THE LAW FORUM THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF SAN SEBASTIAN OF LAW

2019 NO. 002 || OCTOBER 2019 ISSUE

FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE

NEW POLICIES FOR NEW MEMBERS OF SSC-R LAW ALUMNI TED PASTRANA: THE COLLEGE OF THE FACULTY EXUDE EXCELLENCE THE NEW DEAN OF LAW IN DIFFERENT FIELDS THE COLLEGE OF LAW

Members of the Editorial Board Krizza Lei Amoyan Imelda Banaag Catherine Joy Esteves Hannah Suzanne Gil

Layout Editor Mark Adrian Arellano

Faculty Adviser Atty. Rolly Francis Peoro

Contributors J.U.R.I.S. Law Executive Council Leviathan Sororitas Lex Augustiniana Sororitas Lex Cervus The F.L.O.C.K. The Fraternal Order of Leviathan SSC-R Law Moot and Academic Debate Society Sui Generis 2018 Sebastinian Bar Message from the Dean 6 24 Passers

8 High and Above 26 Law Executive Council

New Members of the J.U.R.I.S. 9 Faculty 28

TED PASTRANA: The New Dean of the College Of Leviathan Sororitas 16 Law 29

SSC-R Alumni exude Lex Augustiniana Excellence in Different Sororitas 18 Fields 30

SSC-R Working Student Lex Cervus 21 Program 31

New Policies for the The F.L.O.C.K 22 College Of law 32 34 33 36 35 38 39 Leviathan The Fraternal Order Of Sui Generis Debate Society SSC-R LawMootand Brave Spirit Kind Heart, Fierce Mind, Golden Stags‘18-‘19 for A.Y. ‘19-‘20 New EntranceScholars

TABLE OF CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

We hope everyone had a fantastic summer break, and is raring to go back to law school. We share your excitement to start a new academic year. To the freshmen and transferees, welcome to San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) College of Law, and to our continuing and returning students, we are happy to have you back to pursue your Juris Doctor degree with us.

We set out to reach our goals this school year. We aim to improve our performance in the Bar examination and to produce Bar topnotchers — a feat that is not alien to SSC-R College of Law. We shall only be limited by the handicap we put on ourselves. “ With the objective of further improving the performance of our law graduates in the Bar examinations, we have crafted new policies that we will implement in the College of Law beginning First Semester of Academic Year 2019-2020 such as Advanced Bar Preparation Course, Retention Policy to be applied to fourth year students, scholarship grants, among others. We expect that the Advanced Bar Preparation Course shall likewise complement the review subjects, and make it easier for students to pass review subjects.

While we are committed to support all of you, not only in your goal to obtain your Juris Doctor degrees, but to pass the Bar as well, it is imperative that you provide your indispensable cooperation. Regrettably, we cannot allow a student to take the Bar unless he or she has demonstrated that he/she possesses the level of preparation that would allow him or her to pass, hence, the retention policy.

To reiterate, it is not our objective to simply deny our students the opportunity to get a shot at the Bar. Our mission is simple - to support each one of you, to provide an atmosphere of learning, and to instill in you the Sebastinian passion for excellence.

Again, welcome to the wonderful world of SSC-R College of Law!

Dean Ted Pastrana

Our mission is simple - to support each one of you, “to provide an atmosphere of learning, and to instill in you the „ Sebastinian passion for excellence H I G H A N D A B O V E

Hannah Suzanne Gil

To aim without stretching the bow will only then would it understand why the mother never hit a target. removed the things which lures it to stay on the nest. By then and only then would it grasp that Life’s reality will always be its ups and it has wings to enjoy the wind and explore the downs. There will always be bumps and rough skies. roads even if we only prefer the smooth, easy- going ones. What will be constant are the lessons So many times that our unwillingness to we learn from these struggles and how we ought sail beyond our comfort zones dims the rationale to be better or bitter because of such. of how life is supposed to be lived and dreams are supposed to be fought for. The horizon brings There is no growth unless there is hope and a calling—the limitless possibilities change and change itself can be a painful process. that our comfort zone hinders us from seizing. We yearn for outcome but despise struggles. We want results but hate the long and complicted The Bible says in Isaiah 40:31: “But process. And in so wanting instant success, we they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their fail to recognize the essence of why our faith strength; they shall mount up with wings as is supposed to be tried and tested. Thus, when eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they feelings of pity and discouragement flood our shall walk, and not faint.” We are called to act thoughts, we succumb to the temptation of and press toward our destinies. The hurdles are pressing the eject button and just accept the fall. as inevitable as the victories. One can never be without the other. Just always remember that Take a look at the eagles. When a mother the Lord said that we have to wait on Him. He eagle is about to lay her egg, she builds nest out doesn’t want us to give up. He simply wants us of twigs, broken branches, sharp rocks and other to surrender and trust Him. After all, He didn’t pointy materials to support the main structure. give us wings for no reason. So each time we feel Afterwards, she will cover the base with a layer of the twinges and thorns in our purported home soft materials such as feathers, leaves and wool. sweet home, think about the eagles. Sometimes, When the egg hatches, the baby eagle lays on a a little push is all we need to leave the ground cozy, comfy bed with free meals being served— and soar high and above. nothing but a suite life in a fancy hotel until it reaches the so-called “flying age.” When this time comes, the mother will now start to remove the mattress and the eaglet would be pierced by the sharp objects giving it discomfort and pain. This would in turn urge the eaglet to get out of its comfort zone and live its destiny. By then and

8 THE LAW FORUM || OCTOBER 2019 N E W M E M B E R S O F T H E F A C U L T Y

MA. ROWENA V. ALEJANDRIA also the Class Salutatorian when he completed his Bachelor of Laws degree from San Beda Judge Alejandria is an alumna of San University in 2016. Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) College of Law. Atty. Alfonso is currently teaching Criminal Law. He is also a Bar Review Coach in She was appointed as Regional Trial Review Center. Court Judge of Branch 121, Caloocan City in 2018. Prior to joining the Judiciary, she served as a Prosecutor in Caloocan City from 2008 to 2018, ADRIAN A. ARPON and a Public Attorney in the same city from 2003 to 2008. Atty. Arpon is currently the Head of the Anti-Fraud Staff of the Anti-Money Laundering Aside from teaching Evidence in SSC-R Council Secretariat in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas College of Law, she is also a professor in other (BSP). Prior to being part of the BSP, he was a law schools such as Polytechnic University of trial lawyer and Supervising Legislative Staff at the and University of Caloocan the Office of the Senate Legal Counsel. City. Judge Alejandria is also a Bar Lecturer in Criminal Law at Albano Bar Review Center. Atty. Arpon finished his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy degree and Bachelor of Laws degree from the . JUAN PAOLO G. ALFONSO He obtained his Master of Laws and completed as Cum Laude his Doctor of Laws degree at the Atty. Alfonso is an Associate at Angara University of Santo Tomas Graduate School of Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices. Law. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. Prior to becoming an Associate in one of the top law firms in the country, he worked asa He is teaching Credit Transactions Technical Consultant in the office of Senator in SSC-R College of Law and Anti-Money Jinggoy Estrada. Laundering and Banking Laws in the SSC-R Graduate School of Law. He also teaches He graduated Cum Laude from the Civil, Commercial and Taxation Laws in City University of the Philippines Diliman with a University of Pasay, Bulacan State University and degree of Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. He was Unibersidad de .

OCTOBER 2019 || THE LAW FORUM 9 HERMILIA C. BANAYAT Nation Regional Law and Cross-Border Practice.

Atty. Banayat is a Senior Associate at She is teaching Persons and Family Belmonte Sison and Associates. She is also the Relations. Legal and Advocacy Specialist of the Institute of Politics & Governance, Inc. She used to be the Chief Legislative Officer of the Office of Akbayan MARY CLAIRE A. DEMAISIP Rep. Gutierrez III and the Board Secretary of the Philippine Sugar Administration of the National Atty. Demaisip is a Legal Coordinator for Food Authority. Policy Advocacy, Campaigns and Legal Affairs of KAISAHAN Tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Kanayunan Atty. Banayat obtained her Bachelor of at Repormang Pansakahan, a non-government Science in degree from the organization providing legal assistance and University of the Cordilleras, and her Bachelor of education to farmer communities. She developed Science in Mathematics and Juris Doctor degree and co-authored the revision of the “Repormang from the University of the Philippines Diliman. Pang-Agraryo at Kaunlarang Pangkanayunan: Manwal ng Paralegal,” a manual originally drafted She is now teaching Statutory by the Paralegal Education Skills Advancement Construction. She also gives lectures to local and Networking (PEASANTEch) consortium, government units and community-based which is used by various farmer groups in organizations. conducting paralegal trainings.

She also authored various position papers MA. THERESA C. BUENO on land rights, and land use and management. Notable among these is an international paper she Prosec. Bueno is a Senior Prosecutor at co-authored entitled “The Voluntary Guidelines the Department of Justice. Prior to joining the on Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, public office, she was a Senior Assistant Manager Fisheries, and Forests (VGGT) in the Context of the Legal & Acquired Asset of United Overseas of National Food Security & the Proposed Bank (Westmont Bank). National Land Use and Management Act.” The paper analyzed the salient principles and Prosec. Bueno obtained her Bachelor of recommendations of the VGGT as substantially Arts in Economics degree from the De La Salle reflected in the National Land Use bill pending University and her Bachelor of Law degree from in Congress. San Beda University. She is currently taking her Master of Laws at the University of the She obtained her Bachelor of Laws Philippines as a pilot student in the new LL.M. degree from the University of the Philippines program of Association of of Law, and her Bachelor of Arts degree

10 THE LAW FORUM || OCTOBER 2019 in Psychology from the Ateneo de Manila families and victims of extrajudicial killings. He University. also serves as the Coordinator for community- based programs such as drug rehabilitation She was a former associate at Sobrevinas centers, inclusive markets, socialized housing Hayudini Bodegon Navarro & San Juan Law through people’s plan, and community kitchens. Offices. Atty. Garcia obtained his Bachelor of Considering her extensive experience Science major in Mathematics degree from in Agrarian Reform, Atty. Demaisip teaches the Ateneo de Manila University. He finished Agrarian Law and Social Legislation. Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of the Philippines College of Law in 2005. In 2016, as a Chevening Scholar, he obtained his Master of ERIK LAWRENCE S. DY Laws in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution from the Center of Commercial Law Atty. Dy is a graduate of Ateneo Law Studies, Queen Mary University of London. School and currently works as a Government Corporate Attorney at the Office of the He was a consultant for the European Government Corporate Counsel. Upon his Union EP Just2 Program on Access to Justice. admission to the Philippine Bar in 2016, he joined During his five-year consultancy stint at the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) and the Department of Agrarian Reform, Atty. worked as the Solicitor General’s Head Executive Garcia drafted the rules for mediation in the Assistant while concurrently designated as the Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication OSG Spokesperson. Board (DARAB) cases. He also formulated the Training Modules for Adjudicators of DARAB He teaches Administrative Law, Law on and conducted mediation training for agrarian Public Corporations, and Election Law in various reform adjudicators. law schools such as College of Law, Institute of Law He currently teaches Constitutional and SSC-R College of Law. Law in SSC-R College of Law and .

AISON SY GARCIA THEODORE JOSEPH M. JUMAMIL Atty. Garcia is currently a Consultant for the Office of the Vice President. He works Atty. Jumamil obtained his Bachelor of with different civil society groups aiming to Science degree in Management Engineering from improve access to justice especially for farmers, the Ateneo de Manila University. He finished fisherfolks, persons with disabilities, urban poor his Juris Doctor degree at the University of the

OCTOBER 2019 || THE LAW FORUM 11 Philippines College of Law where he graduated practice of law, specializing in Commercial Law, 6th of his class in 2018. A year later, he became Land Titles, Medical Malpractices and Criminal a member of the Philippine Bar where he ranked Law. He is a part time professor for the University 18th out of the 1800 successful examinees in the of Santo Tomas Graduate School of Law teaching 2018 Bar. legal dissertation writing.

Atty. Jumamil is currently an associate at Villaraza and Angangco Law Offices. He teaches ROXANNE JOYCE L. MERCADO Negotiable Instruments Law at SSC-R College of Law. Admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2016, Atty. Mercado obtained her Juris Doctor degree (Second Honors) from Ateneo de Manila GLENN R. LUANSING University Law School in 2015. She finished her Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Management Atty. Glenn R. Luansing is a nurse- Arts in 2011. lawyer by profession. Immediately after taking an oath as a lawyer, he started his legal practice as Atty. Mercado is an Associate Solicitor II a Government Legal Counsel at the Office of the at the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG). Prior Solicitor General and at the same time, served to joining OSG in 2018, she was an Associate at as legal consultant for various private and public Sycip Salazar Hernandez Gatmaitan Law Offices. offices and non-governmental organizations She finished her internship at Romulo Mabanta in the Philippines. Together with the Office Sayoc & Delos Angeles Law Offices and Angara of the Solicitor General, he was able to handle Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices. controversial cases such as those involving the Presidential Commission on Good Governance, She used to lecture on Legal Research Commission on Election, Department of the in SSC-R College of Law way back 2017, and Interior and Local Government, Philippine now teaches Investment and Banking Laws and Amusement and Gaming Corporation and Statutory Construction. numerous annulment and land registration cases. While in the active practice of law, he obtained his Master of Laws (Magna Cum Laude) and Doctor GERLYN FE G. OYOS of Laws (Cum Laude/Bene Meritus) both at the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School. Atty. Oyos graduated with a degree in While employed as a government counsel, he has Bachelor of Science in Nursing as Cum Laude taught Research, Legal Medicine, Taxation, and in Siliman University. She obtained her Juris Constitutional Law in various law schools. Doctor degree from SSC-R College of Law as Class Valedictorian in 2015. She passed the Bar Currently, Atty. Luansing is into private Examinations on the same year. She is a former

12 THE LAW FORUM || OCTOBER 2019 Associate Lawyer at the Santiago Cruz and Class 2014. Associates Law Offices. He is currently the Legal Counsel of Robinsons Retail Holding, Inc. and its various She is also a faculty member of the business units. Prior to this, he used to handle Adamson University College of Law, Philippine various kinds of cases as a Senior Associate in Christian University Law School and University Nograles Law Offices. of Manila College of Law and is teaching Civil Law subjects (Persons and Family Relations and He is teaching Collective Bargaining, Property) at the SSC-R College of Law. Constitutional Law and Natural Resources and Environmental Law.

JONIEVE P. RAMOS-GABRIEL KRISSI SHAFFINA TWYLA A. RUBIN Atty. Gabriel is an Associate Attorney at Kapunan Imperial Panaguiton & Bongolan Atty. Rubin is a feminist lawyer and a handling general litigation and appellate court human rights advocate. She has held several practice. positions with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) since 2010. Currently, she is the Officer in She finished her Bachelor of Arts and Charge of Gender Equality and Women’s Human Letters majoring in Philosophy and Bachelor Rights Center of the CHR. of Laws degree from the University of Santo Tomas. She also obtained her Master of Laws Atty. Rubin graduated Cum Laude with degree as Summa Cum Laude, and her Doctor a degree of Bachelor of Arts in English Language of Civil Law degree as Magna Cum Laude from Studies from the University of the Philippines the same university. She became a member of the Diliman. She obtained her Bachelor of Laws from Philippine Bar in 2002. Bukidnon State University where she graduated Cum Laude. She is teaching Conflict of Laws. She is also a lecturer in Bulacan State University College In 2018, she obtained her Master of Arts of Law and SSC-R Graduate School of Law. in Women Development from the University of the Philippines, College of Social Work and Development. She also finished her Master of JUN EDWARD L. REAL III Laws specializing in Law and Gender with merit as Chevening Scholar from the School of Oriental Atty. Real is an outstanding alumnus of and African Studies at the University of London. SSC-R. He finished his Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science degree as Magna Cum Laude, She is teaching at SSC-R College of Law and his Juris Doctor degree as the Salutatorian of Gender and the Law and Children’s Rights Law.

OCTOBER 2019 || THE LAW FORUM 13 Firm’s Lawyer of the Year for four consecutive MARY KIMBERLIE C. SEE years since 2015, Atty. Sison became the fastest to become a Partner at one of the most prestigious Atty. See has extensive experience law firms in the country. in civil and commercial litigation. She is well versed in corporate practice involving She specializes in criminal litigation and consultancy, retainership, directorship and is the lead counsel for various corporate secretarial stints. She also has a strong cases. She also has extensive experience in civil background in arbitration where she has acted as law, family law, appellate practice, labor law, File Counsel and Hearing Commissioner of the mining law, and corporate law and is currently Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. from teaching Criminal Procedure at the SSC-R 2016 to 2017. College of Law.

Atty. See obtained her Bachelor of Atty. Sison took her undergraduate Science in Management degree from the Ateneo degree from the University of the Philippines de Manila University and her Juris Doctor degree Los Baños (UPLB) with a Bachelor of Arts in from Ateneo Law School. She finished her Master Communication Arts, Major in Writing. While of Laws degree at the University of Santo Tomas at UPLB, she founded and led several university Graduate School of Law where she is currently organizations and headed the UP Sigma Alpha finishing her Doctor of Laws. Nu Sorority as its Lady Chancellor. She also served in the Editorial Board of the University’s She is a Professor of Law at the SSC-R student paper as the Opinion Editor and won as College of Law teaching Insurance Law, Best Speaker and Best Campus Debater at the Philosophy of Law, and Sales. She is also a University of the Philippines Campus Debate for Professorial Lecturer at the De La Salle College two consecutive years. She finished her Bachelor of Law and Bulacan State University – College of of Laws as a full Academic Scholar of the Law. Before forming SEE Law Offices, she worked Recoletos Order. A consistent Dean’s Lister, she as Attorney III at Bases Conversion Development graduated Class Valedictorian and was the first Authority from 2014 to 2015, a Senior Associate recipient of the Academic Excellence Medal of at Ongkiko Manhit Custodio and Acorda Law Honor by the Recoletos Educational Apostolate Office from 2011 to 2014 and an Associate at of the Philippines in 2013. Bernas Law Offices from 2008 to 2011.

CARL RON F. VILLAMIL SHEILA C. SISON Atty. Villamil graduated as the Class After holding the record of having been Salutatorian of San Beda University College chosen as Fortun, Narvasa, and Salazar Law of Law in 2017, and he was admitted to the

14 THE LAW FORUM || OCTOBER 2019 Philippine Bar the following year. He finished his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Legal Studies from Saint Louis University where he graduated as Summa Cum Laude.

Atty. Villamil is a Technical Assistant at the Office of the Executive Secretary since March 2019. Before assuming his government position, he worked as an associate in Sycip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan Law Offices from June 2018 to February 2019.

He currently teaches Introduction to the Study of Law and Legal Research.

DASHELL C. YANCHA-PO

Atty. Yancha-Po is currently a Court Attorney IV in Sandiganbayan. She used to be part of the Department of Justice as State Counsel. She was also a Senior Foreign Affairs Research Specialist at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Atty. Yancha-Po obtained her Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science degree from the University of the Philippines, and her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Santo Tomas. She completed her Master of Human Rights Practice as Erasmus Mundus Scholar and with Merit from University of Tromso, University of Roehampton and University of Gothenburg.

She is teaching Human Rights Law and Public International Law.

OCTOBER 2019 || THE LAW FORUM 15 TED PASTRANA: THE NEW DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF LAW

San Sebastian College- Recoletos (SSC-R) has chosen Atty. Teodoro A. Pastrana as the fourteenth Dean of the SSC-R College of Law. As he takes the reins of leadership, Dean Pastrana, the Head of SSC-R Civil Law Department, intends to continue the initiatives and vision of academic excellence of his predecessor, retired Supreme Court Justice Arturo Brion.

Dean Pastrana brings an abundance of experience that is certain to help guide our College of Law into new heights. He consistently garnered awards as a Dean’s Lister while taking Bachelor of Arts in Economics in De La Salle University and Bachelor of Laws in . Now a well- respected aviation lawyer, Dean Pastrana is a paragon of excellence in the legal profession. Before being admitted to the Philippine Bar in 1992, Dean Pastrana became an Associate at the prestigious Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz (ACCRA) law offices. He then joined JGlaw in 1993 and soon became its youngest partner. He has extensive experience in litigation and in commercial transactions, including merger and acquisition transactions, joint ventures, capital/equity structuring and restructuring, regulatory compliance and corporate dissolution and liquidation. In 2005, he formed Pastrana Fallar, a boutique law firm with primary expertise in aviation law. He served as Vice-chairman of the Aerospace Committee of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association. His aviation practice included representing international carriers Singapore Airline, SIlkair, All Nippon Airways, Vanilla Air, Thai Airways, and Etihad Airways in contentious and regulatory matters.

In the academic field, Dean Pastrana is known for his proficiency in Civil Law and Taxation Law. He considers SSC-R as his academic base as he started his teaching career in the College of Law in 1994. Despite being young then, he was recruited by SSC- R College of Law to teach Taxation Law shortly after his admission to the bar. With his 25 years of teaching in the College of Law, Dean Pastrana certainly serves as one of the pillars of the SSC-R College of Law; thus, he was appointed by Dean Brion to head the Civil Law department in 2017. Currently, Dean Pastrana handles Obligations and Contracts, Sales, and Civil Law Review in the College. He was also a Bar Reviewer in Taxation and Civil Law.

16 THE LAW FORUM || OCTOBER 2019 Dean Pastrana aims to create new opportunities for students, and to guide the College of Law to new heights of academic excellence. “We aim to improve our performance in the Bar examination and to produce Bar topnotchers — a feat that is not alien to SSC-R College of Law,” he uttered, as he promised to provide an atmosphere of learning, and to instill in us the Sebastinian passion for excellence. While he candidly admitted that the deanship was unexpected and something he did not aspire for, he has set his expectations so high and has been votive in his aims for the overall improvement of the College of Law. The litigator and bar reviewer plans to make a major turnaround for the college and revert it to its winning ways. He stated that his game plan will start on “marginal gains” whereby he seeks to improve little areas first in hopes that it would inure to the benefit of the whole. With this in mind, he started troubleshooting basic issues of the College of Law, starting with minute matters, such as the streamlining of the enrolment process, to modifying current policies and introducing new ones. Dean Pastrana intends to introduce major changes in the college with the aim of strengthening our alumni relations, developing our faculty roster, providing better student scholarships, and, ultimately, improving our bar examination performance.

Getting to the more specific implementations, our Dean also seeks to form a working Alumni Association to be headed by Atty. Larry Ignacio which endeavours to invite Sebastinian lawyers, from both the public and private sectors, to coordinate with the said organization for joint efforts to support bar operations and help new Sebastinian lawyers in career-related matters.

When it comes to the faculty, the Dean assures the students that there will be continuous improvement of the faculty roster. He stated that they intend to recruit the best lawyers from different law and from different legal fields. This is a vital step in his plan to create a “better administration-faculty-student relationship.”

Regarding student development, Dean Pastrana promised significant and critical changes in the admission, retention, and scholarship policies of our college. New scholarships grants are already in the pipeline, and other programs to support our students shall be formulated. He also introduced an Advanced Bar Preparation Course to complement the review subjects. For the admission and retention policy, Dean Pastrana assures that there will be no drastic changes for the first, second, and third year students, as he intends to “give the students chance to shape up and find out if they really are fit for law school.” However, stricter requirements shall be imposed by the time a student steps into Senior Year. These programs are designed not only to help the students obtain their Juris Doctor degrees, but to pass the Bar as well. To date, some of the plans are already being implemented in the College of Law. Let us expect that more meaningful changes are to be implemented soon.

As with his mastery in aviation law, Dean Pastrana has high hopes for the College of Law. He, together with the College of Law staff and faculty, are formulating programs all for the aim of getting Baste to the top. He reminds the students to “raise your standards” –emphasizing that in taking the Bar, students do not just carry their own names but that of San Sebastian. He adds that there is no room for complacency… and that everyone must strive for excellence. Through the unity of all, as led by this vision of our Dean, we can expect for another great Stag leap.

Bravo Baste!

OCTOBER 2019 || THE LAW FORUM 17 SSC-R Law Alumni exude Excellence in Different Fields

It is truly undeniable that SSC-R College of Law has produced excellent lawyers all through time. The various fields wherein our alumni embarked into are proofs that the law profession is indeed all encompassing. Like stars scattered through space, our alumni continue to display excellence in their field of work.

The year 2019 is indeed a promising one for the nine (9) Sebastinian lawyers who were appointed by President as new Regional Trial Court judges.

The SSC-R College of Law congratulates the following:

Judge Amabel Robles-Buenaluz (RTC Branch 20 – Imus, Cavite) Judge Francisco Victor Collado, Jr. (RTC Branch 90 – Dasmariñas, Cavite) Judge Rene Natividad (RTC Branch 107 – Los Baños, Laguna) Judge Jeovannie Ordoño (RTC Branch 109 – Capas, Tarlac) Judge Giovanni Palma (RTC Branch 121 – Imus, Cavite) Judge Maria Cecilia Pantua (RTC Branch 104 – Calamba, Laguna) Judge Allene Torres-Pena (RTC Branch 110 – Tarlac, City) Judge Rocille Aquino-Tambasacan (RTC Branch 21 – Imus, Cavite) Judge Reuben Ritzuko Veradio (RTC Branch 104 – Malolos, Bulacan)

2018 is as remarkable as well when our alumna, Judge Elisa Sarmiento-Flores, was given the Chief Justice Ramon Avancena Award for being one of the outstanding second-level court judges. She was recognized for introducing automated hearings in her court proceedings. Judge Sarmiento-Flores was also cited for pioneering the live-link technology, which allowed child witnesses to testify from outside the courtroom. Her strategic methods lowered the trial duration and increased her case disposal resulting in an overall court efficiency.

Prior to her Judicial Excellence Award given by the Supreme Court, she has been making waves in the law profession and given various award for her excellent performance in the field. She was awarded

18 THE LAW FORUM || OCTOBER 2019 SSC-R Law Alumni exude Excellence in Different Fields

Outstanding Prosecutor in 2009 by the Department of Justice. Along with these awards, she is also a recipient of various recognitions from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

Another alumnus, RTC Judge Gener Gito, is also bringing prestige to our Alma Mater as he is to be awarded as one of the 2019 Outstanding Second Level Court Judge by the Society for Judicial Excellence of the Supreme Court.

In addition, other SSC-R alumni and our former Dean, Atty. Rufus Rodriguez, now serve as beacons of hope for our nation as they share their leadership qualities in our 18th Congress. The College would like to acknowledge our alumni members who chose to serve our nation and are now members of the House of Representatives.

Hon. Cheryl Deloso-Montalla – Zambales 2nd District Representative Hon. Lawrence Fortun – Agusan del Norte 1st District Representative Hon. Wilter Palma –Zamboanga Sibugay 1st District Representative Dean Rufus Rodriguez – City 2nd District Representative

Notable in the field of litigation is our very own Atty. Shiela Sison, Batch 2013 Class Valedictorian. After holding the record of being chosen as Fortun, Narvasa, and Salazar Law Firm’s Lawyer of the Year for four consecutive years since 2015, Atty. Sison was the fastest to become a Partner at the said law firm.

Further, we would also like to congratulate Atty. Gil Taway and Atty. Catherine Camposano-Remigio IV, our alumni who are trailblazing in their own field and serving as inspiration to our Sebastinian community. Atty. Taway took his oath as Integrated Bar of the Philippines Governor for Bicolandia last July 23, 2019 while Atty. Camposano-Remigio is the new chief of the National Bureau of Investigation’s Anti-Graft and Corruption Division.

OCTOBER 2019 || THE LAW FORUM 19 20 THE LAW FORUM || OCTOBER 2019 SSC-R Law Working Student Special Program Feature

The Legal Education Board (LEB) approved the Working Student Program (WSP) proposed by then Dean J. Arturo Brion (ret.) in 2018. The WSP is a six-year program which aims to cater to the working students who, because of their hectic workload, have less time for their studies.

The WSP is patterned after the LEB’s Model for Bachelor of Laws Curriculum. It carries a total load of 155 units consisting of subjects which are all focused on the coverage of the Bar examinations.

The WSP is an addition to the current four-year program of SSC-R Law. Despite the longer period that will entail to complete the study of law, the WSP is still perceived to be a better choice for the working students. It is tailor-made to accommodate and aid them in obtaining a law degree without compromising their work and/or academic responsibilities.

After its conception last year, the WSP is now becoming the choice of many working students as manifested by the sudden increase in its enrolment. Currently, WSP has a full section of working students. With the rate it is going, WSP is expected to attract more working students in the coming semesters.

OCTOBER 2019 || THE LAW FORUM 21 New Policies for the College of Law

Consistent with the objective of Dean Ted Pastrana to provide an atmosphere of learning, and to instill the Sebastinian passion for excellence, below are the new policies to be implemented:

Mandatory Advanced Bar Preparation Course for Third Year and Fourth Year Students

The mandatory Advanced Bar Preparation Course for Third Year and Fourth Year Students has been rolled out. The Advanced Bar Review lectures will be offered in four modules (one module per semester). As designed, each module will run Saturday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon for the entire semester, in a class of combined 3rd and 4th year students, and will consist of the following:

• 1st Module - 3 sessions of Bar Planning and Technique; 3 sessions of Political Law; 3 sessions of Labor Law; 4 sessions of Civil Law, and 3 sessions of Taxation Law. • 2nd Module - 3 sessions of Bar Planning and Technique; 3 sessions of Mercantile Law; 3 sessions of Criminal Law; 4 sessions of Remedial Law; and 3 sessions of Legal Ethics. • The 3rd and 4th Modules - shall be a repeat of the 1st and 2nd with a different set of lectures or coverage.

The incoming 4th year students will only have to take 2 modules, unless they fail to graduate on time, in which case, they will have to take 1 to 2 more modules, as the case may be.

The modules are purely lecture type and should complement the students’ regular subjects. The regular subjects shall continue to be taught using the Socratic method.

The modules, though mandatory, are not part of the regular Juris Doctor Curriculum; and hence, the students shall not be given grades at the end of the semester.

There shall be five lectures per module (1 for Bar Planning and Technique, and 1 for each Bar subject). The lectures shall run diagnostic tests simulating bar exam questions. The emphasis shall be on guiding the students on issue-spotting and framing of answers to the examination questions.

22 THE LAW FORUM || OCTOBER 2019 New Policies for the College of Law

Retention Policy to be Applied to Fourth Year Students

a.) Pre-requisites in the enrolment of review subjects - no student shall be allowed to enrol in any fourth year review subjects unless he/she has already completed all his 1st year to third year subjects. b.) Two flunk rule - a student who obtained a failing grade in two or more review subjects in the same semester, or has failed the same review subjects twice shall not be readmitted and shall voluntarily withdraw from the College of Law.

Scholarship Grants

The College of Law further offers scholarship grants for the members of the faculty as well as the students.

For the professors, the scholarship grants are based on the number of years of service of the faculty member, and range from 50% Tuition Fee Discount up to Full Scholarship (100% Free Tuition and Miscellaneous Fees).

The goal is to strengthen our faculty, reward professors who have manifested loyalty through the years, comply with the Legal Education Board requirement, and raise standards of academic development.

For the students, in recognition of their efforts, the Golden Stag Awards has been revived. The following are based on the ranking of students on a per year level basis:

• 1st Rank: 100% Tuition Fee Discount in the succeeding semester • 2nd Rank-75% Tuition Fee Discount in the succeeding semester • 3rd Rank- 50% Tuition Fee Discount in the succeeding semester

OCTOBER 2019 || THE LAW FORUM 23 2018 Sebastinian Bar Passers

With great pride, we would like to announce our new 27 new Sebastinian lawyers. The SSC-R College of Law congratulates our New Sebastinian lawyers:

ATTY. AGUTAYA, MA. ANGELI GRACIELLA W. ATTY. MALLARI, VANESSA P. ATTY. ANONUEVO, EUAN PAULO C. ATTY. MARAMAG, TECELYN B. ATTY. ARA, ERIKA L. ATTY. MONTALLA, AUREA ELEIN M. ATTY. BALOLONG, DESIREE D. ATTY. MORALES, CHRISTIAN WILFRED D. ATTY. BASADA, ANNIE HAZEL D. ATTY. RANIGO JR., ROGER S. ATTY. BRIONES, REX NORMAN E. ATTY. REGIO, RUTH GALLILE C. ATTY. CHAVEZ JR., BONIFACIO D. ATTY. ROBLES JR., PLARIDEL A. ATTY. DEDUMO, RICHELLE B. ATTY. ROGACION, RAYMOND R. ATTY. EVANGELISTA, IVY ATTY. ROMERO, KEVIN P. ATTY. GALO, RAMEL M. ATTY. SY, THEODORE U. ATTY. GARCIA, ROELITO C. ATTY. TABING, CHRISTINE MAE N. ATTY. GREGORIO, ALDRIN B. ATTY. TATING-ENSOMO, MA. FLORDELIN ATTY. INOCENCIO, KARLO KRISANTO B. ATTY. VISPO, VIRSON A. ATTY. LASTIMOZA, VIRGIL MAVERICK B.

To celebrate the fruits of their hard work, Dean Pastrana invited the 2018 Sebastinian Bar Passers at the Coffee Shop of the College Building for a testimonial dinner last June 14, 2019. The program started with a message from the Dean sending his warm congratulations to the new batch of Stag pride. The Sebastinian passers were given the chance to share their experiences in taking the Bar which filled the atmosphere with awe. The attendees dined together with some of the faculty members present. The night ended with the Atty. Rolly Francis C. Peoro’s message for everyone.

Bravo Baste!

24 THE LAW FORUM || OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER 2019 || THE LAW FORUM 25 LAW EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

A.Y. 2018 - 2019

The Law Executive Council (LEC) is a group of students representing the whole student body, regardless of affiliation and academic status. The LEC serves as the voice of the students and liaises their concerns to the Dean’s Office and to the school administration, if necessary. The LEC also ensures college and school-wide announcements will reach all the students through social media platforms and other means available.

The LEC is also the main support organization in every activity of the College of Law, including enrollment, freshmen orientation, centralized bar operations and graduation ceremony, among others.

For Academic Year 2018-2019, the LEC has closely worked with the Centralized Bar Operations of the College headed by Judge Karen Canullas-Armada, from the send-off party, weekly hotel and bar site operations, Salubong to the Testimonial Dinner for our new Sebastinian Lawyers.

Salute to the members of the previous Law Executive Council headed by Ma. Sophia Isabella De Castro as the President and the rest of the officers: Micah Erica Lucero (Vice President); Christine Emile Vallejo (Secretary); Joyce Nojara (Treasurer); Jay Nikko Par (Auditor); Michael Blanco and Albert Race Elcano (Public Relations Officers); Joe Mari Picones (Property Custodian); Milcah Pascual (4th-Year Batch Representative); Medelyn Clarisse Marasigan (3rd-Year Batch Representative); Kyrene Martinez (2nd-Year Batch Representative); and Ken Lennart Millar (1st-Year Batch Representative) for the job well done!

26 THE LAW FORUM || OCTOBER 2019 LAW EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

As we welcome the new academic year, the following were elected as the new members of the LEC last 28 September 2019:

(A.Y. 2019-2020)

President Medelyn Clarisse O. Marasigan

Vice President - Internal Joyce A. Nojara

Vice President - External Jerhmy Ian Q. Adduru

Secretary Kimmy Bianca V. Petalio

Treasurer Mara Xandre P. Garcia

Auditor Albert Race V. Elcano

Public Relations Officer Ken Lennart R. Millar

Property Custodian Karina Virginia Perpetua R. Cabahug

4TH Year Batch Representative Christian Ador T. Ramos

3RD Year Batch Representative Kyrene Eunice M. Martinez

2ND Year Batch Representative Jan Eleazar A. Jimenez

1ST Year Batch Representatives Camille Bianca S. Manangan Remiel Wallace A. Vito Cruz

OCTOBER 2019 || THE LAW FORUM 27 J ust U nion of R esponsible and I ndependent S tudents

The Just Union of Responsible and Independent Students (JURIS) was established in 1995 carrying the maxim ‘justitia nemini neganda est’, which embodies the belief that justice to be denied to no one. JURIS adheres to its core principles of camaraderie, academic excellence, and community empowerment.

It is founded by then law students, Antonio Carolino, Mary Ann Ojeda, Cindy Carolino, Sinforoso Roque, Joel Ruma and Joel Pradia. The start of the organization was fueled by their vision of Public Works and Highways Region IV-A); Atty. of camaraderie and support system for each other to Owen Vidad (Government Corporate Attorney - survive law school. Office of the Government Corporate Counsel); Atty. Lorelei Bola (Professor in SSC-R College of Law); Years later, the vision of the organization Atty. Celestino Caguiat Jr. (Author); Atty. Antonio has evolved from being an academic-oriented Carolino (former Mayor of Sta. Maria Laguna); Atty. organization to a service-oriented one. JURIS is Cindy Valdecanto-Carolino (incumbent Mayor of not only active in its academic pursuit but also in Sta. Maria Laguna); and Atty. Joel Ruma (incumbent helping the law school by sending its members to Mayor Province of Cagayan). become part of the Law Executive Council, a body representing the entire students. In JURIS, we are family and we grow together as a family by sharing every triumph, success, and Among the distinguished alumni of JURIS difficulty in the law profession. As what ourco- are: Prosecutor Stevenzon Vinzi Roque; Prosecutor founder Atty. Joel Pradia once said, “the members shall Jet Quilang-Sales; Prosecutor Johnny Dela Cruz not only aim to excel as a good lawyer, but shall also aim to Caguiat; Atty. Cynthia Corpuz-Mariano (Branch excel as a good person.” Clerk of Court, RTC Valezuela Cty); Atty. Edward Martin Mananes (Regional Director, Department Bravo Juris!

28 THE LAW FORUM || OCTOBER 2019 LEVIATHAN SORORITAS

Since its establishment in July 31, 1999, Leviathan Sororitas has been a sisterhood of distinguished women that consistently embodies strong commitment to academic excellence and leadership producing legal luminaries, judges, and a bar topnotcher. As testimony to this, Leviathan Sororitas extends fervent collective support through Bar Operations, Exclusive Bar Lectures and Personal Mentoring conducted by our renowned law professors, bar reviewers, book authors and practitioners.

Leviathan Sororitas, an organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is a sisterhood of strong familial bond cultivated not only through academics, leisure and recreational activities but also through ardent community involvement within and beyond law schools by extending free assistance and services to marginalized sectors throughout the years in line with the promotion of social, moral and scholastic standards of every member in accordance with the precept of a true Sebastinian.

OCTOBER 2019 || THE LAW FORUM 29 L E X A U G U S T I N I A N A S O R O R I T A S

The Lex Augustiniana Sororitas (Lex Augu) was established in 1986 and founded by then law student and now respected Judge Juanita “Nitz” Areta. The sorority is composed of legal practitioners and female law students. The sorority envisions to promote unity, leader- ship and scholarship among its members.

In support of its annual bar operations, Lex Augu, in partnership with Lex Cervus Fra- ternity, relentlessly united for another fundraising event in preparation for the upcoming Bar Exam 2019. A block screening was held in Fisher Mall last September 8 featuring the thrilling horror movie “It: Chapter Two”. Friends and family successfully took part in this sold out movie screening in support of the bar examinees of 2019.

On May 13, 2019, through the invite of Atty. Edward Chico and one of our alumni Sis Anne Marie Guyo, our residents and alumni members were given an opportunity to render service and assistance during the country’s midterm elections by serving as paralegals.

Lex Augu continuously improves its “Notes Bank Project” consisting of notes, review materials and case digests to help the incoming freshmen members, resident members as well as barristers.

30 THE LAW FORUM || OCTOBER 2019 L E X C E R V U S

“We Never Forget Traditional Spirit”--simple words of neither legal relevance nor philosophical values but to every LEX CERVUS, it is a maxim which transcends the conflicting boundaries of responsibility and commitment. For us, it is a solemn vow of allegiance and adherence to the beliefs and principles of the fraternity embraced. It is a pledge of a lifetime, a commitment impressed with no less than the spirit of sacrifice and dedication to our fraternity goal.

In 1977, a coterie of strong-willed law students felt the urgent need to establish an organization that can reverse the prevailing unwanted condition plaguing the studentry. The founders vowed to crusade for its cause and to adhere to the basic principles of brotherhood and sacrifice for the common good, thus they formed LEX CERVUS FRATERNITY; LEX CERVUS, meaning The Law of the Stags. And then on, the process began.

Moved by their burning desire and zealousness to attain a genuine ideal of brotherhood, the founders, in a hilly place somewhere in province, submitted themselves to an ordeal aimed at imprinting in their heart and spirit an indelible mark of love and loyalty to the spirit of brotherhood. A tradition then was born.

Together with our sisters in the LEX AUGUSTINIANA SORORITAS, the LEX CERVUS FRATERNITY boasts of outstanding alumni, some occupying sensitive posts in the government, who enjoy good membership in the family. The activities are geared towards giving support to the Bar examinees through the annual Bar Operations aside from other worthwhile projects and endeavors, seminars and symposiums, and out of town escapades, such as the yearly participation in Cebu “Sinulog Festival” with our brothers in the University of San Jose-Recoletos and “fiesta hopping” in various parts of the country.

In its long years of existence, the LEX CERVUS FRATERNITY has lived up to its name by preserving its traditional spirit towards the path of success. For greater or for worse, it prays and hopes that it is not alone in its rendezvous with destiny. As the LEX CERVUS hymn goes, “The Rule of the Stag is near, The Glory of the Deer....We’ll strive to our new day, In our own LEX CERVUS way”!

OCTOBER 2019 || THE LAW FORUM 31 T H E F . L . O . C . K .

Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’” -Luke 15:3-6 NIV

We all feel lost at some point. Even when we feel like we’re iron made or surrounded by thick and tall walls, there are days when we just feel like nothing matters. When turmoils and mishaps pile up, we find ourselves trapped in quicksand of anxiety and stress. There are days of bad recitations, heartaches from flunked grades and other disappointments we these inspirational talks can lessen the burden we all go THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF LEVIATHAN experience at school which add to the problems we also through in law school. have at work or at home. Handling all these alone is a tough task which is why our organization was formed. We envision lawyers who will stand for not just what the law says but also with what the Lord says. The The Future/Forever Lawyers of Christ’s legal profession is a calling and we all have a mission Kingdom (The F.L.O.C.K.) seeks to be a safe haven, to fulfill--make our stand and lead the next generation. a sanctuary, a river of still waters for everyone who We live by this goal believing that the long-awaited wants to escape life’s storm. We meet once a week revival needed by today’s society begins not with an to praise and worship the Lord and share the Gospel. army of soldiers but with a F.L.O.C.K. which follows Everyone is welcome to the weekly huddle with the the voice of the Shepherd. goal to encourage and motivate each other hoping that

32 THE LAW FORUM || OCTOBER 2019 Every individual needs a society. A society by Dean Felipe Cajayon with rosters of academically that expresses his will, a society that expresses who inclined fellows. The purpose of its establishment is he is and helps him to be capable on his own volition to help the members to successfully hurdle the bar to learn or undertake the craft or the pursuits that examinations and to assist those who are already he is called do. The creation of this brotherhood is lawyers in their personal practice of the legal profession. premised under this principle, “the realization of It is therefore conceived with its academic excellence human spirit, the formation of will and the inculcation and low profile motto. At the outset, the fraternity of one’s own identity, and the pursuit of their common composed of few individuals who responded to the interests is possible only when one is identified in a demands of academic excellence in legal education. social organization in which he is a member.” Thus, Eventually, the fraternity grew in numbers and it the members surrendered their absolute right to became one of the dominant fraternities in SSC-R freedom in favor of a greater social sovereign that is College of Law. The fruits of labor of the Founding the Fraternal Order of Leviathan in exchange of the fathers became much more apparent when majority of protection and the promotion of their interests under the members appointed to the faculty are Brothers in a common creed to live as brothers and to pursue their the fraternity. The brothers of this great organization common aspirations, that is to become the guardians not only excelled in the practice of law but also in the of the rule of law. This pact gave rise to a social contract halls of the legal academe. In the hope of successfully between men and the fraternity, a society of men who attaining the pursuit to become lawyers, the Fraternal escaped the state of nature and secured to themselves Order Leviathan does not only enable the members to the benefit of becoming a full-fledged member of the fulfill their chosen pursuit but also to equip them with Leviathan. In turn the Fraternal Order of Leviathan as a the necessary academic excellence in order to become sovereign creation whose existence is founded with the the best lawyers that the academe may offer. At present, undivided common will and passion of the great men the Fraternal Order of Leviathan and Leviathan and women who bind themselves to be integrated into Sororitas remain strong as ever. For, the unity of the a unified sovereign power, strive together to uphold the brothers and sisters who are brave enough to become rule of law and to pursue their common aspirations as part of the organization and few enough among men brothers and sisters. No sword can pierce them, no one to secure order to themselves and escape the state of could ever own them, for they are the LEVIATHAN! nature where mediocrity prevails, it is in the hearts of brothers and sisters that ignited the flame of excellence For almost fifty years, the Fraternal Order of where this Fraternity stands among the rest. Leviathan has been existent as an organization for aspiring lawyers and practicing lawyers. It was founded BRAVO LEVIATHAN! ` THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF LEVIATHAN

OCTOBER 2019 || THE LAW FORUM 33 SSC-R LAW MOOT AND DEBATE SOCIETY

Established to build, hone, and select representatives of the San Sebastian College of Law in different debate and moot competitions both locally and internationally through trainings, mentoring sessions, and seminars for its members, the San Sebastian College of Law Moot and Debate Society (MADS) nurtures its members to be competent not only in the art of debate but also in different aspects of leadership and communication.

Composed of very few selected brave individuals, the San Sebastian College of Law Moot and Debate Society has been joining numerous competitions like ANC’s Square Off: The Firm Debates, Pi Sigma, Conflicts of Law, and the National Moot Court Competition on IHL organized by PRC, IRC, and Supreme Court of the Philippines.

In 2018, the MADS, with Van Hudson Valiente, Florence Manulat, and John Lester Tan as members of the team, emerged as 1st Runner Up in the UP Debate Tournament held in UP Diliman, beating the teams from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and University of the East in the first and second round, respectively. In early 2019, the MADS, with Aislinn Agodon, Margarette Sarmiento, and Van Hudson Valiente in the team, won in the second round of the annual Conflicts of Law’s Debate Competition against the team of College of Law, held in Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

This year, with the team growing in numbers and now under the guidance of Atty. Gerlyn Fe Oyos as their Adviser and Dean Rodel Taton and Atty. Abdussador Sawadjaan as co-advisers, the MADS will continue to be more visible not only in the San Sebastian College of Law community but also in different debate competitions in the country.

34 THE LAW FORUM || OCTOBER 2019 Sui Generis

Sui Generis (traditionally called as SUI) was envisioned and founded as an academic Organization in 2002 by few law students who committed to promote values of Service, Unity and Integrity.

Eighteen colorful years later, SUI has grown to become a dynamic and active academic organization in SSC-R College of Law. SUI prides itself of being the paragon of unceasing academic excellence— two (2) Bar Exam Topnotchers, eight (8) Valedictorians, four (4) Salutatorians and six (6) Honorable Mentions, including the recently awarded Class Valedictorian, Bea Angela Cruz and Class Salutatorian, Aristotle Dumlao, for Academic Year 2018-2019.

Despite being the youngest organization, SUI is arguably the most accomplished organization in SSC-R College of Law. In a very short period of time, SUI has proudly produced prominent and excellent number of lawyers. To name a few, among SUI’s distinguished alumni are Atty. Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering (Vice Chairperson, Climate Change Commission); Atty. Reynold S. Munsayac (Commissioner, Presidential Commission of Good Government); Atty. Ryan Rey S. Quilala (Assistant Special Prosecutor, Office of the Ombudsman); Atty. Abdussador B. Sawadjaan, Jr. (General Manager, Independent Realty Corp); Judge Maria Gilda T. Loja- Pangilinan (RTC Branch 230, Quezon City); Judge Gener M. Gito (RTC Branch 92, Balanga, Bataan); Judge Lilia A. Gepty (RTC Branch 75, Valenzuela City); Judge Elisa R. Sarmiento-Flores (RTC Branch 71, Pasig City); Judge Achilles C. Bulaitan (RTC Branch 154, Pasig City); Judge Karen S. Canulas-Armada (Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 123, Las Piñas City) and Atty. Rolly Francis C. Peoro (College Secretary, SSC-R College of Law).

To all students who share our passion for academic excellence, SUI would like to welcome you in our ever-growing family and be a partner in our continuing goal of academic excellence. Bravo SUI!

OCTOBER 2019 || THE LAW FORUM 35 As the yearly anticipated bar examination To further help the Bar Examinees, the comes closer, the bar examinees need not only Sebastinian Commission for Bar and Academic prepare their minds, but also their hearts and their Research (SCBAR) was created and tasked to develop spirits for the four exhausting Sundays of the month the SSC-R College of Law’s very own “Stag Notes” for of November. every subject of the bar examinations. With the united efforts of the students, organizations, fraternities, and Themed ‘Kind Heart, Fierce Mind, Brave sororities and through the guidance and direction of Spirit’, the 2018 SSCR Law Centralized Bar some of the professors of SSC-R College of Law, Stag Operations headed by Judge Karen Armada held its Notes were launched and distributed as pre-week traditional “send-off party” to show support to the Bar notes to the Bar Examinees. Last Minutes Tips (LMTs) Examinees. The San Sebastian Law Community sent were also prepared and distributed by the SCBAR off its warriors to the war that every aspiring lawyer during the eve of the four Saturdays of November. has to face after four years or more of preparation in law school. Making sure that the bar takers were in their A-game, a series of last minute lectures were organized The event was opened by a Eucharistic by the Centralized Bar Operations and conducted celebration presided by Reverend Father Glynn C. by renowned members of the legal profession and Ortega, OAR. The manifestation of school spirit members of the faculty of SSC-R College of Law, such as Atty. Alex F. Medina (Political Law), Atty. Voltaire KIND HEART, FIERCE MIND, T. Duano (Labor Law), Atty. Noel BRAVE SPIRIT M. Ortega (Taxation Law), Atty. Crisostomo A. Uribe (Civil Law), 2018 Centralized Bar Operations Atty. Roland Ysrael R. Atienza (Criminal Law), Judge Rocille S. Aquino-Tambasacan (Commercial Law), Dep.Comm. was once again demonstrated when it welcomed the Erickson H. Balmes (Legal Ethics), and Judge examinees with the burning stag symbolizing the Eleuterio L. Bathan (Remedial Law). burning support of the entire Sebastinian community. To give them a quick break from their grueling The ‘Kind Heart, Fierce Mind, Brave Spirit’ preparation for the bar, there were live performances was displayed once again during the traditional of the students, games, raffles, and the traditional ‘Salubong’ by the SSC-R College of Law Centralized candle lighting by the bar examinees. Apart from the Bar Operations in the stretch of España Boulevard students and organizations, members of the faculty of with its placards and banners as different sororities, the College of Law including Dean Teodoro Pastrana fraternities, organizations, alumni, and students were present to give words of encouragement and to come together to give support to the Stags. share their inspiring stories in hurdling the bar exam.

36 THE LAW FORUM || OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER 2019 || THE LAW FORUM 37 COLLEGE OF Congratulations! LAW ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP New Entrance Scholars GRANTS for A.Y. ‘19 - ‘20

ALBERTO, Angelika Nicole - Cum Laude AMPARADO, Joniebel - Magna Cum Laude GRADUATES WITH LATIN ANTAZO, Anna Lorraine - Licensure Exam Topnotcher BAYANI, Reny Marionelle - Cum Laude HONORS BESIN, Melvin - Cum Laude DADACAY, Xyneystine - Cum Laude DAGALA, Jose Jr. - Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude HADJIRASID, Nesreen - Cum Laude LARGO, Aljane - Cum Laude • 100% Free Tuition Fee and LASQUERO, Harold John - Cum Laude Miscellaneous Fees LORENZO, Patricia Mae - Cum Laude • Book allowance MALAPAJO, Angelica - PhiLSAT Topscorer • Monthly stipend MAQUIZA, Kurth - Summa Cum Laude MATEO, Gjenerrick Carlo - Cum Laude Magna Cum Laude and NAPULAN, Roderick - Cum Laude ONG, Carla January - Cum Laude Cum Laude SANTIAGO, Louise Rachel - Cum Laude SEPE, Mathedeo - Cum Laude • 100% Free Tuition Fee SERONA, Rosbert Jr. - Magna Cum Laude • Book allowance SESMA, Ma. Petrecia Sofia - Cum Laude SION, Loyd Rio Karl - Cum Laude TORRES, Katelyn-Ann - Cum Laude TUASON, Queen Natalie - Cum Laude UY, Kristine Irish - Cum Laude BOARD TOPNOTCHERS VELASCO, Joselle - Cum Laude

• (Top 10 in any Philippine Commission Board Examinations) • 100% Free Tuition Fee • Book allowance

38 THE LAW FORUM || OCTOBER 2019 Congratulations!

New Entrance Scholars Golden Stags ‘18 - ‘19 for A.Y. ‘19 - ‘20 2nd Semester ALBERTO, Angelika Nicole - Cum Laude AMPARADO, Joniebel - Magna Cum Laude ANTAZO, Anna Lorraine - Licensure Exam Topnotcher First Year Third Year BAYANI, Reny Marionelle - Cum Laude BESIN, Melvin - Cum Laude 1. TANIÑAS, KATHLEEN ROSE A. 89.00 1. HERMOSA, APRIL JOYCE T. 91.05 DADACAY, Xyneystine - Cum Laude 2. NICOLAS, LEO ANGELO C. 87.95 2. DE CASTRO, MA. SOPHIA ISABELLA P. 87.90 DAGALA, Jose Jr. - Cum Laude 3. GALINDEZ, NINA LYKA D.V. 86.37 3. ESTABILLO, CHARMAGNE MARIAE U. 87.57 HADJIRASID, Nesreen - Cum Laude 4. BATOCABE, MARICAR S. 85.90 4. SINGZON, MARIAN THERESE S. 86.53 LARGO, Aljane - Cum Laude 5. BAGASBAS, VIANNAE AGNES D. 84.85 5. MACKNO, JOWAIDA M. 86.11 LASQUERO, Harold John - Cum Laude 6. VENDER, GLAIZA G. 83.65 6. MACARAIG, MA. JOYCE B. 86.10 LORENZO, Patricia Mae - Cum Laude 7. PERILLA, ELEZEA G. 82.95 7. BALUBAL, MC VERNON L. 85.68 MALAPAJO, Angelica - PhiLSAT Topscorer 8. REVILLA, JENNIFER LUZ C. 82.85 8. BABON, JACQUELINE O. 85.55 MAQUIZA, Kurth - Summa Cum Laude 9. BESANA, JOHN MARK D. 82.60 9. BULAN, ZYKA D. 85.28 MATEO, Gjenerrick Carlo - Cum Laude 10. PULMONES, SHAIRA JANE B. 81.05 10. RAÑESES, MARIEL JEAN T. 85.09 NAPULAN, Roderick - Cum Laude ONG, Carla January - Cum Laude Second Year Fourth Year SANTIAGO, Louise Rachel - Cum Laude SEPE, Mathedeo - Cum Laude 1. CAPANZANA, KRIZIA DOMINIQUE L. 89.64 1. DUMLAO, ARISTOTLE T. 82.35 SERONA, Rosbert Jr. - Magna Cum Laude 2. NERIA, CHRISTINE O. 87.82 2. ZACARIAS, BRYAN CLARK 82.05 SESMA, Ma. Petrecia Sofia - Cum Laude 3. DIOSANA, JESUS ANGELO R. 85.89 3. GILLES, JANINE A. 81.52 SION, Loyd Rio Karl - Cum Laude 4. NAVARRO, SHAREYDE F. 85.00 4. AVERIA, SOCORRO JANE D. 81.05 TORRES, Katelyn-Ann - Cum Laude 5. NITOYA, LEA A. 84.95 5. ASIS, JAN ARISTHEDES P. 80.72 TUASON, Queen Natalie - Cum Laude 6. CANOZA, MYKA E. 84.70 6. PAKIL, ABDUL WAHID M. 80.48 UY, Kristine Irish - Cum Laude 7. LARUGAL, JARRID LOUIE D. 84.33 7. FLORESTA, CHARLES ERNEST A. 80.21 VELASCO, Joselle - Cum Laude 8. GABON, MARK BRYANT Y. 83.87 9. ALANO, DON JON S. 83.42 10. RAMOS, AYLEEN S. 83.35

OCTOBER 2019 || THE LAW FORUM 39