumptuous buffet dinner at its revolving restaurant. Seeing the Sydney Onboard the Scenic Railway Posing with a camera-shy koala (Photo credit: PATRICIA CERVANTES-POCO) skyline from one of its iconic structures while (Photo credit: ERDELYNE GO) sharing stories with each other was the perfect Happy birthday to our faculty and staff! culmination of our four-day trip. SEPTEMBER Prof. Cecille L. Mejia Oct. 31 Prof. Stephen George S.D. Aquino Sept. 1 Prof. Ampy S. Sta. Maria Oct. 31 Prof. Oscar Carlo F. Cajucom Sept. 3 NOVEMBER Atty. Takahiro Kenjie C. Aman Sept. 6 Prof. Dorothy U. Nava Nov. 2 Head, Editorial Board Sedfrey M. Candelaria Dean Poncevic M. Ceballos Sept. 6 Prof. Rene K. Limcaoco Nov. 3 Prof. Aileen Sarah T. Tolosa-Lerma Sept. 6 Prof. Gabriel R. Meneses Nov. 3 Editor-in-Chief Prof. Ma. Christina E. Tecson Sept. 7 Prof. Gilbert V. Sembrano Nov. 3 Nina Patricia D. Sison-Arroyo Prof. Ryan Jeremiah D. Quan Sept. 8 Prof. Connie G. Chu Nov. 4 Associate Editors Prof. Jose U. Cochingyan III Sept. 10 Prof. Ferdinand M. Casis Nov. 5 Maria Patricia R. Cervantes-Poco Prof. Evelyn O. Kho-Sy Sept. 11 Fr. Filoteo Mangulabnan, S.J. Nov. 5 Oscar Carlo F. Cajucom Prof. Ferdinand M. Negre Sept. 14 Prof. Princess Bustos-Ongkeko Nov. 6 Editorial Assistant Mr. Roy Madamba Sept. 20 Prof. Alexander G. Gesmundo Nov. 6 Blythe M. Lumague Prof. Louie T. Ogsimer Sept. 20 Prof. Ronald C. Chua Nov. 10 Contributors Prof. Claro F. Certeza Sept. 26 Prof. Giovanni F. Vallente Nov. 13 Prof. Jose Maria G. Hofileña Sept. 27 Prof. Edwin R. Enrile Nov. 14 ARTICLES Prof. Maria Patricia R. Cervantes-Poco Sept. 28 Prof. Antonio H. Abad Nov. 15 Rommel Abitria Prof. Jill Marie B. Lopez Nov. 17 Cornelio Alfonso III OCTOBER Takahiro Kenjie C. Aman Ms. Beth San Pedro Nov. 19 Ms. Minda A. Laurente Oct. 1 Ma. Jillian C. Gandingco Prof. Teodoro Alejandro Y. Kalaw IV Oct. 2 Prof. Rodrigo Lope S. Quimbo Nov. 20 Erdelyne Go Prof. Adel A. Tamano Oct. 2 Prof. Floresto P. Arizala Jr. Nov. 25 Ignatius Michael D. Ingles Prof. Felix T. Sy, Jr. Oct. 7 Dean Roy Joseph M. Rafols Nov. 28 Dan Kevin C. Mandocdoc Prof. Vergenee Marree A. Abrenica Oct. 9 Prof. Maribeth A. Lipardo Nov. 30 Anne Maureen B. Manigbas Prof. Agustin Bonifacio Eduardo R. Montilla IV Oct. 12 DECEMBER Ma. Luisa Isabel L. Rosales Prof. Eduardo R. Robles Oct. 12 Prof. Erwin P. Erfe Dec. 1 Gilbert V. Sembrano Prof . Gil Roberto L. Zerrudo Oct. 12 Prof. Noel R. Ostrea Dec. 2 University Communications and Public Relations Office Dean Cynthia R. Del Castillo Oct. 14 Assoc. Dean Lily K. Gruba Dec. 3 Veronica Mae C. Yan Justice Lucas Bersamin Oct. 18 Prof. Laurence Hector B. Arroyo Dec. 4 Dr. Angela C. Ylagan Prof. Donato T. Faylona Oct. 18 Prof. Erdelyne C. Go Dec. 4 Prof. Maria Glenda R. Ramirez Oct. 19 Prof. Jose Arturo c. De Castro Dec. 7 PHOTOS Ateneo Law Alumni Association Prof. Helen C. De Leon-Manzano Oct. 20 Prof. Aris L. Gulapa Dec. 9 Reynaldo Badulis, Jr. Fr. Artemio N. Ferrer , S.J. Oct. 20 Prof. Ramon p. Ereñeta, Jr. Dec. 12 Erdelyne Go Prof. Francisco V.B. Gonzalez Oct. 20 Prof. Anthony A. Abad Dec. 17 Office of Mission and Identity Justice Hilarion L. Aquino (Ret.) Oct. 21 Prof. Howard M. Calleja Dec. 21 Patrick S. Perillo Ms. Anna Katrina C. Paras Oct. 21 Prof. Katrina C. Monsod Dec. 24 Ryan Jeremiah D. Quan Ms. Evangeline B. Riosa Oct. 21 Prof. Rodolfo A. Ponferrada Dec. 26 Ray Paolo J. Santiago Dean Antonio Gabriel M. La Viña Oct. 22 Prof. Hector L. Hofileña Dec. 30 Supreme Court Public Information Office Prof. Norianne Katherine Tan Oct. 22 Prof. Edzyl G. Magante Dec. 30 University Communications and Prof. Alexander C. Dy Oct. 24 Public Relations Office