USA Law Publications

23/07/2024

Educational Discussion on SONA and WPS with Atty. Neri Colmenares

Atty. Colmenares, the 2024 USA Law Baccalaureate speaker, returned to Iloilo today to give an educational discussion on pressing social, economic and political issues less than a day after the 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. yesterday, July 22, 2024. The event was entitled “A Public Forum on the Analysis of PBBM’s 3rd SONA and the development on the West Philippine Sea issue”.

Held at the St. Teresa Prayer Center and Retreat House, USA Law students were invited to listen to Atty. Colmenares’ discussion that spotlighted the gaps in plans of actions presented during the SONA and legal recommendations in addressing the West Philippines Sea (WPS) controversy. The event was convened by the No-To-Chacha Coalition and various other organizations.

According to Colmenares, PBBM’s SONA failed to mention and address key social, economic and political issues like inflation, agriculture, electricity, human rights and the WPS issue. Colmenares recommends finding a peaceful resolution to the dispute through the creation of an independent foreign policy.

The groups concluded the discussion with a sharing session. One point that was highlighted was that, in addressing the WPS issue, people should not breed anti-China sentiments but to initiate dialogues with government for the creation of independent foreign policies and alliances with other nations.

via: Justin Francis Bionat

15/07/2024

ISTORYA LEGAL: A Free Legal Aid Program in Celebration of the University of San Agustin’s 120th Founding Anniversary

Driven by the spirit of volunteerism, Augustinian lawyers and law students displayed unwavering commitment and dedication to making legal services more accessible during a free legal aid program held at the University of San Agustin last Saturday, July 13. In celebration of the university’s 120th Founding Anniversary, 30 participating lawyers and 59 student volunteers worked together to provide free legal consultations, notarial services, and drafting of basic legal documents expected to cater the concerns of around 100-150 participants.

With an aim to uphold the Augustinian Core Values, this initiative, through the Augustinian Legal Aide Bureau (ALAB) headed by Atty. Fitzgerald Macalalag, triumphed to reunite Augustinian Lawyers and fostered solidarity among law students through a shared goal of bringing legal services closer to the people. In partnership with Sigma Alpha Lex, Portia Club, USA Law Publications, the Public Attorney’s Office - Region VI, Iloilo Metro Lion’s Club MJF, and Iloilo City Metro Leo Club, the event turned out to be a huge success.

Samantha Grajo, newly-elected president of Sigma Alpha Lex, the official student council of the College of Law, gave emphasis to the event’s threefold purpose: to extend legal services to the public; to foster collaboration among law students, alumni, and the legal community; and to uphold the three Augustinian Core Values of Unitas, Veritas, and Caritas.

In an interview with Atty. Alfredo Arungayan III, an Augustinian Lawyer, and one of the volunteers during the program, he shared that “the event today is bringing the ideals of the university to the people. If we were trained well with the university, it’s bringing that love of Christ to the people by giving them free legal advice today. It’s actually implementing what the university has taught us.”

Other than providing free legal services, this legal aid program likewise proves beneficial for current and incoming student practitioners of the USA College of Law. This activity served as an avenue of learning for law students and an opportunity to gain additional insights on the proper assessment of legal concerns, attorney-client relationship, and how lawyers effectively make the laws more understandable for the client.

“As student practitioners, you need to be familiar with the laws and how these laws will be applied to different domains in relation to the concern of the client” said Atty. Mark Aaron Tinambunan when asked about what advice he can give to student practitioners. During the interview, he emphasized that “it is very important that the client understands what you are talking about, especially that the laws are very highfalutin and the words that are being used are not very friendly to laymen. That’s why lawyers exist.”

Via: RHN/MAM/USA Law Pub

13/07/2024

HAPPENING NOW: In celebration of the University of San Agustin’s 120th anniversary, the USA College of Law holds Istorya Legal: a free legal aid program aimed to give free legal consultation, free notarial services, and free drafting of basic legal documents (except commercial documents).

The services are open from 7:00 AM until 12:00 PM today!

This free legal aid program is organized by the USA College of Law, through the Augustinian Legal Aide Bureau (ALAB) in partnership with the Sigma Alpha Lex (SAL), Portia Club, USA Law Publications, the Public Attorney's Office - Region VI, Iloilo City Metro Lions Club MJF and Iloilo City Metro Leo Club.

Via: RHN/MAM/USA Law Pub

09/07/2024

HAPPENING NOW: SPECIAL MASTERCLASS ON ELECTION LAW BY FORMER COMELEC COMMISSIONER ATTY. GREGORIO “GOYO” LARRAZABAL

He is currently talking about Election Law in theory and in practice to the USA Law Bar Takers, Incoming Seniors and Incoming Juniors in the Bar Review Room, Rada Hall, University of San Agustin.

30/06/2024

30/06/2024

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE USA COLLEGE OF LAW GRADUATES!

Graduating students of the University of San Agustin (USA) College of Law, dressed in ceremonial gowns and caps, marched triumphantly as they participated in the University’s Annual Commencement Exercises. The ceremony held at the USA Field featured a large group of graduating Augustinians from various colleges within the university. Among them were 69 graduates from the USA College of Law.

Hon. Jaime O. Magbanua, a registered nurse and 1979 graduate of the university, was the Commencement Speaker for this year’s graduation program.

via MAM, RHN | USALAWPUB

29/06/2024

Cream of the Crop: Class of 2024 Produces Two Valedictorians and Salutatorians

This year's batch of law graduates has produced two valedictorians namely, Patrick Just Iquiña and Yzabel Layson, each having an average of 1.74. Following closely are two salutatorians, Jeff Nuñez and Mar Anthony Balani, who have a mark of 1.77. They are succeeded by Aris Jean Jayme (1.80), Peter Salmon (1.81), and Jondale Garcia (1.85), with Blessie Cawaling (1.85), ranking as the top 3, 4, and 5, respectively.

via MS | USALAWPUB

28/06/2024

The grueling years of law school have finally come to an end for 70 Juris Doctor students from the University of San Agustin College of Law, who received their hoods during the Baccalaureate Ceremony held yesterday, June 27, at the Ann Margaret Ballroom, Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City. Alongside their family members and loved ones, the students celebrated the culmination of their four-year journey in law school.

This year’s batch made history by producing two valedictorians, Yzabel T. Layson and Patrick Just L. Iquiña, who both delivered valedictory addresses during the ceremony. Additionally, Jeff Earl Divinagracia Nuñez shared the spot with Mar Anthony B. Balani as the 2024 class salutatorians. The USA-College of Law also recognized the top scorer of the recently concluded Comprehensive Exams and the Batch’s Top 5 based on their General Weighted Average, among other achievements.

With the faculty and staff led by College Dean Jose Mari Benjamin Francisco U. Tirol, this year’s Guest of Honor and speaker, Atty. Neri Colmenares, delivered a speech reminding the graduates of their significant responsibilities as soon-to-be members of the legal profession.

Reflecting their batch name “Paglaum,” the 2024 graduates persevered through the challenges of online learning during their first two years in law school.

Congratulations, Batch 2024!

via LJC | USALAWPUB

28/06/2024

Drawing close to graduation day, the College of Law celebrate with their families and loved ones with their brightest smiles while posing by the photo wall during the Baccalaureate Ceremony at Diversion 21 Hotel, yesterday, June 27.

Congratulations, future Augustinian lawyers!! 🎉👨🏻‍🎓👩‍🎓

via EHG | USALAWPUB

12/06/2024

USA LAW SCOMEL REVEALS 2024 SAL CANDIDATES

The University of San Agustin (USA) College of Law Student COMELEC (SCOMEL) has officially announced the candidates for Sigma Alpha Lex, the student council of USA Law.

With the election set for June 24, 2024, SCOMEL posted the candidate list on their official page.

Positions from President to Batch Representatives have candidates, but the roles of Business Manager and First Year Batch Representative remain vacant and will require special elections.

The SCOMEL, through its Chairperson Erna Doromal, said they followed the rules set by previous SCOMEL Commissioners.

“We will continue with an online election process. This is the best option to ensure maximum student participation since the election falls during the academic break,” said Doromal.

The campaign period runs from June 17 to June 23, with the grand rally set on June 23.

Meanwhile, the canvassing and protest period will be from June 24 to June 26. Winners shall be proclaimed on June 27.

While the candidates are unopposed, the SCOMEL still encouraged incoming Second Year to Fourth Year students to exercise their right of suffrage as the candidates need to obtain majority vote to be duly elected.

“The SCOMEL would like to encourage our fellow law students to exercise their right to vote. Through the elected officers, we can participate in the decision-making process within the school. This ensures that our voices are heard and that activities can be created to put into action what we have learned inside the classroom,” Doromal said.

Meanwhile, outgoing Sigma Alpha Lex President Justin Francis Bionat expressed his support saying that UGYON, the sole political party running for this election, focuses on selfless service inside and outside of the university.

He assured that the future is bright for USA Law with this year’s line-up.

See the list of official candidates here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/YiKwPSXF8eyFJBvw/?mibextid=WUal2a

TMS | USALAWPUB

05/06/2024

SC CONCLUDES LAST LEG OF ULAS IN ILOILO

The Supreme Court (SC) concluded the last leg of its Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS) campaign at the Plenary Hall of the College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology-University of San Agustin, on May 31, in its bid to promote accessible nationwide legal aid service.

Through the regional consultations, the SC aimed to shed light on the proposed ULAS rules and finalize a set of provisions that will help enhance the justice system by providing a nationwide legal aid initiative.

ULAS is a set of rules promulgated by the Supreme Court which mandates lawyers to provide at least 60 hours of pro bono legal aid services to indigents and the marginalized sector within three years.

The drafting of these rules is led by a Technical Working Group (TWG) under the chairmanship of Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa. During the final leg campaign in Iloilo City, Atty. Joseph Anthony Lopez presented an overview of the key features of the ULAS. These include the mandatory rendition of pro bono legal aid services and its exemptions; aggregation of registered organizations; qualified beneficiaries; option for compliance: financial contribution; Philippine lawyers based abroad; incentives for compliance; compliance report; notice; and the duties of the ULAS board.

The event also included a breakout session where lawyers from various sectors discussed and suggested improvements to the proposed rules.

Aside from Justice Caguioa, Associate Justices Japar Dimaampao and Rodil Zalameda were also present.

via EHG I USA Law Pub

24/05/2024

IN PHOTOS: The 9th Wenceslao de la Paz Moot Court Competition championship concluded last May 19, 2024 at Hotel Sta. Monica, University of San Agustin.

Team 423 from JD 1E bested three other teams during the semi-finals round and was held as the over-all champion. The team also garnered the award for 1st Best Memorial.

Special awards such as Best Oralist during preliminary rounds was given to Steven Alexis Benedicto while Lester John Carnaje from JD 1E took home the award for Best Oralist during championship rounds.

HCS | USA Law Pub

19/05/2024

JUST IN: RESULTS OF THE 9TH WENCESLAO DELA PAZ MOOT COURT COMPETITION

17/05/2024

IN PHOTOS: The casts of SELDA from the University of San Agustin College of Law (USA Law) made history as they bagged 1st Best Play in Dulaang Agustino 2024, held last May 3 at the USA Auditorium.

Along with 1st Best Play, USA Law also won the Best Story, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress awards.

16/05/2024

Happy Birthday to our adviser, Atty. Ricardo Escanlar III! 🎉

We extend our warmest wishes on your special day. Your guidance, dedication, and unwavering support have been instrumental in our success. May your birthday be filled with joy, celebration, and all the appreciation you truly deserve. Here's to another year of inspiring leadership and achievements!

13/05/2024

9TH WENCESLAO MOOT COURT COMPETITION KICKS OFF

The University of San Agustin - College of Law (COL) opened the 9th Wenceslao De La Paz Moot Court Competition (WDLP MCC) on Sunday, May 12, 2024, with its general rounds taking place at Rada Hall.

Out of nine teams, four emerged victorious during the three sets of matches in the general rounds. These winning teams will then vie for spots in the semifinals. The semifinal rounds will determine the finalists who will advance to the final rounds on May 19, to be held at Hotel Sta. Monica.

This year’s problem focuses on the case concerning “The Baum of the Rock".

Organized by the Parliament, the college’s moot court and debate organization, WDLP MCC is the yearly tradition of honoring one of the most renowned alumni of the college, Atty. Wenceslao De La Paz.

The moot court competition which is participated by first year and second year law students, aims to develop and demonstrate their proficiency in the legal profession as they engage in written and oral advocacy and argumentation.

In addition, the Parliament through its Prime Minister, Julienne De La Pieza invites the USA Law community to witness the advance rounds of WDLP MCC on May 19.

via CFA | USA Law Pub

Photo credits: Rogely Tendencia

03/05/2024

LOOK| Hundreds of students from the University of San Agustin's College of Law gathered at the University Review Center, CPMT building on Friday to attend a seminar spearheaded by the Guidance Service and Testing Center (GSTC).

The seminar, which focuses on how law students can achieve work-life balance, featured a discussion by law professor, Atty. Anfred Panes.

GSTC also administered psychological tests that measured the resilience and psychological well-being of law students. The event was attended by law students and faculty, as well as staff from GSTC.

The event is anchored on GSTC’s C.A.R.E.S Program, which aims to respond to their clients' needs through innovative, quality, and updated guidance and testing programs.

03/05/2024

JUST IN: USA LAW BAGS CHAMPIONSHIP IN DULAANG AGUSTINO

For the first time in University of San Agustin’s history, the USA College of Law joined the Dulaang Agustino and won first place.

USA Law also took home the Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Story and Best Play Award.

01/05/2024

BULAHAN KAMO, COMPRE EXAM PASSERS!

Congratulations to the University of San Agustin College of Law Comprehensive Exam Passers who are also part of the USA Law Publications.

Your dedication and hard work have paid off, paving the way for your success. Your commitment to excellence shines bright, and we're proud to celebrate this significant milestone with you. Padayon sa handum!

01/05/2024

Paghimakas. Paglaum. Pagpadayon.

To endeavor. To hope. To continue.

Bulahan kamo, 2024 USA Law Comprehensive Exam passers!

Your Augustinian Law Community is with you as you endeavor and continue your journey to the Bar! ⚖️🦅

15/04/2024

CALL FOR SUBMISSION OF ACADEMIC PAPERS

First published in 1961, The Augustinian Law Gazette is the legal research journal of the University of San Agustin-College of Law.

Elevate your expertise and leave your mark on legal discourse by contributing to the 2024 issue of The Augustinian Law Gazette. We invite and highly encourage Juris Doctor (JD) students, alumni and faculty of the University of San Agustin College of Law to submit legal articles, commentaries, law book reviews, case notes, or essays to the Law Gazette.

Kindly refer to the attached guidelines for more details. The Chicago Manual of Style is accessible via a Quick Guide through this link: Chicago Manual of Style (uga.edu).

Deadline for the submission of the paper is on May 15,2024.

10/04/2024

BSP EXPLAINS ITS MYSTIC ROLES IN A LEARNING SESSION WITH USA

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Office of the General Counsel and Legal Services (OGCLS) conducted an educational forum titled “Learning Session for the Academe: Demystifying Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and BSP as Financial Consumer Protector” at the 7th floor of the CPMT building, University of San Agustin last April 5.

Atty. Elmore O. Capule, Senior Assistant Governor and General Counsel of the BSP-OGCLS discussed the functions and role of BSP as an independent constitutional body and central monetary authority of the Philippines. BSP’s role as the ultimate holder of funds, the lender of last resort and the banker of all banks of the Philippines were among the topics covered during the session.

Atty. Capule also tackled contemporary matters such as the increasing popularity of electronic money and virtual currency and the stance of the BSP in this trend.

Lawyers, law students, and undergraduate students from several universities in Iloilo City participated in the said learning session.

This event is organized in partnership with the Philippine Group of Law Librarians, Inc. and with the support of Rex Book Store, Inc. University of San Agustin-College of Law, the Learning Resource Center (USA-LRC), and the Atty. Henry T. Villegas Law Library.

The constitutional basis for the existence of BSP can be found in Section 20, Article XII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

02/04/2024

USA LAW STUDENTS APPEAR AS AMICI CURIAE

The ALAB (Augustinian Legal Aid Bureau) of the University of San Agustin - College of Law appeared as amicus curiae in the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Iloilo City Branch 32 at the Iloilo City Hall of Justice on Monday, April 1.

2nd year law students taking up CLEP -2 courses prepared the amicus brief on the appropriateness of plea bargaining in a drug case involving a minor offender and submitted the same in Court which was also heard in open court on April 1, 2024 at 2: 00 o’clock in the afternoon.

The brief tackled the confluence of the provisions of Republic Act 9344 and the A.M. No. 21-07-16-SC or the Plea Bargaining Framework in Drug Cases.

Their appearance was part of their clinical legal education and advocacy for information dissemination on the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act and the Juvenile Justice System.

The law students were accompanied by Atty. Fitzgerald P. Macalalag, CLEP Director of the Augustinian Legal Aid Bureau (ALAB), and Dean Atty. Jose Mari Benjamin Francisco U. Tirol.

Amicus curiae translated from Latin means "friend of the court." It refers to a person or group who is not a party to an action but has a strong interest in the matter. The power of the court to invite amici curiae to help in the disposition of issues submitted to them is supported by case law, specifically the 2014 case of Forest Hills v. Gardpro (Forest Hills Golf and Country Club, Inc. v. Gardpro, Inc., G.R. No. 164686, October 22, 2014).

31/03/2024

CLOSING OF APPLICATIONS

The application period for University of San Agustin College of Law Publications will close 11:59 PM tonight.

We appreciate your response and interest in joining our team. Thank you to everyone who submitted their applications. For those who still wish to apply, you may still do so until tonight.

Our team will begin the selection process and we will notify successful applicants soon! Stay tuned for updates and announcements.

22/03/2024

PASSIONATE ABOUT LAW AND JOURNALISM?

If yes, join the University of San Agustin's Law Publications team! 🎓✍️

We're seeking enthusiastic writers, photographers and graphic designers ready to make an impact through legal discourse while harnessing journalistic excellence. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your voice in the legal community.

Interested applicants may apply through this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0hUkOypn3CHPRmWBlfwEsGDfzUkQy27yYooV5QrbddfLFOg/viewform?pli=1

Apply now!

09/03/2024

JUST IN: USA LAW MOOT TEAM BAGS CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE FOR THE PHILIPPINES IN IHL INTERNATIONAL ROUNDS

Representing the Republic of the Philippines, the IHL team of the University of San Agustin College of Law, emerged as champions in the 2024 International Humanitarian Law Moot Competition held in Hong Kong from March 6-9.

Samantha Grajo, team captain, was also awarded Best Mooter for the final rounds.

25/02/2024

JUST IN: USA LAW JESSUP TEAM EMERGE VICTORIOUS IN 2024 PH JESSUP CUP

The Jessup Team of The Parliament of the University of San Agustin-College of Law bagged the National Champion title in the 2024 DivinaLaw-UST Philippine Jessup Cup held at the University of Santo Tomas on February 23-25, 2024.

Along with the team accolade, USA Law’s oralists also gained individual recognition.

Marco Giorgione Dava was hailed as Best Oralist in the Championship match and Ancel D’ Cunha was awarded as Top 8 Best Oralist.

The team will be representing the Philippines in the Jessup International Rounds in Washington D.C.

Photo Credits: The Parliament

20/02/2024

Vision

The USA Law Publications, the official student press corps of the University of San Agustin-College of Law, is a premiere and leading primary information center and legal scholarship body of the USA Law community.

Mission

Anchored with an earnest thirst for knowledge and passion for justice, the USA Law Publications aims to harness legal writing and journalistic excellence among its members. It inspires legal minds and empowers future legal advocates through progressive journalism.

Core Values

Knowledge. Justice. Progressive Journalism