By Keziah G. Huelar

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles congratulated the CPU College of Law for its earnest efforts to promote excellence.

The Central Philippine University College of Law held a testimonial dinner at Diversion 21 Hotel on August 11, 2018 for its faculty members who recently finished their Master of Laws degree.

The opening prayer was led by Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs. It was then followed by the opening remarks by the University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, who commended Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Dean CPU College of Law, for his dynamic leadership. Dr. Robles also expressed the University’s support in providing CPU faculty and staff opportunities for further studies: “The University is always supportive of the desires of our faculty, or our deans or staff to advance themselves in the area of education. We hope that in the future [we can provide our own] program for Master of Laws.”

Guest Speaker, Hon. Emerson B. Aquende, Chairman, Legal Education Board, congratulated the Master of Laws graduates: “I will begin by addressing the reason for tonight’s affair—the 15 law professors of the CPU College of Law who are being honored for successfully earning their Master of Laws degree through the faculty development program of CPU. I am warmly and happily congratulating all the 15 of you for your individual and personal achievements in earning the coveted L.L.M. degree. Of the approximate 60,000 plus lawyers in the country, you now belong to the elite few.”  Hon. Aquende also encouraged the graduates to continue their passionate devotion to legal education and to pursue excellence in their legal practice.

Guest Speaker, Hon. Emerson B. Aquende, Chairman, Legal Education Board encouraged the graduates to continue their passionate devotion to legal education and to pursue excellence in their legal practice.

In can be recalled that on August 31, 2017, 15 CPU College of Law alumni and faculty—Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Atty. Joshua C. Alim, Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Jr., Atty. Ian Thomas Besana, Atty. Aila Rae B. Endonila, Atty. Eugenio S. Hautea, Judge Globert J. Justalero, Atty. Liza Lyn S. Lamason-Garcia, Atty. Suzette A. Mamon, Judge Renato D. Muñez, Atty. Noel C. Siosian, Jr., Judge Meliza Joan P. Berano-Robite, Judge Gemma B. Tady and Atty. Salvacion T. Venus—received their Master of Laws degree from San Beda College (SBC) Graduate School of Law.

For the response on behalf of the honorees, Judge Renato D. Muñez Sr., faculty member, CPU College of Law, highlighted the importance of the law degree in shaping the concept of equity and justice: “Tonight is the night of law. That is the law that delineates and defines what is right and what is wrong. The concept of what is right and wrong to a high degree is performed and exercised by persons possessed of adequate learning and skills, of sound mind, moral character and one who acts at all times under the heavy trust of dedication to uphold the majesty of law.”

The Master of Laws graduates together with CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs, Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Dean CPU College of Law, Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, member, CPU Board of Trustees, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, member, CPU Board of Trustees and Director of Iloilo Mission Hospital.

For the closing remarks, Dean Bedona expressed his gratefulness to Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, former University president, for encouraging him to be dean of the College of Law. He also thanked Dr. Robles for his continuous support for the college.

The said faculty development program is in view of the mandatory requirements of the Legal Education Board (LEB), that effective school year 2016-2017, only those with Master of Laws degree can teach in the College of Law. CPU provided scholarships to its law professors as part of the University’s faculty development program.

Also present during the event were Mrs. Angel Robles, wife of the University president; Dr. Pulido, and his wife Dr. Dorothy B. Pulido; Rev. Job A. Santiago, member, CPU Board of Trustees; Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, member of the CPU Board of Trustees and Director of Iloilo Mission Hospital.